Spice-Inspired Soft Sneakers

24 Kilates and SONRA Work Together on The Bright Proto Sneakers

24 Kilates works in collaboration with SONRA in releasing the captivating Proto sneakers. This project draws visual reference cues from Saffron -- it is one of the most expensive spices in the world. Saffron was first cultivated by the Mediterranean before it branched out to both Asia and Europe. The Proto sneakers are constructed by hand in Germany using premium vegetable-tanned leather materials. The uppers also see a blend of suede on the vamp, recalling the Saffron flower.

Hits of both burgundy and orange are seen in the form of stripes across the heel area and it is finished off with 3M reflective accents. Branding details adorn the shoe through debossed logos and it all sits atop a gum outsole. The collaborative Proto sneakers will be available in retail locations on July 21 and online the following day.

Sustainable Sneaker Materials
Opportunity for footwear companies to explore the use of premium vegetable-tanned leather and suede as sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.
Spice-inspired Design
Opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate visual cues from expensive spices like Saffron in their product designs, adding uniqueness and luxury to their offerings.
Collaborative Footwear Projects
Opportunity for brands to collaborate with other companies to create limited-edition sneakers that generate excitement and exclusivity among sneaker enthusiasts.

Industries Being Reshaped

Footwear
The footwear industry can explore the use of sustainable materials and incorporate spice-inspired designs to create unique and environmentally-friendly products.
Fashion
The fashion industry can incorporate spice-inspired designs into their offerings, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to their collections.
Retail
Retailers can capitalize on the collaborative sneaker trend by selling limited-edition releases and creating exclusive experiences for customers.
SCORE
2.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa
GENERATION
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen Z (primary audience)
  • Millennial (primary audience)
  • Gen X (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 46%
Activity 30%
Freshness 8%

Solutions for innovators working at the edge of change. We help transform emerging ideas into practical, durable solutions by combining strategic thinking, creative exploration, and hands-on execution.

Trends © 2026 Trend Hunter Inc. All Rights Reserved.
LinkedIn Instagram X