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# 2000s-Inspired Chunky Shoes
Diesel Releases the New 'Prototype Sneaker' in a Variety of Colors

By Kanesa D | Published 2022-05-06 | Updated 2022-05-10 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prototype-sneaker
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/5/diesel-prototype-sneakers-glenn-martens-y2k-2000s-chunky-footwear-designer-release-information) & [uk.diesel](https://uk.diesel.com/en/prototype-sneakers/)

Glenn Martens' Diesel is releasing a new [chunky Y2K-inspired](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-v2k-run) ‘Prototype Sneaker’ in a variety of different color options. The collection ranges from whites and blacks to vibrant oranges, teals, and blues. A gray iteration features yellow accents.

Made up of polyester, polyurethane and rubber, the asymmetrical sneaker is described as “avant-garde,” drawing attention to [early-2000s fashion trends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/progrid-omni-9) and reinventing them for a high-end fashion demographic.

The sneaker features a synthetic mesh underlay that serves as a base for rubber nodules on the upper. A “sculptural heel clip element” draws attention to the back of the shoe, where Diesel’s signature “D” emblem can be seen. The ‘Prototype Sneaker’ can be purchased from Diesel’s website and in stores.

Image Credit: Diesel

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.2/10
- Popularity: 69% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 12%
- Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Gen Alpha, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes)

## Key Themes

### What's Driving This Trend

- **Chunky Shoe Revival:** The chunky shoe trend from the early 2000s could resurface in high-end fashion markets with updated materiality.
- **Asymmetrical Sneakers:** Designers can consider the asymmetrical sneaker style as a disruptive innovation in footwear design.
- **Y2k-inspired Fashion:** Y2K-inspired fashion trends could present an opportunity for designers to appeal to nostalgia in high-end markets.

### Who This Affects Most

- **Fashion:** The fashion industry could capitalize on the resurgence of chunky shoe trends from the early 2000s with updated designs for high-end markets.
- **Footwear:** Footwear companies could disrupt the market with asymmetrical sneaker designs that incorporate the chunky shoe trend of the early 2000s.
- **Materials Science:** Advances in materials science could lead to new opportunities to innovate sneaker design with sustainable alternatives to polyester, polyurethane, and rubber.

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