# Monochromatic Thick-Soled Shoes Nike's New React Element 55 Sneakers Have Replaced Uppers By Amy Duong | Published 2018-11-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/react-element-55-sneakers References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2018/11/nike-react-element-55-black-white) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/) [Nike's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-white-colorway) signature React Element 55 sneakers received a makeover that replaces the classic translucent uppers with an opaque monochromatic finish. The new iteration is complete with an upper made from [black vegan leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-cat-colorway) materials accompanied by lace trimmings constructed from suede and nubuck. This dark hue is contrasted with a large white branding Swoosh over the lateral area. The heel section received some reflective details in the form of a metallic silver stripe and a mudguard of a slightly transparent gray hue as a nod to the original. This [monochromatic iteration](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triple-brown) is rounded out with a white midsole foundation and the label's signature "React Element outsole plus" in a light gray hue. The sneakers are soon to be available for purchase online at Nike. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.0/10 - Popularity: 88% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Monochromatic Footwear:** Designing shoes with opaque monochromatic finishes can create a sleek and uniform look. - **Vegan Leather Materials:** Utilizing black vegan leather materials in footwear can appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. - **Reflective Details in Footwear:** Incorporating reflective elements in sneakers can enhance visibility and safety during low-light conditions. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can explore the trend of monochromatic thick-soled shoes to captivate consumers seeking minimalist and modern designs. - **Sustainable Fashion:** The sustainable fashion industry can benefit from using vegan leather materials in footwear to meet the demands of eco-conscious customers seeking cruelty-free alternatives. - **Sportswear:** The sportswear industry can consider incorporating reflective details in sneakers to offer enhanced visibility and safety features for athletes and active individuals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Contrasting Minimal Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-white-colorway.md) - [Chromatic Overlaid Sleek Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metallic-pewter.md) - [Layered Green Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-vomero-5-6.md) - [Navy-Tonal Textural Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navy-colorway.md) - [Neon-Tinged Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-foamposite-one-1.md) - [Retro Stealthy Black Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-95-big-bubble.md) - [Soft Brown Chunky Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/velvet-brown.md) - [Understated Monochromatic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triple-brown.md) - [Monochromatic Suede Layered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dunk-low-sneaker-3.md)