# Iron-Inspired High-Tops These New Rick Owens Sneakers Boast Sleek Gray Uppers and Gum Soles By Riley von Niessen | Published 2018-02-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rick-owens-sneakers References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2018/2/rick-owens-geobasket-sneaker-iron-natural) & [rickowens.eu](https://www.rickowens.eu/?hjbjhsd) These new Rick Owens sneakers are ideal for those who appreciate boldness and simplicity at the same time, with the statement high-tops featuring an [all-over gray colorway](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/light-smoke-grey), with thick gum soles for contrast. Due to the use of dark gray, the iteration was dubbed 'Iron.' The uppers of the sneakers are made from a [high-quality leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-uk-2), with careful stitching generating some subtle patterns across the uppers. On the inner side of each sneaker, [silver zippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1-low-method-of-make-v3) are included, making it easier to get them on and off, while contributing to the utilitarian aesthetic. Military-green laces add some more variance to the design, as do the black borders that line the edges of the tongues. Image Credit: HYPEBEAST ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 29% | Activity: 7% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Bold-gray Colorways:** Opportunity for brands to create sneakers with bold, all-over gray colorways, offering a sleek and minimalist aesthetic. - **Contrasting Gum Soles:** Chance for shoe manufacturers to include thick gum soles as a contrasting element to the overall design, adding visual interest and uniqueness to the footwear. - **Utilitarian Aesthetic:** Space for designers to incorporate utilitarian elements like silver zippers and military-green laces, giving sneakers a functional and industrial-inspired look. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Footwear:** Potential for fashion footwear brands to experiment with bold colorways and contrasting soles to attract consumers who appreciate unique and eye-catching designs. - **Streetwear:** Opportunity for streetwear brands to tap into the trend of utilitarian aesthetics and create sneakers that align with the style preferences of urban fashion enthusiasts. - **Luxury Sneakers:** Chance for luxury sneaker brands to innovate by incorporating high-quality materials, intricate stitching, and unique design elements to cater to the discerning tastes of luxury fashion consumers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Elevated Industrial Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rick-owens-x-dr-martens.md) - [Spring-Ready Intricately Laced Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megalaced-mule.md) - [Brutalist Monochromatic Retro Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-jordan-4.md) - [Greyscale Leather Speckled Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fear-colorway-1.md) - [Avant-Garde Dramatic Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1460-dmxl-megalace.md) - [Chromatic Overlaid Sleek Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metallic-pewter.md) - [Taupe-Tinged Basketball Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irregular-shadow-colorway.md) - [Textural Black Leather Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/made-in-uk-2.md) - [Richly Green-Toned Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jordan-retro-1-high.md)