# Distressed Luxury Running Shoes Balenciaga Delivers a Chunky Runner Sneaker Model in Neutral Hues By Amy Duong | Published 2021-08-10 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/runner-sneaker References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2021/7/balenciaga-runner-black-white-dark-red-grey-mesh-nylon-new-sneaker-demna-gvasalia-release-information) Luxury fashion house [Balenciaga](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker) introduces the Runner sneaker model that boasts distressed details in a neutral color palette. The shoes are [chunky in shape](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonder-runner) and available in the colorways of either all white, triple black, or the most notable blend of black, gray, dark red, and white. The Runner is constructed from nylon and mesh materials finished in a way that makes it look like it has been worn out on all of the colorways. The most noticeable colorway is on the white iteration as the discoloured details can be seen on the sole unit, the upper, and the toe box. Branding details can be seen throughout the shoe include the plague on the laces, the stamped vamp, and more. Image Credit: Balenciaga ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Distressed Luxury Footwear:** There is an opportunity for designers to create distressed luxury footwear options that appeal to consumers seeking both high-end fashion and a more casual, worn aesthetic. - **Chunky Sneakers:** The trend for chunky sneakers presents an opportunity for designers and sportswear companies to create stylish, comfortable sneakers with unique silhouettes and distinctive design features. - **Neutral Color Palettes:** The use of neutral color palettes in luxury footwear provides an opportunity for designers to create versatile shoes that can be paired with a wide range of outfits and styles. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Luxury Fashion:** Luxury fashion brands can expand their product offerings by creating new lines of distressed or vintage-inspired footwear that combines traditional luxury materials with unconventional design elements. - **Athletic Footwear:** Athletic footwear companies have the opportunity to incorporate design elements from high-end fashion brands like Balenciaga into their own products, making them more visually appealing and marketable to trend-conscious consumers. - **Streetwear:** The trend for distressed and casual footwear is a natural fit for the streetwear market, and designers can create innovative new sneaker silhouettes that capture the unique aesthetic of this burgeoning fashion movement. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.md) - [Chic Slim-Fit City Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-city-sneaker.md) - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md) - [Sculptural Futuristic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/warped-runner.md) - [Multi-Color Green-Accented Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-7.md) - [Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1.md) - [Dynamic Ultra-High Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platform-sneaker-1.md) - [Dynamic Pointed Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker-1.md) - [Retro-Futuristic Chunky Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wonder-runner.md)