# Retro Collaborative Skate Sneakers BILLY's and Vans Join Forces on a Set of Speed LS Sneakers By Amy Duong | Published 2024-05-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-ls-sneaker References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/vans-speed-ls-skate-sneakers/)  Japanese streetwear store [BILLY's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/billys-x-vans-year-of-the-horse) continues to work in collaboration with [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-skool) and this time, the two highlight a series of special [Speed LS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-ls) sneakers. The two highlight a retro era that features a puffed design that forms a classic skate silhouette. It is very familiar this time around as it is very close to the aesthetic of the sneaker that launched in Fall/Winter 1998. The main difference is that the Speed LS sneaker now has an elevated upper that is packed with more premium materials including suede. At the base of the shoe, it mostly retains the original design and materials. This is a testament to the strong build of its cushioned and sturdy midsole base. Image Credit: BILLY's ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.5/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 24% - 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 ### What's Driving This Trend - **Retro Revival Footwear:** Opportunities for nostalgic design and premium materials in retro-inspired sneakers collaborations are on the rise. - **Elevated Sneaker Aesthetics:** Innovation in enhancing upper materials and design elements present new possibilities for elevated sneaker aesthetics. - **Heritage-inspired Silhouettes:** Exploring classic skate silhouettes with modern upgrades opens doors for heritage-inspired footwear collections. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Footwear manufacturers can seize the opportunity to blend nostalgia with modern aesthetics through retro collaborations. - **Streetwear Retail:** Streetwear retailers have a chance to cater to consumer demand for heritage-inspired sneakers with premium materials and design. - **Fashion Design:** Fashion designers can delve into creating heritage-inspired collections that fuse classic silhouettes with contemporary elements in sneakers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Revived Archival Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-ls.md) - [Breathable Chunky Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-ls-sneaker-1.md) - [Retro Patterned Collaborative Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-skool.md) - [Asymmetrical Skate Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/billys-x-vans-year-of-the-horse.md) - [Textured Sneaker Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-and-vans.md) - [00s Skateboarding-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/star-bullet.md) - [Vibrant Rugged Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-varsity-collection.md) - [Dynamic Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca.md) - [Collaborative Bright Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36.md)