# High-Fashion Sock Sneakers The Balenciaga Speed Trainer is for Fashionably Athletic Individuals By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2017-02-03 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/speed-trainer References: [uncrate](http://uncrate.com/article/balenciaga-speed-trainer/) & [balenciaga](http://www.balenciaga.com/us/speed-sneakers_cod11153246wu.html) The [Balenciaga](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-3xl-sneaker) Speed Trainer is a newly released sneaker from the high-end Italian fashion label that offers wearers the ability to train in style. Looking almost like a mix between a post-modern accessory and a traditional athletic trainer, the shoes weigh in at just over half a pound which makes them prepared for offering [lightweight flexibility](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-running-cloudultra). The shoes feature a [knit sock design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gucci-slipon-sneaker) that conforms to the foot and lower ankle in order to provide support and comfort throughout wear. The stark white design of the sneakers makes them more of a lifestyle piece of footwear than a trainer for training. The Balenciaga Speed Trainers are priced at $545 which makes them a pricy option for those who are looking for a way to stay stylish while training. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.6/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## 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 - **Knit Sock Sneakers:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop lightweight and flexible athletic footwear with a knit sock design for enhanced support and comfort. - **Fashionable Athletic Wear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create stylish and high-end athleticwear that blurs the line between fashion and function. - **Lifestyle Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design sneakers that prioritize style and comfort, appealing to consumers as fashionable everyday footwear. ### Who This Affects Most - **Athletic Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce new, stylish, and lightweight sneakers that cater to the growing demand for comfortable and fashionable athletic footwear. - **Fashion Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Merge fashion and athletic apparel to create trendy and high-end sportswear that appeals to fashion-conscious individuals. - **Luxury Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop premium sneakers with unique designs and features to attract customers seeking a blend of luxury and comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Chic Slim-Fit City Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-city-sneaker.md) - [Dynamic Fashion-Forward Basketball Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/basketball-sneaker-1.md) - [Performance-Inspired Designer Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-x-puma.md) - [Premium Technical Rugged Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hike-sneaker.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) - [Second-Skin Luxury Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-shoe.md) - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md) - [Banana-Made Luxury Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-4.md)