# Mental Health-Supporting Sneakers AFEW and ASICS Release the Thematic 'Uplifting Pack' By Kanesa D | Published 2022-06-14 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uplifting-pack References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2022/6/afew-asics-gt-2-uplifting-pack-release-date) & [asics](https://www.asics.com/ca/en-ca/) AFEW and ASICS have revisited their partnership in support of a mental health initiative with the 'Uplifting Pack.' The collection features the 'ASICS GT-II' in two new neutral colorways, as well as a custom shoe box that features mental health-themed graphics printed on it. The 'ASICS GT-II' utilizes [gel cushioning](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelquantum-kinetic-sp) and a thick padded heel for maximum comfort. Arriving in two multi-tonal gray and brown options, the shoe uses brain graphics to reference the overarching theme of [mental health awareness](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mind-001). The [retro-inspired sneaker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gelsekiran) takes inspiration from personal anecdotes about mental health that have been shared by AFEW's close friends and family. In addition to the themed shoe, AFEW will be donating 10% of the proceeds collected from sneaker sales to the Deutsche Depressions Hilfe. The 'Uplifting Pack' will release on June 17 via ASICS and independent retailers. Image Credit: ASICS ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 84% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Mental Health-themed Products:** Opportunity for businesses to create mental health-themed products to help raise awareness and support mental health initiatives. - **Collaborative Partnerships for Social Causes:** Opportunity for businesses to collaborate with foundations or organizations to support social causes and create mutually beneficial relationships. - **Emotional Branding:** Opportunity for businesses to use emotional branding to foster connections with customers and raise awareness for social causes. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletic Footwear:** Brands in the athletic footwear industry can create products that support social causes and donate proceeds towards related initiatives to foster customer loyalty and increase sales. - **Mental Health Organizations:** Mental health organizations can collaborate with brands to create branded merchandise and raise awareness about mental health issues. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising firms can incorporate emotional branding into their campaigns to resonate with audiences and create a more meaningful connection with their clients and customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Musical Wellbeing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/move-your-body-move.md) - [Mind-Activating Performance Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Mind-001-And-002.md) - [Neuroscience-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mineral-state.md) - [Retro Pastel Tonal Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skyhand-shoes.md) - [Breathable Mesh Joint Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gt2160-sneaker-3.md) - [Sensory Performance Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mind-001-1.md) - [Motivational Footwear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-desk-break.md) - [Earthy Tonal Sneaker Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earthenware.md) - [Coffee-Like Tonal Joint Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asics-and-doublet.md)