New Balance continues to grow its ongoing White Pack to celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rabbit. This time, the company highlights the 2002R sneaker model and which boasts fuzzy textures to resemble the short and white fur of the rabbit.
It is seen peaking through from under the suede material and faux leather paneling throughout the upper. Additionally, the pony-like hair is dubbed Harako leather -- this is a sleek and premium fur material that is often seen making up luxe handbags. As a touch of tonal contrast, the sneakers have black strike spots including the N along the side of the shoe and continue to the chunky outsole unit.
Image Credit: New Balance
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Cozy Fuzzy Sneakers
- Fuzzy and textured sneakers offer an opportunity for brands to experiment with new materials and designs, possibly even incorporating sustainable materials to differentiate their product.
- Tonal Contrast in Sneakers
- The use of contrasting colors in sneakers is a trend that is likely to gain popularity in the future, allowing companies to create unique and eye-catching products.
- Animal-inspired Textures in Footwear
- Drawing inspiration from animals to create unique textures and designs in footwear can be a disruptive innovation in the industry, adding a new level of creativity to an already established market.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Footwear Industry
- Brands in the footwear industry can invest in experimenting with new materials and designs to create innovative products.
- Fashion Industry
- Incorporating animal-inspired textures and designs in footwear can create a new trend in the fashion industry, allowing brands to set themselves apart and attract a unique customer base.
- Luxury Goods Industry
- The use of Harako leather in sneakers presents an opportunity for the luxury goods industry to experiment with new materials, potentially expanding their product line to include more casual options.
