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# Heatmap-Inspired Tonal Runners
adidas' ZX 2K 4D Boast a New Tonal Update that Has a Gradient Look

By Amy Duong | Published 2020-04-07 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zx-2k-4d
References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2020/3/adidas-zx-2k-4d-red-orange-yellow-heatmap-printed-sneaker-release-information-first-look) & [adidas](https://www.adidas.com/us/zx-2k-4d-shoes/FV9028.html)

[adidas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megaride-s2) updates its 4D selection with the newest iteration of the ZX 2K 4D sneaker model that boasts a captivating colorway. It is inspired by the [bold tonal palette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn8-1) of a heatmap, informing the sneaker with the colors of orange, yellow, and red.

The upper is constructed from a full mesh material for a sense of breathability before adorned in a [gradient finish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/don-issue-7) throughout, blending all of the three warm hues together. The toe box begins in a red hue before fading into yellow at the heel. To add some stark contrast, the shoes feature black accents found on the symmetrical plastic details at the toe box, eyestays, laces, heel tab, and the tongue. Branding details are seen in the form of the classic Three Stripes in a translucent finish.

Image Credit: adidas

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 1.1/10
- Popularity: 18% | Activity: 5% | Freshness: 9%
- 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) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Sports](https://www.trendhunter.com/sports)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Gradient Sneaker Colorways:** Opportunity to introduce gradient colorways that blend warm hues and feature bold tonal palettes on sneakers.
- **Use of Mesh Material for Breathability:** Opportunity to develop sneaker designs that incorporate mesh material for increased breathability and comfort.
- **Translucent Branding Details:** Opportunity to explore using translucent materials for branding details on footwear designs.

### Where This Applies

- **Footwear:** Opportunity for footwear brands to incorporate gradient colorways and mesh materials for breathability in their designs.
- **Sportswear:** Opportunity for sportswear brands to introduce gradient colorways and mesh materials for breathability in their athletic footwear offerings.
- **Fashion:** Opportunity for fashion brands to experiment with gradient colorways and translucent branding details on their fashion-forward sneaker designs.

## Related on Trend Hunter

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