Product Forecast

Sneaker Materials Forecast

A/W 22/23
Sneakers materials trends for A/W 22/23 reflect growing
consumer expectations for comfort, practicality and
longevity in their purchases, as well designs that are
sustainably and ethically made

Lucila Saldana
12.18.20 · 10 minutes

@vwsmagazine
Introduction
The A/W 22/23 season will see the world slowly starting to recover from
the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, while materials for sneakers will
drive the design of functional, cosy and comfortable products, along with
protective features that respond to the demand for long-lasting, versatile
styles.
The turbulent start of the decade has reignited concerns about
sustainability, ranging from over-consumption to accountability.
Consumers will be increasingly discerning in their purchasing patterns,
and demand that brands have a responsible and transparent approach
from the beginning of the supply chain to the end product.
It will be paramount to prioritise responsible and inclusive sourcing, a
transparent supply chain, and lower-impact materials. Traceability,
responsible tanning and optimised water use will be key for leather,
alongside animal welfare and trustworthy farming, which will be
fundamental for animal and natural fibres.

As circularity becomes essential, waste will continue to be a valuable

resource, bringing to the fore plant-based materials, food industry
surplus, and byproduct leathers such as cow, calf and shearling.
A desire for comfort will be reflected in so and padded surfaces, while
protective sneakers will gain relevance, bringing durable and waterproof
fabrics to the fore.

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Action points
Embrace lower-impact
materials
Assess the material impacts of
your sneakers offer and replace
with more sustainable solutions.
Challenge tanneries, mills and
suppliers to innovate on
responsible materials and
components
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Ensure responsible
sourcing and
transparency
Reflecting on the current state of
the world, we see a growing
concern across demographics
about transparent and ethical
sourcing. Responding to this will
be key to secure consumer loyalty
Cater to the desire for
recovery and comfort
The Home Hub trend inspires
footwear and materials. Create a
cosy feeling through texture and
volume with cocooning silhouettes
and so , tactile materials
Meet the demand for
multifunctional products
Sneakers have remained a
growing category during the
pandemic as a result of shi ing
lifestyles. Capitalise on the
renewed interest in performance
and multifunctional sneakers with
seasonless materials, which will
create a practical and refined look
 Cocooned padding
The concept: Evolving S/S 22 's so
padding with cocooning effects and
winter insulation, padded surfaces gain
desirability as consumers seek products
that add physical and emotional
comfort, in line with embracing so ness.
Surface & materials: Explore
sustainable alternatives for fillers, such
Kotai Tannery
Nike as recycled Re:Down, plant-based
insulations such as Pangaiaʼs Flower
Down, or Kapok biodegradable fibres.
How to implement: Use padding to
provide a sense of protection, cosiness
and comfort in uppers. Pair with
recycled polyester or bio-based
synthetics to increase insulation.
Encouraged by wellbeing, refer to Nike's
Offline, which optimises a cocooning feel
with nubs on the footbed that offer a
massage-like experience.
Hovding The North Face @dingyun_zhang
Relevant for: lifestyle, slippers,
wellbeing, après-ski

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 Outdoor-proof
The concept: Encouraged by a deeper
appreciation of # thegreatoutdoors and
hyper-functional design, durable and
water-proof materials will be essential
for practical sneakers and extreme
weather, as consumers will prioritise
more active, outdoors-based lifestyles.

Surface & materials: Choose

Converse x Ambush @design.by.yukundeng
Dr Martens x WTAPS @proto_hypes Nike
biodegradable and bio-based
waterproof coatings and apply on
recycled nylon, or responsibly sourced
leathers to increase functionality
sustainably. Refer to Nike's Pegasus for
extreme-weather runners.
How to implement: Be ambitious in
problem-solving features. Be inspired by
Yukun Deng's Adapting project for a
#modulardesign take on outdoor utility;
the water-resistant outer upper can roll
up for further protection.
Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day
active, cycling, running, après -ski

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  Curly teddy eece
The concept: Accelerated by the
lifestyle changes caused by the Covid-19
pandemic, sensory materials will bolster
moods and provide reassurance for
wearers. Cosy materials have become
essentials as the Home Hub continues to
be a sanctuary space, in line with WGSN's
key driver, The Great Indoors.
Fenom Suicoke x John Elliott Fibre & yarn: Opt for recycled PET or
natural fibres. Explore Vollebak's ultra-
technical fleece, which mixes recycled
sheepʼs and lab wool.

How to implement: Use for linings or

footbed wraps to increase cosiness and
warmth in sneakers, ideal for colder
months. Prioritise for the #slipper, as this
material is great for gi ing in Holiday
season ranges, seen in Suicoke x John
Elliott's #creativecollab.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,
Ca ssi Spa Kid Super Converse
ath-luxe, outdoors, wellbeing, slippers

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Takahiromiyashita The SoloIst
Crocs
Moulded developments
The concept: The functional spirit of
all-purpose rubber remains key for A/W
22/23, resulting in moulded
constructions. With versatility at the front
of consumersʼ minds, develop moulded
designs further by exploring
components that allow for mono-
material products.
@yeezyma a Surface & materials: Use eco-friendly
materials. Algae will become
commercially viable as technological
advances scale up production, or use
recycled EVA. Yeezy continues to inspire
with the Ophani slide in harvested algae
and EVA foam. Takahiromiyashita
TheSoloist opted for rubber.
How to implement: Use moulded
developments for up-trending
# twomilewear styles, or for more
directional pieces, as seen in Crocs'
Yeezy Crocs x Post Malone
multiple #creativecollabs.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,
ath-luxe, wellbeing, outdoors, slippers

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 Historically-inspired
motifs  
The concept: Evolving from A/W 21/22's
artisanal textiles story, collaborative
handmade and comforting textures will
continue to gain desirability, as
consumers explore products inspired by
ancient knowledge.

Colour: Rising focus on natural dyeing

Reebok x Brain Dead Srinvanti Roy
techniques and artisanal textures and
patterns will see the importance of blue
tones for active. Earthy browns will
connect the consumer with nature; refer
to Srinvanti Roy's sun-ray bleach fabrics,
which have a patinated effect.
How to implement: Collaborate
responsibly with artisans to create
unique and sustainable textiles, as seen
in Nike's Community Garden. Refer to
Reebok x Brain Dead's collaboration for
a material-mix approach to ancient
Kotai Tannery Nike x Denham Nike
references.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,
outdoors

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 Distressed nishes
The concept: Embodying WGSN's
Lifecycle Lifestyle key driver, materials
that can stand the test of time will be
essential, as products are set to last
longer. Consumers will be more
accepting of time-worn finishes as a
responsible approach to fashion is
prioritised, with longevity becoming key.
New Balance Footpatrol Surface & materials: Distressed finishes
extend the life of products, with wear-
and-tear enhancing design. Be inspired
by the Wearaway Nike Air Max 1, as the
white upper reveals a patina effect with
time.
How to implement: Pair distressed
uppers with a degraded-effect sole, as
seen at G-Dragonʼs PEACEMINUSONE x
Nike. Use this effect in TPU to extend the
life of running shoes, as seen at New
Balance.
Sneaker Freaker Iso Poetism by Tobias Birk Nielsen @premierskate
Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day
active, running

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 Elongated faux fur
The concept: Prolonged home
confinement during the Covid-19
pandemic has brought materials with a
soothing tactility to the fore. Fluffy faux
fur filters into active categories, reflecting
a stronger focus on cosy comfort.
Surface & materials: Sustainable faux
fur will be paramount; use durable
Hender Scheme Steiff Schulte recycled cotton or polyester qualities,
such as Peltex and Steiff Schulte. Opt for
natural fibres such as wool or
responsibly sourced shearling, as seen in
the Converse x Ambush collaboration.
How to implement: Cater to the desire
for recovery and comfort with fluffy
linings and footbeds, or use for
eyecatching uppers. Respond to
#stayhomestyle, adding a slipper
silhouette into home-working styles.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,
Converse x Ambush @designbyaisha Suicoke
ath-luxe, outdoors, wellbeing, slippers,
après-ski

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 Plant-based
The concept: Plant-based materials will
evolve as technological advances in
material engineering are commercialised
to help conserve natural resources,
reflected in WGSN'S SuperNature driver.
Food waste will gain value as a resource
for a circular approach to materials.

Innovation: Grape and mushroom-

Mylo Flamingos Life based materials will come to the fore.
Take inspiration from Pangaia, which
collaborated with Italian winemakers to
repurpose grape surplus into upper
materials, and paired it with a sole
composite made from industry waste.
How to implement: Partner with
competitors and suppliers to facilitate
material access, like the Mylo
Consortium, formed by Kering Group's
adidas, Stella McCartney and Lululemon
brands.
Pangaia ACBC Reebok
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,
ath-luxe, wellbeing, running

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 Micro mesh
The concept: From the great outdoors
to city pursuits, micro mesh offers a clean
and more refined finish that combines
function with a minimalist aesthetic,
ideal for the emerging
#consideredcommute.
Fibre & yarn: Prioritise recycled nylon
and recycled PET mesh. Refer to Hylo's
@114.index Stockmayer Otto Sohn knitted upper, which mimics mesh with
corn fibre, as well as the brand's
circularity scheme, which incentivises
customers to return shoes when they
come to a lifecycle end.
How to implement:
Create multifunctional styles by adding
mesh to performance and lifestyle
sneakers, as the limits of the outdoors
and city merge. Mix with responsibly
sourced leather to appeal to fashion-led
consumers, confirmed in the Patta x New
Hylo Athletics New Balance @vwsmagazine
Balance collaboration.
Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day
active

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 Textured suede
The concept: Consumers will have a
new acceptance of irregular and time-
worn finishes, encouraged by a
sustainable mindset. Textured suede
extends the product cycle, as it avoids
premature wear-and-tear to delicate
suedes.

Surface & materials: Traceability and

Clarks Originals x Aimé Leon Dore Prime Asia animal welfare will be key for leathers
and suedes; refer to Prime Asia's
Responsibly Raised programme, which
ensures that these principles are upheld.

How to implement: Textured suede

adds interest to sneakers and caters to a
growing demographic who seek long-
lasting and durable styles, while also
conveying a soothing feeling. Mix with
mesh for a performance approach, as
seen at New Balance. Apply on lifestyle
ranges to add endurance properties to
@cozy_foot End Clothing New Balance
cosy products, as on Zsófia Balogh's
#statementmules project.

Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active,

outdoors

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 Space metallics
The concept: Evolving from S/S 22's
pearlescent theme, this futuristic material
look has texture and finish inspired by
outer space. In line with Making the
Metaverse, the influence of virtual worlds
will feed through to physical products
that blend digital and real aesthetics.

Colour: Choose cold tones of blues and

Dyneema adidas x Prada greys to enhance the minimalist
approach. Golden tones will respond to
WGSN's Industrial Luxe story; see the
adidas x Star Wars sneakers
collaboration featuring a gold outsole.
How to implement: Space metallics
inspire a minimalist sports aesthetic,
confirmed by the pared-down details of
adidas x Prada. Prioritise responsibly
sourced leathers to add longevity. See
Dyneema's recycled plastic technique for
an innovative and eco approach to
adidas x Star Wars Prime Asia Kotai Tannery
metallics.
Relevant for: lifestyle, ath-luxe, après-
ski

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Suicoke
IMPERIALI ATTILIO TESSITURA
Cosy felt
The concept: The need for emotional
and physical comfort will see the rise of
surfaces that suggest a healing touch.
Cosy felt responds to our Embracing
So ness trend, as inspiration from
interiors and the Home Hub remains key.
Fibre & yarn: RWS wool, certified
merino and mohair stand out as timeless
Lani cio Bigagli and noble animal fibres. Use polyester
and nylon fibres for performance and
hardwearing qualities, as seen in the Mr.
Bailey x adidas collaboration. Check
Lanificio Bigagli's recycled wool, certified
GRS and recycled PET, which advances a
sustainable message.
How to implement: Sustainable wool
uppers are increasingly prominent. Refer
to Allbirds – a leading brand of this
technique – for inspiration. Capitalise on
the dual properties, function and
Converse Mr Bailey x Adidas
cosiness of this material to use for two-
mile slippers.

Relevant for: lifestyle, ath-luxe,

wellbeing, slippers, all-day active

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WGSN macro forecast 2023
The timeline for WGSN's suite of 2023 trend reports, moving from business
strategy to product strategy

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The trend matrix  
Connecting the dots between the seven Future Drivers and 12 Future
Innovations that will shape the world in 2023

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