Core Item Update: Men’s &

Women’s Sneakers A/W

23/24
Sustainability and weather protection drive updates. Pay
special attention to innovative materials and take an
essentialist design approach to respond to the need for
circularity and longevity

Lucila Saldana
02.13.22 · 3 minutes

Clearweather
 The plimsolls
Use # hypertexture to update this staple,
offering cosy comfort and a cold-weather-
ready finish. Evolve so surfaces in a refined
and minimalist way to provide newness,
aligning with WGSN's
# supremecomfort story
Take advantage of the simplicity of this style
in a playful Art-letes approach. Collab with
artists to create prints and graphics, or opt
for # customisation, as spotted at Vans x
Crayola
Vans x Tierra Whack Converse

Brandblack Vans x Crayola Vans x Notre

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 The skater sneakers
A focus on retro pastimes, as well as the
continued convergence of art and fashion,
bring strong skater references to core
sneaker styles for A/W 23/24
Take a sustainable approach with do it your
way and deadstock materials to create
colourful combinations, as they will work
well for the youth market
For an unexpected update, incorporate
Digital Lavender via contrast panels. Mix it
Nike Fashion Gone Rouge with grounded tones for transseasonal
styles, or opt for a # dustedpastels palette
for a so er appearance. Use
# monochrome for a sporty retro approach

Clearweather Lining Dior

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 The court sneakers
As work patterns become more flexible and
casual, keep fluid careers in mind when
creating court sneakers. Smarten up designs
to help ensure they are office-appropriate
In line with renewed basics, take action to
protect the environment through
more sustainable materials and circular
systems. Explore use of regenerative
leathers or plant-based materials and offer a
take-back programme for full recyclability
Saye @hommegirls

New Movements WAES @undofortomorrow

3
 The lifestyle runners
Update lifestyle runners in a sporty retro
style with pieced patterns that mix mesh
with leathers, to add to the fashion-forward
feel
Maintain a multifunctional finish with chunky
track soles, ensuring that this gym-to-club
style is as much of an everyday sneaker as it
is a performance piece
Use # neutrals to create a timeless
investment quality, transseasonal appeal
Lining Lululemon and gender-inclusive design. These will
remain key considerations for sneaker
ranges

Balenciaga @lorenz.og Dior

4
 The hi-top sneakers
As climate patterns change, sneakers with
functional features and survival
weatherproofing properties will be
essential
In line with our forecast trend off-grid
winter, incorporate functional track soles
and opt for upper materials with nature's
weatherproofing. Ethical sourcing is
becoming a priority for consumers looking
to spend more time in the
# thegreatoutdoors
Rick Owens Ambush x Converse

Enhance function with elevated modularity

features. Continue to incorporate
# modularpockets for practicality

Vans adidas x Prada Chloe x Fusalp

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Action points
React to the need for sustainability
and circularity
With environmental concerns an industry priority,
invest in a long-term sustainable strategy. Source
certified materials, explore regenerative farming and
prioritise recycled material from post-consumer waste.
Explore return-back programmes to create a fully
# circulareconomy
Prioritise longevity, reinvigorating sneakers in
a considered way
Focus on long-term design and create seasonless
products. Core sneakers will gain relevance for their
investment-worthy nature, so opt for an essentialist
design approach to provide longevity
Prioritise practicality and protection
As the climate crisis occupies the consumer
conscience, multifunctional and protective styles gain
pace. Add weatherproofing features and soles that
provide insulation. Explore # modulardesign to create
styles that can be suitable across a number of different
scenarios