adidas and solebox have collaborated on the UltraBOOST 1.0 and Ultra 4D in new colorways and designs. These sneakers pay tribute to both brands' collaboration in 2016, which featured the UltraBOOST and NMB sneaker models.
Both sneaker models follow the light gray color of the 2016 predecessor. The sneakers have a monochromatic finish with the solebox logo replacing the UltraBOOST and Ultra 4D text found on the heel and have a sock-like Primeknit upper. The UltraBOOST 1.0 has a cage that appears to mimic the finish of a concrete. In regards to the Ultra 4D, it has an uncaged appearance with a transparent branding panel at the heel. Additionally, the outsoles of both sneakers have a glow-in-the-dark finish.
The Ultra 4D will be released on March 17, and the UltraBOOST 1.0 will be released on March 31.
Light Gray Monochromatic Sneakers
solebox and adidas team up on new UltraBOOST 1.0 and Ultra 4D
Trend Themes
1. Monochromatic Sneaker Design - Opportunities for other sneaker brands to create monochromatic designs in collaboration with retailers; for example, a collaboration with Nike and Foot Locker to produce a muted, black sneaker to cater to a growing non-flashy consumer market.
2. Glow-in-the-dark Outsoles - Opportunities for innovation on sneaker outsoles for brands looking to create a unique competitive advantage; for instance, Puma collaborating with NASA to create an outsole that mimics the solar system's constellations that will glow-in-the-dark for a limited edition release.
3. Sneaker Collaboration Series - Collaboration opportunities between leading sneaker brands to produce special edition versions of a popular sneaker with a different retailer's branding; for example, Converse teaming up with Adidas Originals to produce a distinctive All-Star collection for release in Adidas storefronts worldwide.
Industry Implications
1. Retail - Innovative retailers and fashion e-commerce sites can anticipate demand for exclusive fashion products from consumers and include collaborations as a part of their upcoming collections for competitive differentiation.
2. Sportswear - Innovative sportswear brands can explore the use of new materials or technologies and outsole designs to set themselves apart in the competitive market place.
3. Design - Graphic and digital designers can leverage these sneaker trends to create visually pleasing content used for advertising, social media campaigns, and branding or rebranding of a consumer product line.