Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas are two powerhouses that never seem to fail at anything, and it proves with their latest pair of footwear dubbed the Y-3 Sala.
The latest footwear to come from the designer and the sporting brand is the Y-3 Sala, which is probably as suave as it gets when it comes to making Adidas sneakers look formal. The upper features a scaled leather pattern, giving it a crocodile-like theme that makes it look dangerously stylish. The low-tops feature a very subtle, but noticeable three stripes that is seen on every Adidas shoe. Additional details include a raised heel collar, silver tone logo at the heel and tongue, as well as a contrasting white from the logo and the midsole area.
Killer Croc Kicks
The Y-3 Sala Sneakers Bring a Predatory Edge to Footwear
Trend Themes
1. Scaled Leather Footwear - The use of scaled leather material in high-end footwear is a disruptive innovation opportunity for luxury fashion brands and designers.
2. Subtle Branding in Footwear - The trend towards subtle branding in footwear is creating opportunities for brands to appeal to consumers who value sophistication and understated elegance.
3. Hybrid Formal-casual Footwear - The rise of formal-casual footwear hybrids is a disruptive innovation opportunity for brands to create versatile products that can transition from office to leisure.
Industry Implications
1. Luxury Fashion - Luxury fashion brands could incorporate scaled leather into their footwear to create high-end products that appeal to upscale consumers.
2. Sports Apparel - Sports apparel companies could explore the trend towards subtle branding in footwear to appeal to consumers who value comfort, performance, and understated style.
3. Office Footwear - The trend towards hybrid formal-casual footwear creates opportunities for brands to develop products that match the changing dress codes and values of modern office environments.