Forecast S/S 22

Sneaker
Materials

Consumers will be looking for a sense of

protection and reassurance in S/S 22, so focus
on material comfort and functionality, as well
as sustainable and ethical developments, to
update ranges

ad id as x Angel Chen
 Introduction
By 2022, design will be driven by a new set of values, as the
world experiences significant economic challenges in the
wake of the coronavirus pandemic. As brands and
consumers come to grips with the fragility of the future,
sneaker materials will tap into the growing desire for
comfort, protection and reassurance.
The impact of confinement gives a new perspective on
consumption habits, so expect your consumer to develop
new priorities, including trends we have already covered on
WGSN such as Limitarianism to Made in Nature, as the
demand for sustainable options increases.
Customers will be looking for a closer connection with their
product, and materials should provide both a physical and
visual sense of protection and comfort.
S/S 22 will see a shift towards expressive and artisan
techniques, as consumers explore the pleasure that comes
from creativity. We will also see a rise in exuberant designs
that celebrate global hyper-craft, while restorative colours
and textures will offer a sense of reassurance.
Bio-materials and technological advances will drive
innovation, as brands and consumers seek solutions to
climate-change concerns. Biodegradability, circularity and
renewable resources will be key, and protective anti-viral and
antimicrobial fibres will reach a new level of demand.

O pening Cer emo ny x Teva

 Soft Padding

ad id as O r iginals x Craig
Gr een

Mo ncler x Craig Gr een Lucy McRae T he N o r t h Face

The concept: In a post-coronavirus world, products that create intimacy

with consumers will gain relevance. Comforting softness will be a key
trend for S/S 22, as consumers seek feelings of safety and protection
through tactile, cocooning products. Be inspired by Lucy McRae's art.
Application & technique: Lightweight nylons offer subtle weather
protection and create a barely-there effect that sits well with paddings,
as seen at The North Face. For a sustainable option, see SaltyCo's
freshwater-free and natural stuffing.
How to implement: Opt for thin padded recycled nylons and consider
using surplus parachute material as a sustainable option, as seen in
the recent Raeburn x Layer furniture collaboration.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe, outdoors, wellbeing
HYKE x T he N o r t h Face Raebur n x Layer
Short-Pile Suede

Filling Pieces

The concept: Aligned with trends focusing

on intimacy and restorative matte textures , suede
evolves with a short-pile finish and a
sophisticated sensorial appeal. Velvety surfaces
Ad ams and O llman will bring a restorative quality to sneakers. Co mmo nace

Colour: Use mindful tones for a calming look, or

opt for digitally-inspired colours to offer a sense
of escapism.
How to implement: Take inspiration from New
Balance's use of velvet suede and tap into the
#softmasculinity trend. Apply to panels,
channelling a retro 1990s aesthetic, as seen in the
Kith x New Balance collaboration. Use responsibly
sourced suede.
Relevant for: ath-luxe, sports fashion, urban travel,
lifestyle, running, wellbeing
Mar t in S allier es O pera
Nature's Texture

@d esignbyaisha

The concept: Bio-materials will lead product

Gr een E gg S t o r e
innovations in 2022, alongside increasing
consumer interest in components inspired by or
S alehe Bembur y x N ew Balance made in nature.
Innovation: Biodegradable designs will continue to
be key, as seen in  Pauline Barbier's innovative sole
grown from organic wheat seeds. Components
that minimise waste and create a connection with
nature will thrive. Take inspiration from Jacob
Olmedo's micro greens, developed in wool.
How to implement: Continue to look to algae as a
natural material. Apply #naturestexture or sandy
sediment finishes to outsoles. TPU detailing or 3D
printing will work well for uppers.
Relevant for: running, lifestyle, all-day active
Jaco b O lmed o

Pauline Bar bier

 Ballistic Nylon

N ew Balance x At mo s

Beams x Mizuno AS ICS x GmbH

The concept: In line with WGSN's Protective Performance trend, consumers will seek
products that can adapt to the unforeseen. Materials that serve multiple purposes
will be more important than ever, as new ways of commuting arise.
Surface & materials: Ballistic nylon evolves A/W's endurance fabrics with S/S appeal.
Refer to New Balance x Atmos's #creativecollab for a 1990s-inspired look. Source
recycled polyester or recycled PET nylon.
How to implement: Add functionality to everyday sneakers with these endurance-
quality fabrics, merging urban and outdoor aesthetics. Take inspiration from ASICS
x GmbH for a contemporary use of ballistic nylon that also has fashion appeal. Fullt id e E nt er pr ise

Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day active, cycling, running

Reebo k
 Towelling

Mihara Yasuhir o

JJJJo und ad id as S alt y Co

The concept: Products and materials that create intimacy with

consumers will gain importance in a post-pandemic market. Towelling
will deliver visual and physical comfort, while offering a creative spin
on vacation references, as seen in the Camper #staycation collection.
Surface & materials: Focus on tactility, as cosy nostalgic textiles give a
sense of comfort and reassurance to consumers. For a sustainable
solution, opt for recycled PET yarns, 100% organic cotton or SaltyCo's
freshwater-free fabric.
How to implement: Go beyond classic lining applications and innovate
with towelling as an upper material. Take advantage of the multiple
application options and create a mono-material product, as seen
at Thing Fabrics.

Camper T hing Fabr ics

Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe, outdoors, wellbeing
All-Purpose Rubber

E nd Clo t hing

The concept: As consumers continue to take a

limitarian approach to what they buy, products that
are multifunctional and transseasonal will be
essential. Rubber will remain a key material thanks
Pet Liger to its durable and protective qualities, which make Lo uis Vuit t o n
it ideal for extreme weather conditions.
Surface & materials: Rubber allows for the creation
of a mono-material product. Take inspiration from
Bottega Veneta's 100% biodegradable moulded
boot.
How to implement: Embrace sustainability through
maximising the use of natural rubber in
components. Use algae as a lightweight alternative.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, aprés-ski, ath-
luxe, wellbeing, outdoors

Bo t t ega Venet a Yo hji Yamamo t o

Fuzzy Suede

Ar r o S t ud io

The concept: In line with the buying less, but better

Reebo k x Brain Dead
mindset we have been tracking, materials that can
stand the test of time will be essential for S/S 22.
O pera Fuzzy suede extends the life of products, as wear-
and-tear enhances design, as seen in the Reebok x
Brain Dead collaboration.
Surface & materials: High tumbling processes and
sandy effects will be key treatments for surfaces.
For a sustainable solution, opt for Recyc Leather,
which repurposes leather fibres into new materials,
or explore plant-based options.
How to implement: Combine with a corroded sole,
as seen at Arro Studio, to appeal to consumers
with an appreciation of well-worn products.
Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day active
@t heno t o r io uskia

Clear Weat her Brand

Bubbly Surface

Jo ey Khamis

The concept: Evolving from A/W 21/22’s Geometric

ad id as O r iginals x Craig
Gr een
Padding story, comforting surfaces will continue
to gain desirability, as consumers explore products
AS ICS x Kiko Ko st ad ino v that create intimacy post-lockdown.
Surface & materials: Inflated surfaces provide a
sense of protection and comfort. See Nike's Air
Max Bubble Pack, inspired by bubble wraps.
How to implement: Tap into consumer demand for
comforting textures with injected bubbly soles, or
air bubbles for a commercial approach. For
uppers, experiment with quilting or textured
textiles. Incorporate 3D-printed details to mirror
the sole, as seen in the Craig Green x adidas
collaboration.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe,
Maiso n Mar giela wellbeing, training, running
N ike
Mosaic Sole

N ike

The concept: Mosaic composites will gain

HYKE x ad id as O r iginals
desirability as consumers seek pleasure in
products, and show growing interest in silhouettes
@sneaker f r eaker mag that incorporate repurposed components.
Innovation: Repurposed industrial elements turn
into new components for soles, as seen at For
Ever. Nike's Space Hippie sneaker repurposes
production scraps and taps into the life-cycle
sneaker trend.
How to implement: Reuse production waste as sole
components and mix with natural rubber to
improve sustainable credentials. See Zouri's
sneakers, which feature sole units made using
recovered ocean plastic and plant-based uppers.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe,
Durat outdoors, wellbeing, running
Zo ur i
 Oversized Honeycomb Mesh

Mar io Cucchet t i Tessut i

N ike

O pening Cer emo ny x

Co lo r t ex Teva

The concept: Outdoors references take on nostalgic 2000s-inspired looks for S/S 22,
giving a sense of reassurance to consumers. Lightweight materials gain relevance
for their comfort, as versatility becomes a key driver.
Surface & materials: Increase the size of the honeycomb web to update mesh designs
for S/S 22. Refer to Nike's application of mesh in its Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2
update, ideal for high-summer ranges. Source recycled polyester or recycled PET
options as a sustainable alternative.
How to implement: Use unlined for further summer appeal, as seen at Opening
Ceremony x Teva. Use with backing for performance sneakers to increase protection.
Relevant for: lifestyle, outdoors, all-day active, cycling, running, training
ad id as x S t ella
McCar t ney E nd Clo t hing
Geometric Relief

Filling Pieces

The concept: As technological assistance is

Mar ni
incorporated into production lines, moulded rubber
and 3D printing techniques will continue to gain
ad id as x Angel Chen pace. Explore this as a sustainable and efficient
technique for detailing, as seen in the adidas x
Angel Chen collaboration.
Details: Incorporate geometric textures with 3D
printing to reduce material waste, inspired by Nike.
Explore #logomania here, as seen at Louis Vuitton
and Marni.
How to implement: Use 3D printing techniques for
uppers or moulded natural rubber to create relief.
For mass production, opt for a pre-made fabric
with relief, or volumetric pattern.
Relevant for: training, running, trail running,
N ike lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe, lifestyle
Lo uis Vuit t o n
Pearlescent

Mar c Jaco bs

The concept: As we continue to conduct our lives

online, the importance of materials that have
digital-appeal will be key for S/S 22. Retro-
influenced pearlescent finishes will stand out on
screen and enhance a sense of pleasure, as
E d era
Co mmo nace
consumers seek solace in the familiar.
Surface & materials: Aligned with light-filtering
themes, A/W's galactic oils evolve with a softer
pearlescent surface finish, ideal for spring/summer.
Colour: Incorporate restorative pastels with a light-
changing quality, as they enhance digital wellness.
How to implement: Use pearlescent leather to add a
refined finish to ath-luxe styles, as seen at Marc
Jacobs. For a plant-based solution, refer to
Pinatex's mineral range.
Relevant for: urban active, lifestyle, wellbeing
Mar ni S uper io r S pa
 Raw Materials

N ike x S t ussy

Clear Weat her Brand By Walid @r eco ut ur e_ _

The concept: As awareness around sustainability and the importance

of made-in-nature materials increases, consumers will shift focus
towards eco-friendly fibres and responsibly sourced products. Echoed
in WGSN's Harvested Resources trend, S/S 22 will see an increased
interest in bast fibres.
Colour & materials: Undyed and raw essential materials are key. Take
inspiration from Converse Japan's undyed uppers made with cotton
stems, or Converse UK's canvas recycled from manufacturing waste.
How to implement: Use the breathable qualities of these materials to
update core items with summer appeal. Mix them together, as seen in
the Nike x Stussy collaboration, or create mono-material products.
Relevant for: lifestyle, all-day active, ath-luxe, wellbeing
N ike @t hewo o lmar kco mpany
Comforting Foam

N ike

The concept: Intimacy between consumers and

Mat t hieu Lavanchy
products will accelerate, post-coronavirus. Foams
embrace ergonomic forms, as seen in Matthieu
Mar ni Lavanchy's project, delivering both visual and
physical comfort and softness.
Innovation: Acne Studios has released a mono-
material slip-on crafted from rubrex, a compound
material designed to mirror spongey foam. For a
sustainable option, explore biofoam or a soy-
based foam.
How to implement: Expose foam on sneaker
tongues for a commercial approach, as seen at
Nike Japan. Look to Marni's use of foam uppers
for a comfortable and fashionable approach to
padded slides.
Viigee Relevant for: lifestyle, ath-luxe, wellbeing
Acne S t ud io s
 Knitted Ribbing

N ike

The concept: As comfort remains a top priority for

S hu Jo nes
footwear purchases, tactile ribs bring a seasonal
update to engineered knits.
Fibre & yarn: Explore organic merino for natural
antibacterial performance and biodegradability. Opt
for sustainable Microsilk for a lightweight option.
Refer to Sioux x Tim Bengel's vegan and carbon-free
knitted sneaker.
How to implement: Apply knitted ribbing to a wide
range of silhouettes, serving both performance and
lifestyle purposes. Opt for restorative colours to
encourage a slower pace for #stayhomestyle and to
promote wellbeing.
Relevant for: all-day active, training, lifestyle,
wellbeing, running, urban active
S uzanne O ud e H engel x Dr ew
McKevit t S ho o t E ur o pe
 WGSN Future Strategies 2022
The report timeline for WGSN's 2022 trends

FUTURE DRIVERS
Annual
November 2019

The global macro- Seasonal A/W 21/22:

Annual Oct 2019 – Feb 2020
economic drivers that

FUTURE INNOVATIONS
November 2019 Annual
will shape 2022, and Seasonal S/S 22:

TREND FORECASTS
strategies for success January 2020
The 12 areas of Apr 2020 – Aug 2020

BIG IDEAS
innovation that will lead Future Drivers and
transformation across Future Innovations Trend Forecasts present
industries in 2022, and contextualised for the the seasonal design
their implications for Fashion, Beauty, and directions for each
FUTURE CONSUMER

Annual business and culture department, with more

Lifestyle & Interiors
January 2020 than 40 reports
industries
published twice a year
The key consumer
sentiments and
profiles that will Fashion / Beauty / Lifestyle
disrupt industries in Fashion / Beauty / Lifestyle & Interiors only
2022 Insight / Fashion / & Interiors only
Lifestyle & Interiors only
Insight only

Business Strategy Product Design

 WGSN Future Strategies 2022
The trend matrix, from Future Drivers to Trend Forecasts
DRIVERS
FUTURE

The Fear Factor Climate Urgency Degrowth for Good Balancing Age Mass to Micro Global Power Shift Migratory Patterns

Digital Identities Digital Identities The Pleasure

INNOVATIONS

Principle Digital Identities

The Pleasure Principle Made in Nature
FUTURE

The Pleasure Principle

Creating Intimacy The Tactile Internet
Survival Mode The Tactile Internet Decolonisation
Time Affluence Pre-Futures
The Horror De-Materialisation
BIG IDEAS

Tech-Celleration Design Resolution Leverage

the Local
Selling Survival Pleasure With Purpose
FORECASTS

New Mythologies A/W 21/22 Conscious Clarity A/W 21/22 Phantasmagoria A/W 21/22
TREND

Connected S/S 22 Resourceful S/S 22 Euphoric S/S 22

Business Strategy Product Design