Shoes have undergone a transformation in the last few years from thick and supportive to thin and ideal for training foot muscles, and the Merrell Vapor Glove shoe is more for the latter with a design that is so thin it's skin-like.
Flexible and meant to be worn barefoot, the Merrell Vapor Glove shoe is similar in function to the Vibram FiveFingers shoes, but offer a more traditional silhouette that frankly isn't as goofy. Cited by the company as a completely different type of shoe, the Merrell Vapor Glove requires training because of the minute level of padding that is built into the sole. This feature is to increase the barefoot-like experience and let hikers who are looking to brave the outdoors in a more naturalistic means do so without worries.
Sleek Skin-Like Footwear
The Merrell Vapor Glove Shoe Conforms for Maximum Comfort and Flexibility
Trend Themes
1. Thin Footwear - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in developing even thinner and more flexible shoes for foot muscle training.
2. Barefoot-like Experience - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating shoes that provide a truly barefoot-like experience while providing minimal protection and support.
3. Outdoor Naturalistic Footwear - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in designing outdoor footwear that allows hikers to connect with nature while providing comfort and protection.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the footwear industry by revolutionizing shoe design to prioritize thinness, flexibility, and barefoot-like experience.
2. Fitness and Training - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fitness and training industry by developing innovative footwear solutions for foot muscle training and barefoot-like exercises.
3. Outdoor Adventure - Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the outdoor adventure industry by creating footwear that combines the comfort and flexibility of barefoot-like experience with protection and durability for outdoor activities.