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Liberated Footwear

High-performance footwear takes an unrestricted approach to its design

Implications - Designers of high-performance sports footwear have begun taking a simplistic, pared down approach to the design of such products. Whether it's by ensuring shoes are easily adjustable, or simply designing them with greater flexibility in mind, high-performance outdoor footwear is often made to mimic being barefoot, signalling a consumer preference for both natural design and feel.
Trend Themes
1. Barefoot-mimicking Footwear - The trend of creating high-performance footwear that mimics the sensation of being barefoot can be adopted within the orthopedics industry to aid in post-surgical recovery and promote a more natural gait.
2. Unrestricted Running Sandals - The trend of creating running sandals that provide increased flexibility and freedom of movement can be applied within the sports accessories industry to develop versatile, multi-purpose gear for on-the-go consumers.
3. Sock-inspired Shoes - The trend of creating shoe and sock hybrids that provide superior protection without compromising flexibility can inspire innovation within the outdoor gear industry to create lightweight, durable gear for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Accessories - Developing high-performance gear that provides greater freedom of movement can help companies capture the attention of on-the-go consumers seeking versatile outdoor sport accessory options.
2. Orthopedics - Incorporating design features of barefoot-mimicking footwear can help refine post-surgical recovery and gait rehabilitation techniques for patients within the orthopedics industry.
3. Outdoor Gear - Designing lightweight and durable gear that provides superior protection without sacrificing flexibility can attract extreme sports enthusiasts seeking innovative and functional outdoor gear.
5.3
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
Patterns
Megatrends
6 Featured, 54 Examples:
689,004 Total Clicks
Date Range:
Nov 11 — Aug 15
Trending:
Warm
Consumer Insight Topics:

Featured Examples

Barefoot-Mimicking Footwear
Barefoot-Mimicking Footwear
The AdiPure Training Shoes are Perfect for Avid Runners
The women’s AdiPure training shoes are ideal for marathon enthusiasts. These super sleek runners create an experience that makes the wearer feel as though they’re running barefoot and... MORE
Unrestricted Running Sandals
Unrestricted Running Sandals
The NikeLab Free Rift Sandal is a Flexible Footwear Hybrid
The NikeLab Free Rift Sandal is a reiteration of the 1996 Air Rift, the international sportswear brand’s attempt to create a running shoe devoid of unnecessary restrictions. Although a hybrid... MORE
Leightweght Beach Loafers
Leightweght Beach Loafers
Cole Haan Unveiled a Redesigned Penny Loafer for the Summer Season
Cole Haan has created a gorgeous line of men’s footwear called ‘The Pinch Weekender’ featuring a classic summer look. This shoe is a reinvention of the classic penny loafer into a... MORE
Sock-Inspired Shoes
Sock-Inspired Shoes
These Fitted Shoes Feature More Protection Than Traditional Runners
The Swiss Barefoot Company recently launched a new line of fitted shoes that look like socks, but offer more protection than conventional runners. One of the most important reasons for wearing shoes... MORE
play_circle_filledWrap-Around Footwear
Wrap-Around Footwear
'Vibram' Created This Perfect-Fitting Shoe Called 'Furoshik'
Vibram has created a shoe called Furoshiki that will perfectly fit any foot. Furoshiki means “wrapping” in the Japanese culture. This shoe is a scarf-life piece of footwear that... MORE
Sand Sport Sneakers
Sand Sport Sneakers
4Beach Soccer Shoes Make Coastal Kicking Comfortable for the Feet
The feeling of running and playing on the shoreline fills people with thoughts of youthful liberation and leisure and there's at least one way to help your body experience the same contentment. A friendly… MORE

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