Ideas
Explore the world's #1 largest database of ideas and innovations, with 480,597 inspiring examples.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,297 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 104,008 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Consumer Insights
Uncover major shifts and emerging opportunities with our exclusive PRO research.
Trend Reports
Discover why 1,297 brands rely on our AI-powered Trend Reports to get better, faster insights.
Newsletter
Join 104,008 subscribers who rely on our weekly newsletter to keep up with need-to-know trends and insights.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Trend Reports
Get fast, customized trend reports, presentations and deep dives 20x faster than traditional research.
Plans
Get started today with a free consultation, our self-serve tools, or a dedicated program.
Articles & Magazine
Get inspired with our 4,233 innovation strategy articles, keynote, videos and innovation tools.
Innovation Awards
Trend Hunter’s Innovation Strategy Awards recognize the best innovation tactics gathered from our interviews with some of the world's most notable business leaders, authors and change makers.
Advisory & Services
Accelerate innovation and ignite disruptive thinking with our award-winning programs and research.
Innovation Assessment
Enhance your innovation potential with a deeper understanding of your unique innovation archetype and how your organization benchmarks.
FuturistU
Prepare for the years ahead with 100+ lessons, tactics, tools and frameworks with our full learning database.
Innovation Books
Join 20,000,000 people getting better and faster with our New York Times Bestselling books and keynote videos.
Jeremy Gutsche
Ignite your event or virtual event with our CEO, a NY Times Bestselling Author and one of the top innovation keynote speakers.
Our Team of Speakers & Virtual Presenters
Inspire your group with our most popular speakers on innovation, trends, change and futurism.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Custom Masterclasses
Join the world's leading brands who leverage our custom programs to accelerate innovation.
FuturistU 5-Day Program
Become a Futurist with our immersive 5-Day program at Future Festival World Summit.
Online eLearning
Learn the fundamentals of futurism and trends with 100+ online courses about innovation.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
Contact
Get in touch to learn more, ask a question or submit a tip.
About Us
Learn more about Trend Hunter and how we accelerate innovation.
Follow-Us
Join our 3,500,000 social media followers, on the cutting edge.
How to Hunt
Learn more about how to hunt megatrends, ideas, patterns and opportunity.
FAQ
Get answers to common questions about Trend Hunter.
Community
Stay on the cutting-edge with the help of the Trend Hunter community.
Team
Meet the team trusted by hundreds of leading businesses worldwide.
Jobs
Find opportunities to accelerate your career with the #1 Trend Firm.
News
Catch up on noteworthy Trend Hunter news and media mentions.
Join
Build a portfolio and put your trend-spotting abilities to the test.
Advertising
Supercharge your marketing by partnering with Trend Hunter.
Portfolio
Visit your public portfolio and browse your past articles.
Add a Trend
Write up an article and showcase your trend-spotting skills.
My Trends
Edit your articles and see how they stack up on the leaderboards.
Settings
Edit your profile, connect your social media accounts, and more.
Add a trend, customize your dashboard, or track topics.
Future Festival
Innovation Events
Join the world's top innovators at our in person events.
Free Webinars
Learn to innovate through chaos, navigate the new normal and maintain work culture from home.
Custom Training & Events
Bring the Future Festival experience directly to your team or co-hosted custom event.
Search our database of 480,597 cutting edge ideas.

Top 100 Shoe Innovations for May

From Designer DIY-Inspired Sneakers to Candy-Inspired Slides

— May 26, 2018 — Fashion
The transitional period between winter and spring often brings a myriad of footwear offerings and this month's list of May 2018 shoe innovations is no exception. Designers have launched unique and practical offerings that range from poolside slip-ons to designer hiking boots, offering something for every aesthetic.

Standouts from this line include Vetements' Graffiti Shoes, which drew inspiration from DIY-inspired scribbles. The markings on these shoes set them apart from typical sneakers, offering something that's equal parts practical and edgy. Meanwhile, the footwear brand Switfish created a shoe collection inspired by chocolate bar wrappers. These slides featured a chunky midsole with a strap that's reminiscent of a candy bar, making for the perfect summer accessory that's sure to turn some heads.

This list of May 2018 shoe innovations features both practical and eye-catching offerings, offering something for any occasion.
6
Score
Popularity
Activity
Freshness
100
Children's Polka Dot Shoes
Children's Polka Dot Shoes
Converse Released a New Pair of Fun Summer Shoes for Babies and Kids
<
99
Tonal Pastel Spring Sneakers
Tonal Pastel Spring Sneakers
atmos and ASICS' GEL-Inst.360 Colorways Welcome the Warm Weather
<
98
Glittery Youth Sneakers
Glittery Youth Sneakers
Van's New Glitter Shoes Come in Three Colors and Two Styles for Kids
<
97
Canvas-Crafted Summer Sneakers
Canvas-Crafted Summer Sneakers
Etytys' Colorful Mother Sneaker Readies For Spring/Summer 2018
<
96
Woven-Patterned Sneakers
Woven-Patterned Sneakers
Nike's N7 Sub-Brand Drops a Brand New Air Force 1 Low Iteration
<
95
Retro Neon Youth Sneakers
Retro Neon Youth Sneakers
New Balance Created a New Line of Candy-Inspired Sneakers
<
94
Monochromatic Satin Baby Sneakers
Monochromatic Satin Baby Sneakers
Puma's New Roma Satin Infant Line is Bold and Spring-Ready
<
93
Retro Surf-Themed Kids Shoes
Retro Surf-Themed Kids Shoes
New Balance's 574 Retro Surf Sneakers are Perfect for the Summer
<
92
Collaborative Poolside Fashions
Collaborative Poolside Fashions
adidas Originals and Palace Revealed Items from Its Collaboration
<
91
Multicolored Knit-Constructed Sneakers
Multicolored Knit-Constructed Sneakers
adidas Delivers a Bright Blend of Colors on Its Swift Run
<
90
Fun Mid-Rise Youth Sneakers
Fun Mid-Rise Youth Sneakers
Nike's Air Jordan 1 Spring Sneaker Colorway is Perfect for Toddlers
<
89
Cement-Themed Baby Shoes
Cement-Themed Baby Shoes
Nike Created a New Pair of Stylish Streetwear-Style Toddler Sneakers
<
88
Luxe Italian Youth Shoes
Luxe Italian Youth Shoes
The New Dolce & Gabbana Leather Sneakers are a Statement Piece for Spring
<
87
Retro Extra-Chunky Platforms
Retro Extra-Chunky Platforms
Tommy Hilfiger's Retro Flatform is Inspired by 90s Fashions
<
86
Moccasin-Inspired Men's Shoes
Moccasin-Inspired Men's Shoes
Main Mountain Moccasin's Watch Shoes are Durable and Rugged
<
85
Reworked Nubuck Heritage Sneakers
Reworked Nubuck Heritage Sneakers
SASQUATCHFABRIX and ASICS Reworked the GEL-PTG MT SIlhouette
<
84
Sky-Blue Athletic Baby Sneakers
Sky-Blue Athletic Baby Sneakers
Nike's New Huarache Ultra Colorway is Colorful and Summer-Ready
<
83
Vibrant Orange Slide Shoes
Vibrant Orange Slide Shoes
The adilette Slide Arrives in a "Regal Gold" Colorway
<
82
Knit Kids Athletic Sneakers
Knit Kids Athletic Sneakers
St Laurent Knit Sneakers for Kids Come in Three Exciting Colorways
<
81
European Summer-Inspired Sneakers
European Summer-Inspired Sneakers
COPSON and New Balance Join To Deliver The Limited 247 Shoe
<
80
Pale Money-Accenting Sneakers
Pale Money-Accenting Sneakers
Nike's Air More Money Shoes Receive Two New 'Get Money' Colorways
<
79
90s-Inspired Celebratory Sneakers
90s-Inspired Celebratory Sneakers
Nike's Air Max 98 Now Comes in a Racer Blue Colorway
<
78
Celebratory Kangaroo Leather Sneakers
Celebratory Kangaroo Leather Sneakers
Antonia & Diadora's B.Elite Pays Tribute to Tennis Champs
<
77
Pink-Hued Spring Shoes
Pink-Hued Spring Shoes
Vans' Timeless Silhouette Has Been Updated with the 'Evening Sand' Colorway
<
76
Versatile Hawaiian-Themed Shoes
Versatile Hawaiian-Themed Shoes
OluKai's Kahu Lace Sneakers are Perfect for the Streets and Beach
<
75
Updated Water-Resistant Shoes
Updated Water-Resistant Shoes
Converse Japan Unveiled the Freshly Reworked 'Addict' Collection
<
74
Hip Fur-Lined Slides
Hip Fur-Lined Slides
FILA's New Drifter Slides are Fuzzy and Fashion-Forward Summer Shoes
<
73
Artisanal Muted Leather Sneakers
Artisanal Muted Leather Sneakers
Solebox & adidas Consortium Reworked the Quesence & Pureboodt DBR
<
72
Warm Weather Handcrafted Shoes
Warm Weather Handcrafted Shoes
FEIT Launches Its Elegant Summer Collection for Men and Women
<
71
Updated Spring-Ready Sneakers
Updated Spring-Ready Sneakers
The adidas Originals' Court Vantage Sneaker Arrives in Pastel Colors
<
70
90-Inspired Chunky Sneakers
90-Inspired Chunky Sneakers
PUMA's Thunder Spectra Shoes are Fashion Forward and Vintage-Inspired
<
69
Retro Neon Youth Sneakers
Retro Neon Youth Sneakers
Reebok's New Freestyle Hi Tops Feature Bold Exciting Colorways
<
68
Nostalgic Roller Sneakers
Nostalgic Roller Sneakers
ALYX and HEELYS Unveil a Reworked HEELYS High Top Silhouette
<
67
Luxurious Zip Shoe Silhouettes
Luxurious Zip Shoe Silhouettes
Y-3 Boasts a New Design of a Ridiculously Sleek Sneaker
<
66
Athletic Toddler Slides
Athletic Toddler Slides
Nike's New Jordan Hydro 7 Slides for Kids are Stylish and Comfortable
<
65
Sequin-Adorned Sneakers
Sequin-Adorned Sneakers
Nike Brought Back the Women's Air Force 1 Upstep with New Details
<
64
Houndstooth-Printed Luxury Sneakers
Houndstooth-Printed Luxury Sneakers
Vetements Introduces Its Houndstooth Slip On Shoes for SS18
<
63
Ultraviolet Youth Sneakers
Ultraviolet Youth Sneakers
Nike's Red Air Force 1 UV for Toddlers Have Hidden Branding
<
62
Shoe-Scrubbing Appliances
Shoe-Scrubbing Appliances
This Shoe Washing Machine from Haier Freshens Your Favorite Kicks
<
61
Luxurious Italian Baby Sneakers
Luxurious Italian Baby Sneakers
Giuseppe Zanotti's Baby Balloon Sneakers are Fun and Comfortable
<
60
Minimalist Leather Flats
Minimalist Leather Flats
Everlane's Day Glove Offers Optimal Comfort and Support
<
59
Updated Coral Slides
Updated Coral Slides
Adidas' Adilette Slides Now Arrive in a Fiery 'Real Coral' Colorway
<
58
Versatile Cross-Training Shoes
Versatile Cross-Training Shoes
These Shoes Feature Removable Soles For Dynamic Training
<
57
Equality-Supporting Sneakers
Equality-Supporting Sneakers
Ruba Abu-Nimah Worked with Nike in Recreating the Air Force 1 Lows
<
56
Highlighter-Hued Baby Sneakers
Highlighter-Hued Baby Sneakers
Nike's Highlighter Air Force Ones are a Bold Summer Shoe Option
<
55
Sustainable Toddler Shoes
Sustainable Toddler Shoes
Freshly Picked Created a New Line of Boldly Illustrated Moccasins
<
54
Childhood-Inspired Sneaker Designs
Childhood-Inspired Sneaker Designs
Air Jordan 32s Pay Tribute to Michael Jordan's Childhood Home
<
53
Kids Mesh Slip-On Sneakers
Kids Mesh Slip-On Sneakers
Adidas' New Children's Superstar 360 Sneakers are Perfect for Summer
<
52
Heavy-Duty Spring Trail Shoes
Heavy-Duty Spring Trail Shoes
Eytys' Angel LWBG Shoes Gets a Brand New Tricolor Look for SS18
<
51
Laceless Cushioned Sneakers
Laceless Cushioned Sneakers
adidas' UltraBOOST Laceless Receives the Core Black Makeover
<
50
Marble-Inspired 90s Sneakers
Marble-Inspired 90s Sneakers
Axel Arigato's Popular 90s-Themed Sneakers Arrive in Pink and Lilac
<
49
Old-School Rapper Sneakers
Old-School Rapper Sneakers
Vans and A Tribe Called Quest Created a Limited Range of Shoes for Kids
<
48
Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes
Eco-Friendly Baby Shoes
Freshly Picked's New Spring Moccasins are Perfect for the Beach
<
47
Monochrome Metallic Platform Sneakers
Monochrome Metallic Platform Sneakers
Vans Unveiled a Pair of Sneakers in a Reflective Rose Gold
<
46
Disney Character-Themed Shoes
Disney Character-Themed Shoes
Chiara Ferragni Crafts Collaborative Minnie Mouse Shoes With Disney
<
45
Digitally Printed Sneakers
Digitally Printed Sneakers
Vans Unveils Its Second Japan Fabrics Collection Entitled MONALISA©
<
44
Colorful Classic Baby Sneakers
Colorful Classic Baby Sneakers
Nike's Air Max Tiny 90 Line Now Features Eight New Colorways
<
43
Pastel Toddler High-Tops
Pastel Toddler High-Tops
Nike's Vandal High Supreme Sneakers for Kids Have a Fun Colorway
<
42
Waterproof Knitted Leisure Shoes
Waterproof Knitted Leisure Shoes
360 Textile Technology's Footwear is Stylish & Performance-Driven
<
41
Breathable Skateboarding Shoes
Breathable Skateboarding Shoes
adidas Introduced Stylish & Performance-Oriented 3ST Silhouettes
<
40
Monochromatic Knit Hybrid Shoes
Monochromatic Knit Hybrid Shoes
adidas Unveils the F/22, Blending Casual Sneakers With Runners
<
39
Green-Accented Skate Shoes
Green-Accented Skate Shoes
Vans Pro Skate and Gilbert Crockett Joined to Rework a Crockette Pro 2
<
38
Filmic Anniversary Shoes
Filmic Anniversary Shoes
PF Flyer's Sandlot Anniversary Series Celebrates the Movie's 25th Year
<
37
Monochrome Elephant Print Sneakers
Monochrome Elephant Print Sneakers
Jordan Brand Unveiled a Sleekly Designed Air Jordan 3 Model
<
36
Sleek Futuristic Sneaker Silhouettes
Sleek Futuristic Sneaker Silhouettes
The New adidas W Arkyn are Fashionable Sci-Fi Footwear
<
35
Softened Rebellious Footwear Silhouettes
Softened Rebellious Footwear Silhouettes
The Dr. Martens x Engineered Garments Collab is Elegant
<
34
Collaborative Pink-Clad Clothing Lines
Collaborative Pink-Clad Clothing Lines
Lazy Oaf and Vans Have Released a Whimsical Collaboration
<
33
Rustic Pink Baby Sneakers
Rustic Pink Baby Sneakers
Nike's New Rust Pink Little Posite Sneakers are Comfortable and Stylish
<
32
DIY-Inspired Scribbled Sneakers
DIY-Inspired Scribbled Sneakers
Vetements' Graffiti Shoes are Creative and Very Edgy
<
31
Sustainable Printed Toddler Sneakers
Sustainable Printed Toddler Sneakers
Veja Shoes Created a Bold Collection of Sneakers for Kids
<
30
Streetwear-Inspired Youth Sandals
Streetwear-Inspired Youth Sandals
The Vans T Street Print Flip Flops Resemble Classic Sneakers
<
29
3D-Printed Volleyball Shoes
3D-Printed Volleyball Shoes
Peak Sport Created Shoes for the China Volleyball League All-Star Game
<
28
Adventure-Ready Apparel
Adventure-Ready Apparel
adidas' New Atric F/22 PK Prepares For Any Trekking Adventure
<
27
Luxurious High-End Baby Shoes
Luxurious High-End Baby Shoes
Gucci's New Stylish Leather Sneakers are Made Just for Babies
<
26
Recycled Gum-Created Sneakers
Recycled Gum-Created Sneakers
Explicit Wear Joined Iamsterdam and Gumdrop to Create the 'Gumshoe'
<
25
All-Women's Sneaker Boutiques
All-Women's Sneaker Boutiques
Nike's 'Unlaced' Exclusively Offers Women's Footwear
<
24
Versatile Hybrid Sandals
Versatile Hybrid Sandals
Falling Pieces' Low Sandal Arch Runner Juice is a Sneaker and a Slide
<
23
Hometown Celebration Sneakers
Hometown Celebration Sneakers
Hanon and Diadora Joined Forces to Celebrate Hanon's Roots
<
22
Doodle-Decorated Sneakers
Doodle-Decorated Sneakers
Puma and Shantell Martin Clyde Joined to Create Another New Design
<
21
Celebratory Minimalist Sneakers
Celebratory Minimalist Sneakers
10 Como Corso and Converse Celebrate Its 10-Year Anniversary
<
20
Luxe Motocross-Inspired Accessories
Luxe Motocross-Inspired Accessories
Givenchy's MC3 Line Delivers Apparel, Accessories and Shoes
<
19
Sleek Athletic Toddler Sneakers
Sleek Athletic Toddler Sneakers
Balenciaga's Kid Speed Trainers Have a Sock-Like Construction
<
18
Federal Space Agency Sneakers
Federal Space Agency Sneakers
NASA and Vans Joined to Create a Range of Exclusive Sneakers
<
17
Candy-Inspired Slide Shoes
Candy-Inspired Slide Shoes
These Shoes Have Been Styled After Popular Candy Bar Wrappers
<
16
Retro Stacked Sneaker Models
Retro Stacked Sneaker Models
Nike's Vandal Silhouette is Informed by Retro Vibes & Futuristism
<
15
Luxurious Grippy Tech Sneakers
Luxurious Grippy Tech Sneakers
The American's Cup Sneaker by Prada Comes in Three Colorways
<
14
Durable Lightweight Hiking Boots
Durable Lightweight Hiking Boots
Danner's Mountain 600 Enduroweave Boots are Waterproof Yet Airy
<
13
Hawaiian Cartoon Youth Shoes
Hawaiian Cartoon Youth Shoes
Disney's Lilo and Stitch Slip-On Sneakers are Perfect for the Summer
<
12
Futuristic Children's Shoe Designs
Futuristic Children's Shoe Designs
Akid's Line Features the Atticus Boot and Other Unique Options
<
11
Tonal Springtime Sneakers
Tonal Springtime Sneakers
Nike's Epic React Flyknits are Returning for Spring in New Colorways
<
10
Upcycled Ocean Plastic Sneakers
Upcycled Ocean Plastic Sneakers
adidas Introduces the New Ultraboost Parley LTD Sneakers
<
9
Breathable Knit Sneakers
Breathable Knit Sneakers
adidas Drops the Ultra Boost Clima Shoes Early for Coachella Travelers
<
8
High-Fashion Athletic Sneakers
High-Fashion Athletic Sneakers
The Louis Vuitton V.N.R. Style Costs an Extravagant $1,170
<
7
Mushroom Leather Sneakers
Mushroom Leather Sneakers
nat-2's 'Fungi Line' Introduces Luxe Vegan Shoes Made from Real Fungus
<
6
Eco-Friendly Yoga Lines
Eco-Friendly Yoga Lines
Adidas' Eco-Friendly Yoga Line is Made from Recycled Ocean Waste
<
5
Translucent Designer Sneakers
Translucent Designer Sneakers
Virgil Abloh Collaborates with Converse on a Clean Silhouette
<
4
80s-Inspired High Fashion Menswear
80s-Inspired High Fashion Menswear
Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2018 Boasts Men's Chunky Sneakers
<
3
Celebratory Luxury Sneakers
Celebratory Luxury Sneakers
Ceeze & Relevant Customs' Nike Air Jordan 1 Celebrate Abloh
<
2
Budget-Friendly Chunky Sneakers
Budget-Friendly Chunky Sneakers
N°21 Releases Tonal & Summer-Friendly Chunky Shoes
<
1
Millennial Pink Chunky Sneakers
Millennial Pink Chunky Sneakers
Ash's 'Addict' Sneaker is a Budget Alternative to Designer Styles
<