Category
Fashion
Aromatic Utility
Trend cluster
Category
Accessible
Sneaker
Brands are launching sneakers designed to accommodate people with disabilities.
5.0
Trend score
Trend
What is the Accessible Sneaker trend?
Accessible Sneaker: Mainstream brands are launching new footwear options designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities. These include sneakers with a hands-free design for those with limited dexterity as well as unique design details that focus on the senses of touch, sight, and sound for those who require sensory-focused accommodations.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Accessible Sneaker trend
Thanks to the activist work done by people with disabilities and their allies, there is now a greater awareness of the need to break institutional and physical barriers that prevent people with disabilities from living their lives like other citizens. As a result, consumers are demanding brands work towards inclusivity at all levels–from the products they manufacture to the employees they hire.
Trend themes
Themes within the Accessible Sneaker trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Inclusive Design
Brands are launching new footwear options designed to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
02
Sensory-Focused Design
Unique design details that focus on the senses of touch, sight, and sound for those who require sensory-focused accommodations.
03
Accessibility
Designs that make it easier for people with disabilities to buy footwear.
Industry implications
What the Accessible Sneaker trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Footwear
Mainstream and niche footwear brands are responding to demand for inclusive and accessible products.
For
Activism and Social Justice
Companies are facing greater pressure to address social justice issues and use products to promote awareness and activism.
For
E-commerce and Retail
Platform design that utilizes innovation to be more inclusive, and to capture customers that may have been overlooked otherwise.
Workshop question
How can your brand be more inclusive in the products or services you offer?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Accessible Sneaker
Trend score 5.0 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 73%, freshness 11%.
Popularity66%
Activity73%
Freshness11%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer (not a primary audience)
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Evidence
Examples of the Accessible Sneaker trend
6 featured examples from Aug 29, 2019 to Nov 17, 2021CategoryFashion
Disability-Accommodating Sneakers
The Nike Air Zoom UNVRS Allows for Easy Access and Wear
Exploring opportunities for designing inclusive sneakers to meet the needs of people with disabilities.
CategoryFashion
Accessibility-Focused Sneaker Designs
The Nike GO FlyEase is the First Hands-Free Shoe
Companies in the athletic footwear industry should consider developing more accessibility-focused shoe designs.
CategoryFashion
Adaptive No-Lace Sneakers
The Friendly Force Sneakers Were Designed with Accessibility in Mind
Industry can create varied designs and features for footwear to provide comfort and convenience for disabled individuals.
CategoryFashion
Sensory-Inclusive Sneakers
Vans Supports Autism Awareness with Its New Sneaker Collection
The integration of touch and sight design elements in Vans' sensory-inclusive sneakers presents an innovative opportunity for the fashion industry to elevate its product offerings…
CategorySocial Good
Disability-Focused Footwear Initiatives
Tmall Reintroduces Its Adaptive 'One Shoe Program'
The footwear industry can benefit from developing specialized products and platforms that cater to people with disabilities, who are often overlooked in mainstream markets.
CategoryFashion
Social Justice Joint Sneakers
Vans and Julian Klincewicz Collab on the Bold Ni LX Sneaker
Footwear brands exploring collaborations with artists and designers to create unique and socially-conscious products.
