# Enhancing Utility A desire for aesthetics prompts visually enhanced functional goods. By [Tana Makmanee](https://www.trendhunter.com/tmak), SVP, Research Services at Trend Hunter | Published Feb 18, 2014, updated Apr 8, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/enhancing-utility ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.6/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Enhancing Utility trend? **Enhancing Utility:** While practicality is key when it comes to footwear choices, societal pressures of beauty has prompted consumers to look beyond function, toward more enhanced overall aesthetics. Unassuming waterproof shoes allow consumers to wear footwear designs that aren't physically restricted, combining convenient weather-resistant features with the need to stay fashionably relevant. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 28, 2013 to Feb 16, 2014 - Published: Feb 18, 2014 - Patterns: [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Enhancing Utility trend ### Fashionable Waterproof Shoes The trend of combining practicality with aesthetics in footwear design has emerged, prompting the creation of fashion-forward waterproof shoes. ### Athletic-Inspired Rugged Boots The trend of combining athletic and rugged design influences in cold-weather footwear has emerged, offering a versatile look that can handle extreme conditions. ### Sleek and Stylish Rain Boots The trend of creating rain boots that are both practical and stylish has emerged, resulting in sleek, ankle-cut designs with added features such as IceLock technology. ## What the Enhancing Utility trend means for industry ### For Footwear Manufacturing Footwear manufacturers can take advantage of the trends in fashionable waterproof shoes, athletic-inspired rugged boots, and sleek and stylish rain boots to produce innovative designs imbued with practicality and aesthetic appeal. ### For Outdoor Retail Outdoor retail businesses can leverage the trends in athletic-inspired rugged boots and sleek and stylish rain boots to provide customers with high-performance footwear that meets their fashion and functional needs. ### For Fashion and Lifestyle Fashion and lifestyle retailers can use the trend of fashionable waterproof shoes to cater to consumers' desire for practical and stylish footwear that fits their routine and fashion preferences. ## Trend signals for Enhancing Utility Trend score 4.6 out of 10, from popularity 66%, activity 65%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 66% - Activity: 65% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Enhancing Utility trend 6 featured examples from Apr 28, 2013 to Feb 16, 2014. - [Invisible Combat Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeffrey-campbell-combat-boots): The Jeffrey Campbell Combat Boots are Seemingly Non-Existent (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce crystal-clear footwear as a new trend in the fashion industry. - [Athletic-Inspired Rugged Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/palladium-2013): The Palladium 2013 Fall/Winter Collection is Fresh (Category: Fashion) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce rugged and athletic-inspired designs into the fashion industry for a unique style and functional combination. - [Waterproof Deck Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crocs-beach-line-boat-shoe): The Crocs Beach Line Boat Shoe are Stylish and Practical Alternatives (Category: Fashion) Implication: The Crocs Beach Line Boat Shoe is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the footwear industry to capitalize on the growing demand for fashion-forward, yet functional and comfort… - [Waterproof Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swims-waterproof-loafers): These Swims Waterproof Loafers Will Keep You Looking Cool This Summer (Category: Fashion) Implication: Fashion brands can create water-resistant clothing and footwear like the Swims waterproof loafers for people who frequently visit wet environments or have active lifestyles that r… - [Versatile Waterproof Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/summer-loafers): The SWIMS Summer Loafers for 2013 are Durable Shoes (Category: Fashion) Implication: Potential for companies in the footwear industry to explore durable and waterproof shoe designs. - [Sleek Nordic Rain Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unikia-nordic-grip-wets): The Unikia Nordic Grip Wets are Comfortable and Stylish (Category: Fashion) Implication: The Unikia Nordic Grip Wets highlight an opportunity for footwear companies to tap into the market for stylish and comfortable rain boots. ## Recent trend clusters - [Scaled Restraint](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/small-luxury-watches) (Fashion) - [Sneaker Theater](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sneaker-theater) (Fashion) - [Ritual Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ritual-systems) (Fashion) - [Athletic Styling](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/athletic-styling) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Paisley-Shelled Collector Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paisley-shelled-collector-sneakers) - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Modular Winter Wardrobes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moose-knuckles-fallwinter-2026) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)