# Generational Footwear Instead of fit or function, brands use time periods as inspiration. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Oct 15, 2014 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/generational-shoes ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.4/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Generational Footwear trend? **Generational Footwear:** Although the cyclical nature of fashion is nothing new, brands are using the quintessential aesthetics of specific generations -- past or future -- in design for aesthetic appeal. This approach to design targets consumers more concerned with aesthetics rather than functionality. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Sep 10, 2013 to Sep 24, 2014 - Published: Oct 15, 2014 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Tribalism](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/tribalism), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Generational Footwear trend ### Generational Aesthetics Designers are using the aesthetics of specific generations to target consumers concerned with style first, function second. ### Eco-Friendly Materials Fashion brands are incorporating environmentally conscious materials into their products. ### Futuristic Designs Shoe designs are embracing sci-fi, lunar-like and geometric shapes that feature spikes, graphic patterns and wavy soles. ## What the Generational Footwear trend means for industry ### For Fashion New fashion trends are embracing generational aesthetics and eco-friendly materials as well as futuristic designs. ### For Sustainability Rapidly changing fashion trends raise serious questions about sustainability in the fashion industry. ### For Retail Footwear retailers need to adapt to changing trends by embracing new styles and shifting to eco-friendly options. ## Trend signals for Generational Footwear Trend score 4.4 out of 10, from popularity 50%, activity 74%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 50% - Activity: 74% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Generational Footwear trend 5 featured examples from Sep 10, 2013 to Sep 24, 2014. - [Graphic Futuristic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-originals-fallwinter-2014): The Adidas Originals Fall/Winter 2014 is Looking to Change the Game (Category: Fashion) Implication: The footwear industry can look at incorporating trendy graphics and new materials to traditional silhouettes for a fresh approach to product design. - [Futuristically Spiky Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-free-orbit-ii-sp): The Nike Free Orbit II SP is a Stylish Cool Grey Slip-On Sneaker (Category: Fashion) Implication: The athletic footwear industry can tap into the trend of futuristic footwear and leverage disruptive innovation in materials, performance-enhancing features, and smart technology… - [Ornate 80s-Themed Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/irregular-choice-goody-two-shoes): These Irregular Choice Goody Two Shoes Reveal Jewelled Accents (Category: Fashion) Implication: Explore opportunities in the fashion industry to design and create bold, daring and comfortable statement footwear that's both practical and over the top with colorful fabrics, je… - [Retrospective Luxury Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/christian-louboutin-slippers): These Christian Louboutin Slippers Mimic Traditional Japanese Shoes (Category: Fashion) Implication: Luxury fashion brands can look to collaborate with artists and cultures outside of their own to create unique and innovative products. - [30s-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/coclico): Coclico Designs Long-Lasting Shoes Made for Rigors of Modern Urban Life (Category: Fashion) Implication: The fashion industry can adopt eco-friendly practices and incorporate vintage elements to create footwear that appeals to consumers desiring both style and social responsibility. ## Recent trend clusters - [Aromatic Utility](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aromatic-utility) (Fashion) - [Channel Blending](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/channel-blending) (Fashion) - [Aromatic Bodycare](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/aromatic-bodycare) (Fashion) - [Smile Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smile-cosmetics) (Fashion) ## Trending in Fashion - [Fruit-Inspired Digital Watches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/themed-wristwatches) - [Athlete Beauty Ambassadorships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/athlete-beauty-ambassadorships) - [Elegant Bookbinding-Inspired Shoulder Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boky-bag) - [’90s-Inspired Fall Essentials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-and-jason-bolden) All articles: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion)