# Virtual Footwear Virtual technologies are enhancing interactivity in the footwear industry. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 15, 2017 | Category: [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/style-and-fashion-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-footwear ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 5 ## What is the Virtual Footwear trend? **Virtual Footwear:** The inclusion of scanning and augmented reality technologies into the footwear industry, whether for artistic purposes or for design-related functions, serves to enhance relationships between brands and their already-passionate consumers. Infusing a greater level of interactivity into consumers' purchase journeys solidifies this industry's commitment to both form and functionality, as well as optimizing consumer experience. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 5 featured examples - Articles from: Aug 27, 2016 to Apr 10, 2018 - Published: Nov 15, 2017 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence), [Redirection](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/redirection) - Megatrends: [Multisensation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/multisensation), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience), [Artificial Intelligence](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/artificial-intelligence) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Footwear trend ### Virtual Technologies in Footwear Industry The integration of virtual technologies, such as scanning and augmented reality, into the footwear industry enhances the consumer's purchase journey, solidifying the industry's commitment to both form and functionality. ### Personalized Footwear Design The ability to create custom footwear designs on the spot is a time-efficient way for brands to offer one-of-a-kind products to consumers. ### AR Unboxing Experiences Creating augmented reality unboxing experiences as a standalone phenomenon creates a differentiated and unique opportunity to showcase a product virtually. ## What the Virtual Footwear trend means for industry ### For Retail Industry The retail industry can explore integrating virtual technologies to enhance consumer experience and offer personalized, one-of-a-kind products. ### For Footwear Industry The footwear industry can leverage technologies such as foot shape scanners and AR sneakers to address fit issues and distinguish themselves from competitors. ### For Marketing Industry The marketing industry can utilize AR unboxing experiences as a unique way to introduce and promote products, creating a differentiated experience for consumers. ## Workshop question How can your brand infuse interactive tech into consumers' purchase journeys? ## Trend signals for Virtual Footwear Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 85%, activity 63%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 85% - Activity: 63% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Virtual Footwear trend 5 featured examples from Aug 27, 2016 to Apr 10, 2018. - [In-Store Sneaker Creators](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-makers-experience): The 'Nike Makers Experience' Lets Consumers Create One-of-a-Kind Shoes (Category: Business) Implication: Integrating on-site customization tech into brick and mortar stores is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry. - [AR Unboxing Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-deerupt): adidas' Deerupt Sneaker Can Be Discovered Online with a Virtual Reveal (Category: Fashion) Implication: Retailers can utilize augmented reality unboxing to enhance the digital shopping experience and showcase products in an engaging and interactive way. - [Foot Shape Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foot-shape-scanner): Volumental's Device Addresses Fit for Online Shoe Shopping (Category: Business) Implication: Integrating foot shape scanner technology into e-commerce platforms can revolutionize online shoe shopping by addressing fit concerns and reducing return rates. - [Virtual Shoe-Fitting Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shoe-fitting): Department Store Isetan Uses a Flickfit 3D Scanner to Measure Feet (Category: Business) Implication: The virtual shoe-fitting trend can disrupt the retail industry, particularly in footwear, by improving the accuracy of sizing recommendations and reducing the need for physical tr… - [Augmented Reality Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-tech-sneakers): The Monte Z High-Tech Sneakers Have a Design That Comes to Life in AR (Category: Fashion) Implication: Innovative fashion retailers can develop AR features and elements in their products to attract and retain customers. ## 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)