# Water-Friendly Traveler Sandals The Gila Adventure Sandal Supports Optimal Performance Outdoors By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-08-10 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adventure-sandal References: [geeky-gadgets](https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/gila-performance-sandal-10-08-2022/) & [kickstarter](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/noah-swartz/gila-sustainable-adventure-sandal?utm_source=www.geeky-gadgets.com&utm_medium=kickbooster&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=65c0b13c&ref=czgvoy) The Gila adventure sandal is a durable, [water-friendly footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperport-h2-sandal) style created to deliver outdoor explorers a way to maintain their lifestyle. The sandals are characterized by their versatile construction that's completely adjustable to ensure a snug yet comfortable fit and are outfitted with [grippy outsoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handmade-sandals) to ensure they will work well on any terrain. The sandals provide traction and protection from the elements, but still support a wearer's connection with the ground to help them more deeply connect with nature during their adventures. The Gila adventure sandal is suitable for being repaired to give them a more [sustainable design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/targhee-apex) and make use of TENCEL for the strapping system to naturally tighten against the foot when wet to maximize stability. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 27% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 12% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Water-friendly Footwear:** There is an opportunity to innovate around footwear that is durable and water-friendly, such as incorporating more sustainable materials. - **Adjustable Outdoor Footwear:** The trend towards providing adjustable and comfortable outdoor footwear could be capitalized on, as consumers demand more comfortable and personalized options. - **Ground-connected Footwear:** There is an opportunity to innovate around footwear that allows wearers to feel more connected to the ground, potentially through more minimalist designs or materials. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Outdoor Gear and Apparel:** Companies in the outdoor gear and apparel industry could focus on developing more sustainable and comfortable footwear options for consumers. - **Athletic Footwear:** Athletic footwear brands could branch out into the outdoor adventure market, providing footwear that's adjustable, water-friendly, and offers protection and traction on any terrain. - **Sustainable Materials Manufacturing:** Industries focused on sustainable materials manufacturing could take advantage of the opportunity to collaborate with footwear brands to create strapping systems made of more environmentally friendly materials, such as TENCEL. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Trail Running Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teva-aventrail.md) - [Adventurous Outdoor Sandal Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/outdoor-sandal-collection.md) - [Minimalist Travel Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gewls-chiara-sandal.md) - [Lightweight Marine-Inspired Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyperport-h2-sandal.md) - [Geometrically Fluid Hiking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salomon-elixir-activ-mid-goretex.md) - [Lifestyle Foam-Based Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-sandal.md) - [Eco-Conscious Hybrid Sneaker Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-hopara-2.md) - [Timeless Travel-Inspired Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandal-collection.md) - [Functional Mermaid-Inspired Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/z1-design.md)