# Algae-Based Shoes Vivobarefoot is Making Shoes Out of an Eco-Friendly Algae-Based Foam By Ell Smith | Published 2017-05-24 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/algae-based-shoes References: [newatlas](http://newatlas.com/vivobarefoot-bloom-algae-shoes/49668/) & [bloomfoam](http://bloomfoam.com/) Shoe company [Vivobarefoot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-jungle-esc) is teaming up with the creators of an [eco-friendly plant-based material](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/norda-001a) to make a uniquely chic algae-based shoe. The material being used to make the shoe is called Bloom Foam, which is an eco-friendly foam that uses algae as opposed to petroleum. Algae is formed from an over abundance of nutrients in the water, which can lead to the deaths of marine life. In turn, the removal of the algae bloom for manufacturing can help with the protection of aquatic wildlife, as well as the environment. Yoga mats and surfboards have been made from the material, but Vivobarefoot's collaboration with Bloom Foam will make the [amphibious shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterproofshoe), dubbed 'The Ultra' the first of its kind. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 94% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Materials:** Opportunity to explore the use of innovative plant-based materials like algae foam in various industries. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Chance to disrupt the fashion industry by creating stylish and environmentally friendly footwear. - **Aquatic Wildlife Protection:** Potential for disruptive solutions in reducing harmful algae blooms and their impact on marine ecosystems. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** Innovative materials like algae foam can revolutionize the footwear industry in terms of sustainability and eco-friendliness. - **Sports and Outdoor Gear:** Integrating algae foam and other eco-friendly materials could lead to disruptive innovations in sports equipment and outdoor gear manufacturing. - **Health and Wellness:** Opportunity to develop eco-friendly materials for yoga mats and fitness products, promoting sustainability in the health and wellness industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Algae-Made Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vegan-slippers.md) - [Living Footwear Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jessica-thies-synthiesis.md) - [Petroleum Product-Free Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ripple-shoe.md) - [Compostable Sole Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swave-sport.md) - [Biomimicry Hiking Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-jungle-esc.md) - [Plant-Based Footwear Outsoles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/natural-rubber-outsoles.md) - [Eco-Friendly Sneaker Constructions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/melissa-1.md) - [Net Zero Carbon Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allbirds-m00nshot-zero.md) - [Sustainable Running Shoe Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/supernatural-runner.md)