# Safety-Focused Shoe Designs Vans Vault Launches Sneakers with Built-In Ankle Guards By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-06-22 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ankle-guard References: [highsnobiety](https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/vans-taka-hayashi-ankle-guard/) Vans has a long history of being associated with skateboarding, a relationship dating back to the brand's founding in 1966—so, it really comes as no surprise that these sneakers with built-in ankle guards are attributed to the label. Launched as part of [Vans Vault](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ave-20), these innovative and somewhat absurd shoes build on top of the [Vans Era silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-souvenir). Taka Hayashi, a "prolific Californian artist, and Vans Vault designer," is responsible for the wacky model that is sure to gather a lot of attention from [sneakerheads and skaters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover) alike. Although the ankle guards are certainly not capable of preventing a rolled ankle, they will offer some protection "in case of a botched trick." Additionally, the ankle guards have a built-in secret pocket that skaters can use to transport cash, snacks, and other things. Image Credit: Vans ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 91% | Activity: 86% | Freshness: 16% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Safety-focused Shoe Designs:** These sneakers with built-in ankle guards offer innovative safety features for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. - **Skateboarding Sneaker Innovation:** Vans Vault's ankle guard sneakers demonstrate disruptive innovation in skateboarding footwear. - **Functionality and Style Integration:** The inclusion of a secret pocket in the ankle guards showcases an innovative blend of practicality and fashion. ### Where This Applies - **Athletic Footwear:** The safety-focused features of these sneakers provide opportunities for disruptive innovation in the athletic footwear industry. - **Skateboarding Equipment:** The inclusion of ankle guards in these sneakers presents potential for innovation in skateboarding protective gear. - **Fashion Accessories:** The incorporation of secret pockets in shoe designs suggests disruptive innovation possibilities in the fashion accessory market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hybrid Skate Slip-On Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erap-shoe.md) - [Advanced Skate-Centric Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ave-20.md) - [Ultra-Durable Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authentichtvibram.md) - [All-Over Patterned Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anarchy-is-the-key.md) - [Rugged Sole Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sk8hi-shoe.md) - [Weatherproof Skateboard Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-lx-old-skool-36-goretex.md) - [Textural Update Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zhang-quan-1.md) - [Knitted Heritage Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knit-pack.md) - [Winter-Ready Skateboard Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-old-skool-premium-goretex.md)