# Lightweight Natural Alignment Footwear The 'Feelgrounds' Barefoot Shoes Have an Ultra-Thin Outsole By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-05-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/barefoot-shoe References: [thegadgetflow](https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/minimalist-barefoot-shoes/) & [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/feelgrounds-first-barefoot-shoes-that-look-great?utm_source=GadgetFlow&utm_medium=GadgetFlow&utm_campaign=GadgetFlow&utm_content=GadgetFlow#/) The 'Feelgrounds' barefoot shoes are an intentionally [minimalist footwear option](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vsoul-foot-map) for consumers who looking for a better way to maintain comfort and natural alignment when enjoying time outdoors. The shoes feature a wide toe box to let the foot naturally splay with every step, while the ultra-thin sole provides the wearer with ground feel feedback. This speaks to the rising popularity of [barefoot running and working out](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-motus-strength-ii) as consumers seek out naturalistic ways to achieve proper bodily alignment. The 'Feelgrounds' barefoot shoes are crafted from a recycled PET material that's lightweight and also vegan-friendly, while the footwear design as a whole is durable, breathable and also [slip-resistant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-gobi-wavey-mule). Machine-washable and suitable for consumers of all genders, the shoes come in 14 sizes and seven different color options. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.7/10 - Popularity: 22% | Activity: 20% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## 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 - **Barefoot Running:** The rising popularity of barefoot running and working out as consumers seek out naturalistic ways to achieve proper bodily alignment presents an opportunity for innovative footwear designs. - **Minimalist Footwear:** Consumers looking for a better way to maintain comfort and natural alignment when enjoying time outdoors are driving the demand for intentionally minimalist footwear options. - **Sustainable Footwear:** The use of recycled PET material in the 'Feelgrounds' barefoot shoes highlights the growing interest in sustainable and eco-friendly footwear choices. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletic Footwear:** The barefoot running trend presents a disruption opportunity for the athletic footwear industry to develop new shoe designs that prioritize comfort and natural alignment. - **Outdoor Gear:** The demand for minimalist footwear for outdoor activities such as hiking and camping creates a potential market for innovative designs that balance natural alignment with durability and slip resistance. - **Eco-friendly Fashion:** The use of recycled materials in the 'Feelgrounds' barefoot shoes taps into the sustainable fashion movement, offering an opportunity for the industry to develop more environmentally conscious footwear options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [Flexible Grounding Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-grounding-shoes.md) - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Flexible Barefoot Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-barefoot-footwear.md) - [Slim-Fitting Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimus-trail.md) - [Anatomical Shoe Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birchbury-bramford.md) - [Flexible Ergonomically Designed Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vlomfy-actmos.md) - [Ergonomic Scan-to-Print Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Scan-to-Print Custom Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome.md)