# Iconic Cardboard Kicks Seattle-Based Artist Michael Leavitt Creates Cardboard Shoe Recreations By Allen Taylor | Published 2014-03-21 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-shoe References: [coolhunting](http://www.coolhunting.com/design/michael-leavitts-cardboard-kicks.php) & [intuitionkitchenproductions](http://intuitionkitchenproductions.com/) Seattle-based artist Micheal Leavitt created [cardboard shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-guitar-1) as a part of his project 'Hip Hoprojects.' The artist turns a simple material like cardboard into spectacular replicas of [popular shoe designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip). Leavitt chose to use cardboard as the material for the shoes because the trial and error process has barely any consequences; if he doesn't create the right shape for the sneaker the first time, he can simply toss the cardboard in a [recycling bin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shore) and grab another old cardboard box. Leavitt explains, "canvas and oil paints are pricey; traditional sculpture materials and tools are pricey. Sculpting with garbage is about as cheap as it gets." The shoes look realistic enough to wear. I wouldn't suggest trying to ball in the cardboard Js, even though they look legit. You might end up with a broken ankle or two. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.4/10 - Popularity: 57% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Cardboard Replicas:** Creating realistic replicas of popular shoe designs using cardboard offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional sculpture materials. - **Trial and Error Art:** Exploring the artistic process through trial and error with a material like cardboard allows for experimentation without significant consequences or expenses. - **Sustainable Sculpture:** Using recycled cardboard for sculptural creations promotes sustainability and reduces waste. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Art and Sculpture:** The art and sculpture industry can explore the use of innovative materials, like cardboard, for creating unique and sustainable artworks. - **Fashion and Footwear:** The fashion and footwear industry can find inspiration in the concept of cardboard replicas, incorporating sustainable design practices into their products. - **Eco-friendly Manufacturing:** Manufacturing industries can explore using recycled materials, such as cardboard, to create eco-friendly products and reduce their environmental impact. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Breathable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-cardboard.md) - [Packaging-Inspired Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-shoe.md) - [Sneaker-Inspired Chair Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/markvonrama.md) - [Cardboard Box-Transformed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-exhibition.md) - [Building Block Footwear Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lego-air-jordan-11.md) - [Upcycled Waste Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-furniture-design.md) - [Sneaker-Inspired Art Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drip.md) - [Discarded Shoe-Created Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wu-series.md)