# Cat-Shaped Sandals These Adorable Feline Flip Flops are the Perfect Accessory for Any Cat Lover By Ell Smith | Published 2017-06-21 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cat-shaped-sandals References: [boingboing.net](http://boingboing.net/2017/06/20/cute-cat-shaped-geta-sandals-f.html) & [vvstore.jp](https://vvstore.jp/i/vv_000000000133147/) Novelty apparel has seen a surge in the past few years, creating the perfect environment for these cat-shaped sandals to capture the hearts of feline lovers everywhere. The shoes, which originated in Japan are an adorable twist on Geta sandals - popular footwear that sits somewhere between a [flip flop and a clog](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frog-clog) and are typically made with a wooden sole. These particularly playful shoes feature the silhouette of a cat, and are available in a variety of colors, allowing users to express their carefree nature with every step they take. The cat-shaped sandals are dubbed the 'Nyarageta' - a word derived from 'Nya' which means 'Meow,' 'Nara,' the city the shoes were made in and, naturally, geta, to pay homage to the shoe's inspiration. These [novelty shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-x-crocs-jibbitz) combine comfort and silliness, to put a playful twist on traditional apparel. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Novelty Apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create more unique and playful apparel items that cater to specific interests and hobbies. - **Feline Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a range of cat-themed fashion accessories to appeal to the growing market of cat lovers. - **Playful Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and market footwear that combines comfort and whimsical elements to bring fun and character to everyday shoes. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce unique and unconventional designs, such as cat-shaped sandals, to stand out in the competitive fashion industry. - **Pet Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a line of cat-themed products, including apparel and accessories, to cater to the growing demand for pet-related merchandise. - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop innovative and quirky shoe designs, like the cat-shaped sandals, to differentiate from traditional footwear options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cartoon-Inspired Cat Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-1.md) - [Platform Statement Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/8inch-flipflops.md) - [Pool Slide Heeled Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipped-flop.md) - [Pavement Brick Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unipaver.md) - [Unique Platform-Style Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/platformstyle-sandals.md) - [Eye-Adorned Furry Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyeball-mules.md) - [Creature-Themed Amphibian Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/esenes-worldwide-frog-clogs.md) - [Split-Toe Barefoot Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Humorous Cat Collectables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tired-cats-gachapon.md)