# Cardboard Shoes Decorative Craft Footwear Unfit for a Rainy Day By Cowbag | Published 2009-01-23 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crafty-footwear-cardboard-show-show References: [blog.makezine](http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/01/cardboard_shoe_show_in_nyc.html) & [intuitionkitchenproductions](http://intuitionkitchenproductions.com/shows/) Rather brilliantly, Mike Leavitt has produced a collection of cardboard shoes for his current show. I love this idea a LOT. It is also indicative of the idea that “what goes around comes around,” since at the start of the 20th century, cardboard shoes were considered everyday footwear. All the indications from this exhibition are that his shoes are pretty darn awesome. I just really wish they were real and you could wear them. **Implications** - Using unusual materials can be one of the most creative ways to put fresh spins on existing products. As opposed to trying to invent new products, companies should instead consider alternative ways to reinvent existing products -- just as Mike Leavitt has done with this collection of cardboard shoes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, 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 - **Alternative Material Products:** Companies should consider using unconventional materials to create and reinvent products, as seen in the cardboard shoes trend. - **Sustainable and Eco-friendly Fashion:** The use of cardboard for fashion items mirrors a larger trend of sustainable and eco-friendly fashion. - **Upcycling and DIY Craft Trends:** The cardboard shoes trend taps into the current upcycling and DIY craft trends, which presents opportunities for companies to develop new products and services that cater to this market. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion and Apparel:** The sustainable and eco-friendly fashion trend presents opportunities for fashion and apparel businesses to innovate their products and processes. - **Art and Design:** The cardboard shoes trend falls within the realm of art and design, highlighting opportunities for businesses to create unique and innovative products and services that cater to this market. - **Craft and DIY:** The upcycling and DIY craft trends present opportunities for businesses to tap into this market by offering products and services that cater to this niche market. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Cardboard-Inspired Ceramic Household Art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-collection.md) - [Cardboard Box-Transformed Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-exhibition.md) - [Packaging-Inspired Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/box-shoe.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Breathable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-cardboard.md) - [Upcycled Waste Material Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-furniture-design.md) - [Cardboard Box Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/karton-furniture-collection.md) - [Discarded Shoe-Created Stools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wu-series.md) - [Recycled Shoe-Made Furniture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison.md) - [Contemporary Upcycled Bright Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remix-maison-1.md)