# Faux Croc Kicks Vans Vault SK8-HI LXs Akita Exhibit Couture Influence By Christina Butty | Published 2009-07-31 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/faux-croc-kicks-vans-vault-sk8-hi-lxs-akita References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2009/07/vans-vault-2009-fall-akita-sk8-hi-lx/) & [apropersite](http://www.apropersite.com/) [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover) Vault SK8-HI LXs Akita sneakers are being released with a [faux crocodile print](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/red-croc) embossed on them. Perhaps it’s a nod to high fashion houses who have been using crocodile skins in everything from poker sets to overalls. The Vans Vault SK8-HI LXs Akitas come in three color options including off-white, black and red as well as black and white. If you’re interested in the Vans Vault SK8-HI LXs Akita, they’re already in stores at Vans vault dealers. It will be curious to see who ends up wearing the Vans Vault SK8-HI LXs Akita sneakers. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.0/10 - Popularity: 19% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Faux Croc Prints:** Faux crocodile prints are becoming a disruptive trend in the footwear industry and provide an opportunity for brands to offer cruelty-free alternatives to customers who want the look of exotic materials without harming animals. - **Embossing Techniques:** Embossing techniques are a rising trend in the footwear industry, as they give designers the ability to add texture and depth to shoes, opening up opportunities for creative expression and differentiation. - **Fashion-inspired Sneakers:** Fashion-inspired sneakers are a growing trend as clothing and footwear become more intertwined, creating opportunities for designers to collaborate with high-end fashion houses and expand their offerings beyond traditional athletic wear. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can take advantage of the trend towards more sustainable, cruelty-free materials like faux crocodile prints, which appeal to eco-conscious consumers looking for stylish and ethical alternatives. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can benefit from collaborations with sneaker brands like Vans that incorporate high-end fabrics and design details in their products, allowing for a wider range of style options and product offerings. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies that specialize in embossing techniques can offer their expertise to footwear and fashion designers looking to add texture and depth to their products, creating a unique selling proposition for their services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-otw-x-undercover.md) - [Dynamic Graphic Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sr-studio-la-ca.md) - [Formally Transformed Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastery-atelier.md) - [Collab Fashion Trainers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/valentino-x-vans.md) - [Fashion-Inspired Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-souvenir.md) - [Vibrant Rugged Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-varsity-collection.md) - [Premium Textural Skate Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skate-half-cab.md) - [All-Over Patterned Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anarchy-is-the-key.md) - [Formal Skate Boat Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-2-eyelet.md)