# Sock-Inspired Shoes These Fitted Shoes Feature More Protection Than Traditional Runners By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2015-08-13 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fitted-shoes References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2015/08/minimalist-footwear-protective-shoes-swiss-barefoot-company-free-your-feet.html) & [swissbarefootcompany.ch](http://swissbarefootcompany.ch/) The Swiss Barefoot Company recently launched a new line of fitted shoes that look like socks, but offer more protection than conventional runners. One of the most important reasons for wearing shoes is for the purpose of protecting our feet. These shoes offer superior protection for everything from running to mountain climbing. The new shoes are called 'Free Your Feet' and draw inspiration from the shape of a pair of socks. The fitted shoes are made from a knitted fabric that contains 46.5 percent Dyneema. While Dyneema is lightweight, this heavy-duty material is actually 15 times stronger than steel. The use of this unique fabric helps to provide impenetrable protection and improved grip. While the idea of five-toed shoes is nothing new, these fitted runners provide an unparalleled form of protection against the natural elements. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Fitted Shoes:** The trend of using fitted shoes that offer more protection than conventional runners is disrupting the shoe industry, presenting opportunities for companies to explore new materials and innovative design solutions. - **Dyneema Fabric:** The trend of using Dyneema fabric in shoe design presents an opportunity for companies to explore the use of this lightweight, high-strength material in other commercial applications such as protective gear or sportswear. - **Sock-inspired Design:** The trend of using sock-inspired design in shoes provides an innovative approach to traditional shoe design, presenting opportunities for companies to explore new design solutions and improved functionality. ### Who This Affects Most - **Shoe Industry:** The shoe industry is being disrupted by the innovative design solutions presented by fitted shoes and the use of Dyneema fabric. - **Protective Gear Industry:** The use of Dyneema fabric in shoe design presents opportunities for companies in the protective gear industry to explore new materials and innovative solutions. - **Sportswear Industry:** The trend of using sock-inspired design in shoe design presents opportunities for companies in the sportswear industry to explore new design solutions and improved functionality. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Merino Wool Sock Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uynner-hero-shoes.md) - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md) - [Off-Road Barefoot Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-tracker-textile-at-ii.md) - [Flexible Barefoot Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-barefoot-footwear.md) - [Superior Fit Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fuga-du-boa.md) - [Japanese Wrap-Inspired Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibrams-furoshiki-kicks.md) - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [Slim-Fitting Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimus-trail.md)