# Hybrid Open-Air Footwear The 'Link' Flip-Flop Shoes Keep Feet Ventilated and Supported By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2019-05-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipflop-shoes References: [thegadgetflow](https://thegadgetflow.com/portfolio/flip-flop-shoes/) & [indiegogo](https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/link-the-world-s-first-flip-shoe/) The 'Link' flip-flop shoes are a hybrid footwear design that aims to merge the aesthetics of a traditional [slip-on shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/purechill) with the ventilation capabilities of a sandal. The shoes feature a closed-toe design that will keep all sections of the sole protected from potential hazards when traversing the urban landscape. The [open-air design of the footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birki-flow), however, doesn't feature any top cover sections to let feet breathe during wear and let wearers enjoy the comfort of sandals. The 'Link' flip-flop shoes are positioned as a more durable solution for consumers to wear in warm weather compared to [traditional flip-flop sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flipflops). The shoes also offer optimal support to prevent pronation problems from developing when wearing less protective footwear. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.5/10 - Popularity: 92% | Activity: 95% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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's Driving This Trend - **Hybrid Footwear Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new shoe designs that combine the aesthetics of slip-on shoes with the comfort and ventilation of sandals. - **Closed-toe Protection:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create closed-toe designs that provide full sole protection for urban wear while ensuring breathability for comfort. - **Durable Warm Weather Footwear:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Invent more durable alternatives to traditional flip-flop sandals that offer increased support and protection against pronation problems. ### Who This Affects Most - **Footwear Manufacturing:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new materials and technologies to develop hybrid footwear designs that cater to the demands of consumers for both aesthetics and functionality. - **Outdoor Gear and Apparel:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design and produce closed-toe footwear options that offer protection and breathability, specifically targeting urban adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts. - **Wellness and Orthopedic Products:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop orthopedic footwear solutions that provide support and prevent pronation problems, creating new options for individuals seeking comfortable and protective warm weather footwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ergonomic 3D-Printed Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flip-flops.md) - [Pool Slide Heeled Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipped-flop.md) - [Eco-Conscious Hybrid Sneaker Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-hopara-2.md) - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [Pavement Brick Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unipaver.md) - [3d-Printed Collab Flip Flops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-flipflops.md) - [Split-Toe Barefoot Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Lifestyle Foam-Based Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-balance-sandal.md) - [Ventilated Heel-Strapped Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birki-flow.md)