# Sleek Futuristic Footwear Silhouettes The Birkenstocks x Rick Owens Collab is Unconventional By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-07-26 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/futuristic-footwear1 References: [designtaxi](http://designtaxi.com/news/400270/Most-Futuristic-Birkenstock-Design-Ever-Seen-Teased-By-Designer-Rick-Owens/) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/birkenstock/) When it comes to futuristic footwear, one will unlikely think of Birkenstocks — the German company that popularized the comfortable buckle-accented slip-ons. However, for Spring/Summer 2019, the cult-favorite brand partners up with American designer Rick Owens. The result of the collaboration is an incredibly [futuristic footwear silhouette](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-future-clog) that is largely unconventional for [Birkenstock's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1774-line) style. The model boasts a high-top construction with an oversized tongue that sparks curiosity and an intended stylistic abnormality. The Birkenstock x Rick Owens silhouette is made to have a white upper with subtle hits of black and a reflective metallic nuance. The futuristic footwear design is completed with a [Velcro](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-mafate-three2) strap. Needless to say, the sneakers will definitely surprise the unexpecting audience and will serve as a strong fashion-forward embellishment to the tech-inspired outfit. Photo Credits: [Rick Owens](https://www.instagram.com/rickowensonline/?utm_source=ig_embed) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Futuristic Fashion Collaboration:** The collaboration between Birkenstock and Rick Owens presents an opportunity for fashion brands to cross-industry collaborate and create futuristic designs. - **Futuristic Footwear Design:** The Birkenstock x Rick Owens collaboration offers opportunities for footwear brands to incorporate unique and eye-catching designs into their collections. - **Unconventional Aesthetics:** Birkenstock's unconventional footwear design demonstrates an opportunity for brands to think outside of the box and experiment with unexpected aesthetics. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The Birkenstock x Rick Owens collaboration highlights a potential for fashion brands to explore unconventional styles and collaborate with unlikely partners. - **Footwear:** The unique design of the Birkenstock x Rick Owens shoe presents an opportunity for footwear brands to create attention-grabbing and innovative designs. - **Tech Fashion:** The futuristic aesthetic of the Birkenstock x Rick Owens shoe demonstrates an opportunity for fashion brands to incorporate tech-inspired designs and materials into their collections. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxurious Ergonomic Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1774-line.md) - [Bulbous Collaboration Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/adidas-x-avavav-moonrubber-megaride.md) - [Spring-Ready Intricately Laced Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megalaced-mule.md) - [Boundary-Pushing Footwear Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oakley-factory-team-x-brain-dead.md) - [Bird Feather-Inspired Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kiss-boots.md) - [Collaborative Otherworldly Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salehe-bembury-x-crocs-pollex-juniper.md) - [Rugged Hybrid Trail Clogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reykjavik-clog.md) - [Statement Footwear Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gmbh-and-axel-arigato.md) - [Textured Buckle Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/off-the-grid-pack.md)