# Twisted Ankle Tie-Ups The Gourmet Side-Lace Boot Offers an Unusual Option for Fall Footwear By Jaime Neely | Published 2011-07-30 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gourmet-side-lace-boot References: [freshnessmag](http://www.freshnessmag.com/2011/07/27/gourmet-fall-2011-lifestyling-collection-behind-the-scenes-look/) & [gourmetfootwear](http://gourmetfootwear.com/) The new Gourmet Side-Lace Boot, part of the collection's new 'Lifestyle' line for the upcoming fall and winter, offers an unusual twist. The boot, which features a nude rubber sole and a brown [leather exterior](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unisex-leather-boot), is tied up in a rather [peculiar way](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/megalaced-mule): the [laces are situated on the side](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lace-up) of the foot, as opposed to the top. The Lifestyle collection features plenty of different footwear options, some formal and some casual, but the Gourmet Side-Lace Boot is definitely the brand's most noteworthy. It offers the perfect fusion of form and function, and would look great with nearly any casual outfit. **Implications** - Businesses that offer products with unusual or peculiar qualities will appeal to individuals looking to distinguish themselves among their peers. Consumers such as these will likely invest in the products with the most outlandish qualities. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 28% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Unusual Footwear:** Opportunity for businesses to create footwear with unique and unexpected features, appealing to consumers looking for distinctive fashion statements. - **Side-lace Design:** Potential for businesses to explore alternative lacing methods for footwear, providing a fresh and innovative twist to traditional shoe designs. - **Form and Function Fusion:** Businesses can capitalize on the demand for products that offer both style and practicality, creating versatile options that cater to consumers' lifestyle needs. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** Fashion industry professionals can take advantage of the trend of unique footwear by designing and producing unconventional shoe styles. - **Footwear:** Opportunity for footwear manufacturers to introduce side-lace designs as a new trend in the market, catering to consumers seeking innovative and distinctive options. - **Retail:** Retailers can tap into the demand for fusion products that combine fashion and functionality, offering a wide range of versatile options for consumers looking for practical yet stylish footwear. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Unique Footwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/john-fluevog.md) - [Blockish Tread-Covered Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mschf-24-boot.md) - [Ultra-Elegant Unisex Leather Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unisex-leather-boot.md) - [Relaxed Hybrid Design Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luca-chelsea-sneaker-boot.md) - [Hybrid Sneaker-Inspired Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/luca-chukka-sneaker-boot.md) - [Sleek Western Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naked-wolfes-stark-boot.md) - [Laceless Technical Zipped Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/townt-ii.md) - [Textured Winter-Ready Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timberland-3.md) - [High Fashion Workwear Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-and-timberland.md)