# Eco Cardboard-Made Sandals The Kami-waraji Sandals Have a Traditional Japanese Design By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2020-09-25 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kamiwaraji-sandals References: [homecrux](https://www.homecrux.com/kami-waraji-sandals-made-from-corrugated-cardboard/145419/) & [kamiwaraji.jp](https://kamiwaraji.jp/) The Kami-waraji sandals are an eco footwear creation by Creative Director of Penguin Inc. Masayuki Watanabe that aim to offer a traditional design with a more sustainable aesthetic. The footwear style is inspired by the traditional look of Waraji sandals from Japan that are commonly made from straw and feature a three millimeter base that is achieved with a five-layer cardboard construction. The sandals are paired with a set of 100% cotton straps to further enhance comfort and durability. The Kami-waraji sandals have an unconventional design that is further accentuated with a series of [traditional Japanese images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kyoto-tradition) on the bottom. The [recyclable sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-chaos) are perfect for providing to [hotel guests](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-senses-jute-slippers) or even on flights to help enhance comfort and be more sustainable to swap out after use. Image Credit: Kami-waraji ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 77% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Eco-friendly Footwear:** The rise of eco-conscious consumers presents an opportunity for innovative companies to create sustainable and biodegradable footwear options. - **Traditional-inspired Design:** Combining traditional aesthetics with modern materials allows for the creation of unique and culturally significant products that appeal to consumers looking for a mix of heritage and sustainability. - **Customizable Comfort:** Incorporating adjustable straps and ergonomic designs into footwear enables companies to offer personalized comfort options and cater to individual preferences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion/apparel:** The fashion industry can embrace eco-friendly materials and production methods to respond to the growing demand for sustainable and environmentally conscious products. - **Hospitality:** Hotels and airlines can provide guests with eco-friendly sandals as a thoughtful and sustainable amenity, enhancing the guest experience while reducing environmental impact. - **Tourism:** Tourism-related businesses can offer traditional-inspired, eco-friendly footwear options that appeal to tourists seeking culturally immersive experiences while minimizing their ecological footprint. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hemp Fabric Crafted Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/keen-x-gramicci.md) - [Versatile Handmade Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/handmade-sandals.md) - [Cardboard-Inspired Breathable Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/samba-cardboard.md) - [Ergonomic Scan-to-Print Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal.md) - [Sustainably Minded Straw Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bc-softwear.md) - [Eco-Conscious Hybrid Sneaker Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hoka-hopara-2.md) - [Custom Adaptive Slipper Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swapz-modular-slippers.md) - [Skateable Cardboard Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cardboard-chaos.md) - [Disposable Jute Hotel Slippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-senses-jute-slippers.md)