# Soleful Suede Shoes Check Out these Artistic Images on the Sole of Merrell Ukiyo-E Shoes By Summer Luu | Published 2010-10-07 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-ukiyo-e-shoes References: [ohgizmo](http://www.ohgizmo.com/2010/10/07/these-japanese-merrells-have-a-beautiful-sole/) These [Merrell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-1) Ukiyo-E shoes feature artistically creative soles. Adorning these [casual walking shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jungle-moc-evo-vent-1trl) with Japanese illustrations, Merrell treats these kicks as a blank canvas for creativity. The suede shoes come in four different fun colors. The soles of the Merrell Ukiyo-E shoes feature designs of the 'Great Wave,' 'Swami' and 'Surfing [Penguin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoologist-penguin),' allowing you to leave beautiful footprints wherever you may go. **Implications** - Designing footwear is about creating eye-popping imagery. Sneakers have become a powerhouse in fashion due to outrageous designs that allow for true self expression. Brands have truly reinvented the urban aesthetic of sneakers, creating a fashion symbol that now crosses the line between elegance and casualty. Whether it's embedded visuals on the sole or classy leather, sneaker styles are becoming their own sector of fashion. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 49% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Artistic Footwear:** Footwear as a platform for artistic expression creates unique branding opportunities for fashion companies. - **Sneakers as Fashion:** The reinvention of sneakers as a fashion symbol opens up new markets and opportunities for designers. - **Personalized Shoes:** Customizable shoe designs allow customers to express their individuality and offer brands a competitive edge. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion:** Fashion companies can leverage the trend of artistic and personalized footwear to differentiate themselves in a crowded market. - **Footwear:** Footwear companies can experiment with unique designs and materials to create new, marketable products. - **Art:** The trend of using shoes as a canvas for art opens up new business opportunities for artists and designers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Vibrant Hand-Stitched Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kuon-and-sashiko-gals.md) - [Japanese Artwork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/converse-allstar.md) - [Artistic Naturally Dyed Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3sixteen-x-saucony-peregrine-15-gesso.md) - [Moccasin-Style Suede Slip-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/merrell-1trl-1.md) - [Eye-Adorned Furry Mules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eyeball-mules.md) - [Mossy Stone-Mirrored Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bravest-studio.md) - [Dynamic Sleek Technical Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jungle-moc-evo-vent-1trl.md) - [Earth-Toned Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xalp-suede-1.md) - [Patterned Puffy Artisanal Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/suicoke-and-story-mfg.md)