# Wetsuit-Ready Shoes The Neoprene Eras by Vans Keep the Waves Your Feet By Sophia Pelka | Published 2012-02-02 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neoprene-eras-by-vans References: [nylonguysmagazine.tumblr](http://nylonguysmagazine.tumblr.com/post/16921206934/vans-neoprene-era) & [vansdqm](http://www.vansdqm.com/index.php/news/entry/neoprene_eras) The Neoprene Era sneaker by Vans are a surfer’s dream. The iconic silhouette of the Era is maintained, but taken in a modern direction with the technical fabric. Neoprene is traditionally used for wetsuits, suitable for such due to its flexibility and water-resistant capabilities. The fabric will increase the mobility of the Era sneaker, creating a dual-functioning style. The line comes in three tri-toned color looks. The combination of blacks, greys and beachy brights keep the shoes street worthy and boardwalk ready. The best part? Though uber-stylish and new, the kicks are only $50. Chris Keeffe, founder and owner of DQM, describes the company on its site, “Southern California meets New York. Vans meets DQM. Welcome to The General.” The cultural mashup is genius and oh-so stylish. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Wetsuit-ready Shoes:** The Neoprene Era sneaker by Vans is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the footwear industry, combining style and functionality with the use of technical fabric. - **Dual-functioning Style:** The mobility-enhancing capabilities of the Neoprene Era sneaker present a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry, allowing for versatile and comfortable footwear. - **Tri-toned Color Looks:** The combination of blacks, greys, and beachy brights in the Neoprene Era sneaker line offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry, creating visually appealing and trendy footwear options. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear:** The Neoprene Era sneaker by Vans presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the footwear industry, integrating technical fabrics and functionality in stylish designs. - **Fashion:** The Neoprene Era sneaker by Vans is a disruptive innovation opportunity for the fashion industry, combining style, functionality, and versatile color options. - **Surfing:** The Neoprene Era sneaker by Vans offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for the surfing industry, providing surfers with comfortable and water-resistant footwear for the beach and beyond. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Weatherproof Skateboard Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-lx-old-skool-36-goretex.md) - [Winter-Ready Skateboard Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-old-skool-premium-goretex.md) - [Branded Weatherproof Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-mte-crosspath-xc-gtx-sneaker.md) - [Ultra-Durable Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authentichtvibram.md) - [Halocline Waterproof Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterproofshoe.md) - [Advanced Rugged Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mte-crosspath-1.md) - [Formal Skate Boat Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-2-eyelet.md) - [Retro Patterned Collaborative Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/era-skool.md) - [Streetwear Skate Remixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future.md)