# Summer-Ready Supportive Slides STAPLE Launches a New Slide Model Resting on a Vibram Unit By Amy Duong | Published 2025-05-16 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-slide References: [vibram](https://www.vibram.com/us/technology/lifestyle/TECH_stratx.html)  STAPLE presents its new Slide model for the summer season in collaboration with Vibram. The fresh silhouette arrives with the technical StratX base which reimagines the brand's pigeon emblem in a wingspan-inspired upper. This makes it the first exclusive launch of StratX in America. The base is molded from a rubber sheet and then engineered through vacuum forming, which helps the sculptural and feathered form while giving it a durable and soft feel similar to leather. Staple reflects on the minimal design language, noting “We could’ve used printing, embroidery, or laser etching – but we asked ourselves, what if it was shaped and molded. Vibram’s innovative new StratX compound was the answer. Instead of adding design to a surface, we wanted to shape the surface itself.” Image Credit: Vibram ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 56% | Activity: 44% | Freshness: 41% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## 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 - **Innovative Slide Footwear:** The emergence of summer-ready slides featuring advanced molded bases marks a significant trend in combining fashion with function. - **Minimalist Design Language:** The choice to mold designs directly into the material rather than embellishing surfaces aligns with a broader trend towards sleek, minimalistic aesthetics in fashion. - **Collaborative Fashion-tech:** Collaborations between fashion brands and technology companies, like STAPLE and Vibram, demonstrate the increasing fusion of design with technical innovation in product development. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Footwear Industry:** The footwear industry is experiencing disruptions through the introduction of novel materials and constructing techniques that enhance both aesthetic and practical applications. - **Material Engineering:** Material engineering gains prominence in fashion, pushing boundaries with innovative compounds like Vibram's StratX used in functional and stylish designs. - **Fashion Collaborations:** Increased cross-industry collaborations reflect a shift in the fashion industry towards leveraging diverse expertise for cutting-edge product development. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stealthy Red-Tonal Sporty Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calm-slide-2.md) - [Luxurious Getaway Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/four-seasons-resort-orlando.md) - [Pool Slide Heeled Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flipped-flop.md) - [Camo-Patterned Summer Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/realtree-edition.md) - [Wardrobe-Style Luggage Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/drobe-luggage.md) - [Collaboration Snack-Inspired Slides](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ground-up-and-pepsico.md) - [Colorful Dynamic Acoustic Playgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/otonomori.md) - [Comfortable Spring-Forward Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clarks-offers-spring-comfort.md) - [Premium Slip-On Loafers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slide-loafer.md)