# Barefoot-Inspired Walking Shoes The Conceptual 'Rainforest Walk' Shoes are Beneficial By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2022-03-22 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rainforest-walk-shoes References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2022/03/21/rainforest-walk-concept-shoes-deliver-barefoot-walking-benefits/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rainforest-walk-concept-shoes-deliver-barefoot-walking-benefits) Walking barefoot is favored by many athletes and hikers alike but comes with challenges depending on the environment, which is something the conceptual 'Rainforest Walk' shoes take into account. Designed by Aaron Street, the shoes are intended to help the wearer enjoy the benefits of [barefoot walking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-motus-strength-ii) while still enjoying the supportive and protective experience that footwear offers. This is achieved with a series of strategically placed straps and supports that are influenced by the muscles and tendons in the feet. The conceptual 'Rainforest Walk' shoes allow for walking in a natural way to help offer wearers an alternative to traditional footwear and going completely barefoot. The shoes speak to an increased interest in more [naturally influenced fashion products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobiome-tabi-gen-01-sandal) as consumers seek out ways to support the body's natural form. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 79% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: 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 ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Barefoot-inspired Footwear:** This trend is disrupting the traditional footwear industry by offering a more natural and supportive alternative for wearers. - **Strategically-placed Supports:** This trend is disrupting traditional footwear design by incorporating the natural positioning of muscles and tendons in the feet to enhance the walking experience. - **Natural Fashion Products:** This trend is disrupting the fashion industry by catering to consumers who are seeking out more nature-inspired products to support their body's natural form. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can disrupt itself by embracing barefoot-inspired designs and incorporating strategically-placed supports for a more natural walking experience. - **Athletic Apparel:** The athletic apparel industry can disrupt itself by incorporating barefoot-inspired footwear into their product lines to cater to consumers who value a more natural and supportive walking experience. - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can disrupt itself by creating more nature-inspired products, like the conceptual 'Rainforest Walk' shoes, to cater to consumers seeking out products that support their natural form. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [Flexible Grounding Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-grounding-shoes.md) - [Anatomical Shoe Ranges](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/birchbury-bramford.md) - [Off-Road Barefoot Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-tracker-textile-at-ii.md) - [Biomimicry Hiking Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-jungle-esc.md) - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Slim-Fitting Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minimus-trail.md) - [Flexible Barefoot Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-barefoot-footwear.md) - [Supportive Children’s Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wander-shoe.md)