# Snakeskin Sneakers Japanese Vans Spring 2009 Collection is Pimptastic By Rafael Srur Guarilha | Published 2009-02-10 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snake-skin-vans-spring-2009-japanese-collection References: [freshngood](http://www.freshngood.com/?p=2451) & [item.rakuten.co.jp](http://item.rakuten.co.jp/ripe/van-450165/) I just ran into these beautiful sneakers made of [snakeskin](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snakeskin-colorway-3) (synthetic, perhaps?) and available only in Japan. They're just gorgeous. I guess Japan is a big market, maybe the largest, for sneakers. We all know how avant-garde [Japanese style](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hender-scheme-2) is, but they could sell these special-edition gems all over the world, couldn't they? Thinking again, it's better off that they're only available in Japan, or I would spend all my money on these [exclusive sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker-1)! **Implications** - Customers are becoming increasingly interested in items that combine comfort with luxury. By enhancing an already established item with elaborate and luxurious design, a company can appeal to buyers who are financially conscious during the credit crunch but still place importance on sophisticated design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 54% | Activity: 51% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## 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 - **Luxury Comfort Items:** Companies can capitalize on combining comfort with luxury to appeal to buyers during the credit crunch. - **Exclusive Products:** Offering special-edition products can create demand and increase sales. - **Avant-garde Fashion:** Japanese style can be a trendsetter for avant-garde fashion designs and styles. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fashion:** The fashion industry can capitalize on designing luxurious products with a comfortable twist. - **Footwear:** The footwear industry can benefit from producing exclusive special-edition products. - **International Trade:** Import/export companies can benefit from facilitating the distribution of avant-garde fashion from Japan to other parts of the world. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Stylish Snakeskin Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/python-sambas.md) - [Japanese Artwork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/converse-allstar.md) - [Leather Base Layered Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-vomero-5-5.md) - [Animal-Inspired Patterned Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/snakeskin-colorway-2.md) - [Scale Texture Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/year-of-the-snake.md) - [Minimalist New Year Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-year-of-the-snake-cloudtilt.md) - [Formally Transformed Skate Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mastery-atelier.md) - [Snake-Honoring Whimsical Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-jordan-11-low.md) - [Dramatically Shaped Luxe Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reptile-sneaker.md)