# Geeky Gaming Pumps The 'Super Mario Wedge Heels' Will Stomp Out Goombas By Harris Jay Rosenberg Alterman | Published 2012-04-21 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-wedge-heels References: [geeksaresexy.net](http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2012/04/19/custom-painted-mario-wedge-shoes/marioshoes2/) & [facebook](http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.650659970246.2194405.20506178&type=3) The 'Super Mario Wedge Heels' by Kristina Leigh Howard are a geeky girl's dream. These pumps have been custom-painted to look like the landscapes of old school Super Mario levels. One level has been painted to look like the underground levels of Mario with a black background, blue blocks and blue Goombas. The other shoe is a daytime level with bright blue skies, a mushroom and a [bouncing star](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invincibility-star). Inside the shoes is a floral pattern, which is an interesting but welcomed contrast with the plumbers and giant green pipes. When Howard isn't making [gaming shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xbox-x-crocs), she is a costume designer and her work is avaible on her website. It's rumored that Howard will be releasing more [themed high heel designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hello-kitty-heel) soon. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 92% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/games) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Custom-painted Shoes:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in the customization of shoes by incorporating popular culture themes. - **Geeky Fashion:** Opportunity to tap into the market for fashion items that cater to geek and gaming enthusiasts. - **Themed High Heels:** Opportunity for creating high heel designs inspired by various themes from popular culture. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear:** Disruptive innovation potential lies in incorporating popular culture themes into footwear to target niche markets. - **Fashion:** Opportunity for the fashion industry to capitalize on the growing trend of geek and gaming-inspired clothing and accessories. - **Costume Design:** Disruptive innovation potential for costume designers to expand their offerings by incorporating elements of popular culture into their designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Video Game Console Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-snes.md) - [Nostalgic Gaming Cookies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oreo-x-super-mario.md) - [Gamer Heritage Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/timberland-x-sega.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Summer Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shadow-classic-clog.md) - [Gothic Style Perforated Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stomp-clog.md) - [Video Game-Themed Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/truffle-infused-hot-sauces.md) - [Video Game-Inspired Homewares](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/super-mario-home-adventure-life.md) - [Board Game-Themed Dynamic Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/monopoly-collection.md) - [Celebrity-Inspired Cartoon Heels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/katy-perry-1.md)