# Armored Shoe Substitutes The Swiss Protection Socks Make it Safe to Go Shoeless By Michael Hines | Published 2012-02-12 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swiss-protection-socks References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/furry-sock-shoes/21397/) & [barfuss-schnitt-schutz.de](http://www.barfuss-schnitt-schutz.de/) The new [Swiss Protection Socks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swiss-alpine-essence) are taking the barefoot movement in a completely new direction. These socks from the [Swiss Barefoot Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/victorinox-alox-refined-collection) are similar to [Vibram](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salewa-wildfire-nxt-goretex) FiveFingers, in that they encourage people to ditch athletic shoes for a more natural feel. The Swiss Protection Socks take things further than other natural shoe designs by eliminating the structure of the shoe altogether. The Swiss Protection Socks is essentially a heavily armored sock designed to be worn in place of a shoe. The sock is made from 50% Kevlar, 32% polyester, 10% cotton and 8% spandex. The socks half-Kevlar composition ensures that your feet are protected from rocks and other ground hazards while the polyester and spandex signal flexibility. The socks are meant to be worn in all manner of outdoor athletic activities (rock climbing and running are shown in the images here). The socks sell for $73 for an ankle pair and $78 for a long pair. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 59% | Activity: 90% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Life](https://www.trendhunter.com/life) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Barefoot Movement:** Opportunity for companies to innovate armored socks like the Swiss Protection Socks for a more natural feel in athletic activities. - **Protection Socks:** Investment in protective socks with a heavily armored composition will redefine innovative design in the sock industry. - **Natural Footwear:** Companies can explore natural footwear designs with an elimination of the traditional shoe structure for a more minimalist approach. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Athletic Footwear:** Opportunity for athletic footwear companies to capitalize on the increasing popularity of the barefoot movement with more natural and protective footwear designs. - **Sock Manufacturing:** Socks with heavily armored designs will drive innovation in the sock manufacturing industry towards protective athletic socks. - **Outdoor Gear:** Incorporating natural footwear designs will give outdoor gear companies a competitive edge in appealing to consumers seeking a more authentic outdoor experience. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Merino Wool Sock Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uynner-hero-shoes.md) - [Kevlar-Constructed Trail Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naglev-veloce.md) - [Off-Road Barefoot Boots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-tracker-textile-at-ii.md) - [Tactical Kevlar Trail Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/salewa-wildfire-nxt-goretex.md) - [Minimalist Leather Sandals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/softstar-camino-lite-sandals.md) - [High-Performance Sock Brands](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/performance-sock-brand.md) - [Lightweight Agile Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vertex-alpine.md) - [Toe-Shaped Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vibram-fivefingers-1.md) - [Kevlar-Infused Hiking Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/huckberry-x-danner-n45-low-hiking-sneaker.md)