# Waffle-Like Phone Cases This Vans iPhone Accessory is Shoe-Inspired By Josh Triantafilou | Published 2012-05-03 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-iphone References: [whatthecool](http://whatthecool.com/post/3485350203/vans-rubber-waffle-iphone-case/) & [shop.vans](http://shop.vans.com/catalog/Vans/en_US/style/qeb.html) The [Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-souvenir) [iPhone](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-case-2) case is one of a kind. The iconic shoe company recently put out a promotional design inspired by the unique waffle-like pattern on the soles of its classic shoes. In fact, if one were to look just at this pattern, they could be forgiven for thinking it was actually a shoe. The side of the casing even mirrors that which is found on Vans shoes. The clean white trim encases the phone, contrasting surprisingly well with the brown, waffle-like pattern on the broad sides to produce a retro 70s aesthetic that yet maintains modern sensibilities -- it is an iPhone case, after all. Originally, the case was to be simply a one-off promotional design. Then a few bloggers got wind of it and lobbied the skater clothing and accessories giant to make more. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.1/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 65% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Waffle-like Phone Cases:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating phone cases with unique and branded designs, inspired by popular shoe patterns, to cater to the fashion-forward tech consumers. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Accessories:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborating with fashion brands to create stylish and unique phone cases that reflect their brand identity and resonate with their target audience. - **Consumer Electronics:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrating fashion and technology by designing phone cases inspired by popular shoe designs, offering consumers a way to showcase their personal style through their devices. - **Skateboarding and Lifestyle Brands:** Disruptive innovation opportunity: Expanding into the tech accessories market by creating phone cases that capture the essence and aesthetic of the skateboarding and lifestyle brand, attracting a wider consumer base. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Sneaker-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-kick-case.md) - [Retro Computer-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-c1.md) - [Iconic Artist Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/van-gogh-museum-solidsuit.md) - [Japanese Geta-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bailey-hikawa.md) - [Fashionable Inflated Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-case-2.md) - [Gorpcore-Inspired Smartphone Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultra-bounce-case.md) - [Minimalist Designer-Made Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casetify-the-white-case.md) - [Retro Iphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/apple-50th-anniversary-iphone-17-pro.md) - [Food-Inspired Tech Accessories](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vandy-the-pink-3.md)