# Sporty Cork Sneakers These VANS Off the Wall 2014 Summer Shoes are Incredibly Lightweight By M | Published 2014-07-09 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-off-the-wall References: [hypebeast](http://hypebeast.com/2014/7/vans-otw-2014-summer-prelow-cork) & [vans](http://www.vans.com/otw.html) These [VANS](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-lx-old-skool-36-goretex) Off the Wall 2014 Summer collection features a pair of ultra lightweight sneakers cleverly made from all-natural cork board. These sleek sport sneakers are the skater alternative to ultra hip athletic shoes. These VANS Off the Wall 2014 Summer sneakers are a drastic departure from the [classic slip-on skater VANS sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-2-eyelet). These prelow cork shoes happen to look a lot like [Nike's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watercat-sneaker) popular Free athletic shoes with a similar thick white sole and minimalist design. However, these shoes are covered in a natural cork upper with fresh black eyelets, black and white stripped laces and a dapper fabric lining. The shoes guarantee a comfortable feel thanks to the sneakers' Ultracush HD soles. The cork upper ensures that these sneakers will get you noticed on the street. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - 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 ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Lightweight Cork Sneakers:** The use of lightweight cork as a material for sneakers presents opportunities in the development of eco-friendly and comfortable footwear. - **Minimalist Sport Sneakers:** The minimalist design trend in athletic shoes is an opportunity for brands to offer a sleek and stylish alternative for consumers. - **Natural Materials for Athletic Wear:** The trend towards natural and sustainable materials in sports apparel presents opportunities in the development of eco-friendly and functional sportswear. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Athletic Footwear:** The use of natural cork as a material in sneakers creates possibilities for differentiation in the crowded and competitive athletic footwear market. - **Sustainable Fashion:** The trend towards natural and eco-friendly materials in sportswear presents opportunities for brands to target consumers looking for sustainable and responsible fashion choices. - **Skatewear:** Skatewear brands can innovate by exploring natural materials like cork and combining them with minimalist designs to create trendy and functional sneakers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Upcycled Cork Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sole-jasper-chukka.md) - [Weatherproof Skateboard Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-lx-old-skool-36-goretex.md) - [Fashion-Inspired Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-skool-36-souvenir.md) - [Ultra-Durable Skate Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/authentichtvibram.md) - [Refined Skateboarder Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cariuma-naioca-gum-suede-sneaker.md) - [Futuristic Sculptural Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-future-clog.md) - [Hybrid Skate Slip-On Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/erap-shoe.md) - [Streetwear Skate Remixes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-future.md) - [Formal Skate Boat Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vans-2-eyelet.md)