Embracing the Old School style, retro shoes have become ubiquitous in the hustle and bustle of daily commuting, leisure outings after work, crowded subway cars, the “exercise office” of workers, and even the emerging night schools. As a classic staple in the Old School trend, retro shoes have once again gained popularity this year, not only as a “flashy outfit” in daily life but also as a new favorite in athletic settings.
The resurgence of retro fashion is more than just a trend in the fashion world; it reflects the younger generation’s pursuit of individuality and values of freedom. Faced with the intense competition in the footwear market, major brands are responding to this trend by introducing unique retro styles, aiming to carve out a niche in this vertical domain.
Amidst the many trend-following brands in recent times, one name may come as a surprise – Zuliz. Known for its comfort in the elderly shoe market, Zuliz doesn’t immediately appear connected to trendy retro styles. But why can’t young people have both comfort and fashion? With this perspective in mind, Zuliz’s research team identified a new opportunity. They realized that retro shoes are not just about the vintage appearance but also a return to a lifestyle.
Zuliz’s retro shoes are unbelievably comfortable!
To get stylish and comfy shoes, many young people often ponder over the question. Whether standing for long periods or walking, ill-fitting shoes can lead to foot pain and fatigue.
When it comes to comfort, Zuliz’s research team truly stands out. Their “professional elderly shoe last” has become synonymous with a “comfortable experience,” earning widespread praise among consumers. In their latest retro series, Zuliz’s research team has leveraged their extensive experience in elderly shoe lasts.
By utilizing customized shoe last designs, each pair of retro shoes can fit the consumer’s foot shape better, reducing discomfort caused by friction or pressure. Additionally, the design with higher arches and wider toe boxes not only enhances overall comfort but also provides better foot protection.
At the super-hot product launch event in October, Zuliz unveiled 12 models of retro shoes, offering a variety of colors and functionalities to provide users with more choices. This retro-style product line has not yet been released to the market but is selectively promoted through online platforms as a pilot campaign. These retro shoes showcase innovative designs and adhere to the standards of elderly shoes in terms of materials and craftsmanship to ensure quality. According to the designers, a young team composed of post-95s has been established internally, enabling them to understand the demands of young people. Throughout the entire development process, the team always prioritizes user experience, actively gathering and incorporating user feedback to continuously improve and refine the products.
Exploring the preferences of the younger generation and reaping the benefits of retro exclusivity
When mentioning Zuliz, many people may immediately think of those brightly colored, simply designed elderly shoes. While these shoe styles are beloved by elderly consumers, they are often perceived as a bit “outdated” by the younger generation. However, the choice of colors is based on past data collected from responses by elderly individuals. Zuliz’s founder, Zhang Jingkang, clearly stated in an interview that Zuliz’s product design can meet the aesthetic needs of 80% of elderly people. This is not because the design team’s principles are outdated but rather a thoughtful decision made after considering market demands and the preferences of the target audience.
Designing elderly shoes that are tailored, wide-fitting, slip-resistant is one aspect of Zuliz’s focus on meeting the needs of the elderly. On the other side, designing comfortable, stylish, and fashionable retro shoes is Zuliz’s exploration of the preferences of the younger generation. For these products targeting the younger demographic, the design team conducted extensive research to understand what young people like and what they need in their lives. This batch of Zuliz retro shoes combines elements like “Blooming with Each Step,” “Urban Chic,” and “Wealth Abounds,” infusing a vibrant touch of life into the retro shoes, making them suitable for various scenarios and enabling young people to enjoy comfort and style.
With channels for innovation and a focus on comfort, Zuliz ensures that choosing their products will never go wrong. As a well-known brand, Zuliz has built a solid foundation over the years. Now, these accumulated strengths are gradually being integrated into the promotion of retro shoes, playing a crucial role.
Throughout this year, Zuliz has effectively leveraged its experience across various channels like short videos, live streaming, and collaborated with Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to expand brand influence. The combined use of these marketing strategies has gradually piqued consumer interest in retro shoes, opening up a vast space for product development in this niche market.
In a fiercely competitive footwear market with crowded tracks, Zuliz has paved a new path, breaking away from traditional brand images and discovering new growth opportunities among young consumers by piloting the promotion of retro shoes, making young people feel comfortable too.
Fashion is cyclical, and young people are gradually returning to pure dressing styles, while ensuring customer satisfaction has always been Zuliz’s original intention. With its diverse and open approach, Zuliz meets the needs of the elderly, aligns with the lives of young people, continuously innovates, and aims to launch more popular products.
