I would assume they are using the idea of trading in pieces of gear for another because look at this!!!!

Empyrean footwear may now be exchanged with a new NPC named Lame Deer in Abyssea – Misareaux (K-7).
Adventurers may exchange three pairs of empyrean footwear with him for one of their choice.
Possible footwear to exchange and receive:
Ravager's Calligae / Tantra Gaiters / Orison Duckbills / Goetia Sabots / Estoqueur's Houseaux / Raider's Poulaines / Creed Sabatons / Bale Sollerets / Ferine Ocreae / Aoidos' Cothurnes / Sylvan Bottillons / Unkai Sune-Ate / Iga Kyahan / Lancer's Schynbalds / Caller's Pigaches / Mavi Basmak / Navarch's Bottes / Cirque Scarpe / Charis Toeshoes / Savant's Loafers
* Adventurers may not exchange more than three pairs at a time.
* Adventurers may not receive the same pair of footwear that they exchanged.
* Footwear traded in will be returned if the adventurer cancels the exchange.
* Disconnecting or logging out during the exchange will not jeopardize an adventurer's items as long as he does not change areas.
* Adventurers who change areas before completing an exchange will lose the items and be unable to cancel the exchange afterwards, but may still complete the exchange.
Wonder if they are testing the results?