RELATED: This Is How You Should Style Your Knee High Boots
Retracing Those Trendy Steps
The demand for unique and completely exclusive products has become higher than ever but where did it all begin?
Back in the late ‘80s, custom shoes was just a hobby for sneaker lovers. Bobbito Garcia, one of the founding fathers of the sneaker community, would paint on the swooshes of his Nikes so they would stand out. This practice eventually started trending and big brands graciously hopped on the train. In 2005 Adidas dropped a line of completely white trainers, packed with acrylic pens and coloured laces so buyers could get as artsy as they wanted.
But in 2019, the custom shoe trend has come a long way from the days of goofy drawings and swapping laces. Now you can customise absolutely everything and be in complete control of the manufacturing process of your shoe.
Get A Kick Out of These Options
1. NIKEiD
You Imagine It, Nike Does It
Nike, one of the world’s leading shoe brands, came up with a personalisation feature that offers a wide range of options. NIKEiD lets you choose the shape, pattern, and colour of every part of your shoe from tip to sole to logo. You can even have your name added on the tongues with a maximum of six characters each.
You can check out this live unboxing and review from YouTube Vlogger TipsbyCole on her experience with her customised NIKEiD trainers. Prices depend on the style of the shoe and start at around $USD 170 ($AUD 248) and can make it to your doorstep within two to five weeks.
2. Vans Customs
A Simple Way To Wear Your Own Art
Not really a fan of runners? This might be right up your alley. Vans became popular for their skateboarding shoes in the 90s and have been a mainstay brand ever since. What’s great about Vans is that their shoes are made of paintable material, so naturally, artists have taken this as an opportunity for creative expression. But if you want pre-customised shoes, simply go on Vans Customs and make your own shoes online.
All it takes is 4 easy steps: choose your model, place your art, customise the rest, and wait for delivery. Vans keeps it simple with just the right amount of options but with the same freedom of creativity – customising your Vans starts at $USD 85 ($AUD 124) and can take five to seven weeks to create and ship.
3. MiAdidas
Where Did You Get Those Stripes?
Originally specialising in spiked athletic footwear, Adidas has grown to become one of the biggest sportswear manufacturers in the world – second after Nike. This brand, with its famous three stripes logo, has become a staple in streetwear and athleisure. So naturally, sneakerheads all over the world went crazy when they dropped the MiAdidas feature on their website where you can design your own pair.
As you might expect, you have the option to choose the colourways, multicolour knit, outsole, laces, and you can even pick the material of your cage (the iconic three stripes logo on the side of the shoe). Prices for MiAdidas start at around $USD 200 ($AUD 292) and it takes three to five weeks to process and ship.
4. MySwear
For Bold Creators Who Swear To Stand Out
Swear is a hip footwear brand from London, founded by José Neves, a Portuguese entrepreneur who is also known as the man behind the shopping portal Farfetch. This brand carries high fashion and comfortable trainers inspired by urban subculture.
With MySwear, users can craft their dream shoe from start to finish. Be as detailed as you want to be from colours to materials, including Nappa leather, suede, and ethically sourced exotic skins such as python, ostrich, and crocodile. You can also add personalised initials on your toe cap and have it embossed or foil stamped. Once you’re satisfied with your creation, your design will be handcrafted in Portugal which will take four to six weeks to finish. Prices vary depending on your design; it can go from $USD 2,000 ($AUD 2917) to $USD 6,000 ($AUD 8750).
5. Alive Shoes
Keeping The Shoe Designer Dream Alive
Co-Founder and CEO Luca Botticelli started the AliveShoes movement so budding designers could live the dream at a more affordable price. So if you’ve been thinking of designing your own shoes, whether it be sneakers, heels, or ankle boots, you can rely on AliveShoes to bring it to life. Aside from creating your personalised design, AliveShoes also gives users a unique experience with the option to customise their own logo and box so they can resell the design.
6. YourReebok
Your Personalised Classic Rubber Shoes
Founded in 1895 by Joseph William Foster, Reebok is known worldwide for making timeless designs. These shoes are so damn versatile and work with almost any look, be it chic, urban, vintage or high fashion – a pair of Reeboks is a definite staple, and now you can inject these classics with a hint of your own personality with YourReebok.
Choose your model, adjust your colourways, and wait for your customised design, which may take up to five weeks to make and deliver. Lastly, make sure to share how you wear it for a chance to get featured on Reebok's Instagram page.
If You Can’t Find It, Create It
With all these options you’ll have the power to create a shoe for every mood, style and occasion! There's nothing like the power of creativity and expression. When you're done, don't forget to share it with the world. You never know, you might just turn into a fashion icon!