Over the last few decades the global sneakerhead community – collectors and fashionistas who specialise in trainers – has also given rise to a new phenomenon, custom shoes. These are trainers, pumps or other suitable types of footwear that are hand-painted or drawn with unique designs. Graphic artists, designers and illustrators are able to let their creativity and imagination run riot across the sneakers, whilst at the same time responding to the limitations of the shapes and confines of the available surface on which to apply their designs. Popular custom shoe design references include sneaker-related subcultures such as hip-hop, comic books, music, TV, film, skateboarding and basketball. Elsewhere artists use their own individual styles and subject matter to produce unique custom shoes, or create personalised shoes for other sneakerheads according to individual requirements. There are many web-based custom shoe outlets who make one-off designs to order, along with many designers and artists who share their creations on the internet.
This post brings together 19 examples of awesome custom shoes, designs that could inspire you to pick up a pen and have a go at decorating your own sneakers.
