The desire to customize shoes has been around for many years. It goes far beyond the modern methods of ordering completely customizable shoes online, where just about every single aspect of the shoe is interchangeable. Think back to the penny loafer for a moment, in the 1950′s students started putting shiny pennies in their slip on loafers. They did this to make a fashion statement and stand out, an early example of people wanting to customize shoes. Long before made to order shoes were around, individuals that wanted to be different tried their best with the limited options at hand.
An inexpensive but effective way to customize sneakers was a simple lace swap. Rather than having many different pairs of shoes, someone could purchase multiple sets of laces to match any outfit or just to make a bold statement. With only so many colors of each style of shoe on the market, sneaker enthusiasts did everything they could short of doodling on them to keep them fresh and eye catching. As time passed, sneaker companies would take notice of the customer’s desire to customize shoes.
In 1999 Nike, arguably the most influential sneaker manufacturer in the world, would break through with a new division of their already successful company. The aptly named Nike iD campaign launched as a web based program that would allow anyone to customize one of Nike’s most popular sneaker models of all time; the Air Force One. Customized shoes were taken to the next level as nearly every panel of the iconic sneaker was able to be changed. Not only could a customer change the color of the shoes, but a multitude of different materials were made available. In all, there were over 75 combinations possible in the Nike iD Air Force One initial program. This truly was the beginning of a new age of being able to customize shoes.
As time went on, other large companies would follow suit and offer their customers the opportunity to customize shoes. More sneaker models were added and now on Nike iD alone, you can put your personal touch on a seemingly endless lineup of sneaker models. Athletes can customize basketball or running shoes just as casual sneaker enthusiasts can make their own sneakers.
By wearing customized shoes, people can express themselves in a way that was not possible 15 years ago. Those who are proud of their fashion sense can potentially customize sneakers to go with every outfit they may wear, no matter how strange the color combinations may be. Youth and high school basketball players can purchase their favorite style of shoe in colors that compliment their team uniforms perfectly. Some companies even offer cleats for football, baseball, and soccer players. These cleats can be altered in most of the same ways that you would be able to customize shoes.
With the increasing amount of sneaker models available to customize, the possibilities go as far as your imagination can take you. This is very appealing to sneaker fans, particularly younger ones. By having the ability to customize shoes, you no longer have to worry about showing off your new sneakers only to have a friend walk over with the same exact pair on. Having a truly unique color combination of a shoe gives you a certain sense of pride when you wear them. What if someone does happen to create the same exact sneaker as you? Not to worry, another addition to customizable shoes is the addition of a nameplate area. Usually found on the back or side of the shoe, this area can be adorned with your initials or other characters of importance to you. Having the ability to completely personalize your sneaker with a factory added nameplate was unimaginable in the past. This addition really makes the individual feel like the shoes are there’s, almost as if they are a part of the brand.
You would expect that a sn
eaker that is fully manufactured to your exact color specifications would be very expensive. In reality you can customize shoes for around $30.00 more than the original version. In my opinion this is an extremely fair price considering how much work goes into each pair of shoes. General release sneakers can be somewhat mass produced. Every colored panel, sole, or lace is always the same color so when they are assebled it is a very consistant process. When you submit a custom shoe design, there could be atleast 20, sometimes more, customized pieces to the shoe that you have selected. With pricing being able to stay so close to the general release shoes, most sneaker fans can have the opportunity to try this feature out. I highly recommend that if you have not utilized a custom shoe feature at one of your favorite brands that you do so. The end result is very satisfying, and chances are you will be the only person to ever have a pair of shoes like yours.
The ability to customize shoes has become an art form. Colors, materials, and laces are just the tip of the iceberg. New innovations continue to be developed as time goes on. For example, recently a green, glow in the dark sole was made available. I thought this was fascinating when I thought back to the days of just switching out your laces and calling it a day. This site will be a constant showcase of the newest customizable shoes and tips. Check in and see what the latest model on Nike iD or Mi Adidas is going to be, or take a look at new color and material options. Feel free to leave a comment and tell us how you like to customize shoes, or what your personal favorite is. But above all, keep on designing custom shoes, stay creative. If you have not made up your mind on whether you want to try ordering your own unique shoes, give it a shot, you will be very happy with your results. After all, who could possibly design a better shoe to suit you but yourself?
