Design Your Own Shoes

Want to design your own shoes online? What started as a novelty idea years back is quickly turning into a major category of footwear sales, the ability to design and customize your own shoes. Below you will find shoe companies that allow you to create your own shoes; you will be able to pick your own colors, materials and patterns. You have probably heard of some of these companies, but may be surprised to find that they allow you to customize your own shoes. We will explain the positive and negative qualities of each website and give a brief explanation of the program, check back for updated information and new companies that allow you to design your own shoes.

Nike iD

Nike iD is probably the most recognizable website when it comes to designing your own shoes. They offer a complete range of sneaker models including running, basketball, soccer, football, and training, as well as some casual models. The color selection on Nike iD is plentiful, especially when it comes to the accent colors. When it comes to choosing a color for secondary locations on the sneaker, you will find more unique, vibrant colors. There are also plenty of material options that vary from model to model. Also depending on the type of shoe that you select, there are various other options such as outsole options. For example, a basketball sneaker may have an option to choose either a standard rubber outsole or a translucent outsole. As far as custom text, or ID, nike offers it on most models. The ID location is different for each model, some allow you to put up to 5 characters on the back, or you can choose a 2 digit numeral to place on the sneaker. As far as pricing goes, you can expect to pay somewhere in the neighborhood of $30-$40 over the regular retail of the model that you choose so prices can reach near $220. The user-friendly customization program on Nike iD is very easy to navigate, and offers multiple different views so you can make sure that every inch of your sneaker is customized to your specifications before you submit your order. An added bonus to the Nike iD website is that they allow you to customize other apparel other than sneakers such as shirts, jerseys and jackets; this is great for sports teams or for those that like to perfectly match their clothing to their sneakers. Overall, Nike iD is the leading name when it comes to creating your own sneakers.

Miadidas

Just like Nike, Adidas offers a similar sneaker customization program called Miadidas. They offer the same general models which include training, soccer spikes, basketball, tennis, golf, running and also their line of Originals models. The color selection is not as large as Nike, however the colors available are very tasteful and unique, which allows the user to come up with some pretty impressive combinations. Certain models, especially the Originals line, have the option to add a special perforation pattern or graphic pattern such as camo or street art. You can also add a college or professional sports team logo to the tongue of most shoes, which is a nice touch. Their is even the option to add a lace jewel to your sneaker, which is a small ornament that slides onto the shoe lace, you may choose from the Adidas logo or from a large assortment of flags from around the world. Adidas also offers ID locations on each shoe that allows up to 10 characters of your choosing. Pricing for sneakers reach $180, while the more technologically advanced soccer spikes max out around $270. The user interface is very nicely organized, our only gripe was that some of the sneaker models look too cartoon-like, which makes it a little harder to tell what your final product will look like.

YourReebok

Reebok’s answer to the custom shoe movement is YourReebok, which uses the same principles as all of the other main brands to allow customers to design their own shoes based on popular Reebok models. The number of sneakers available to customize seems a little more limited at Reebok, but they still offer the popular basketball, running and training models; Reebok’s Zig based sneakers are also available to customize. Their is a wide variety of colors to choose from, and much like Nike, the accent colors are very impressive. One of the best features of the YourReebok website is the extra options that most models offer. There are multiple midsole options that allow you to add a speckle detail or fade the midsole from one color to another. You can also customize the outsole of certain models and select a gum rubber sole or Reebok’s translucent A-1 Ice sole. These options range in additional cost from $2-$5 but can add a lot of detail to a sneaker. Pricing of a customized Reebok sneaker can reach $140, without the addition of any special features. Reebok also offers ID locations on their shoes that can be up to 9 characters; depending on the model the ID is either embroidered or laser etched into the sneaker. The interface is easy to use and navigate, and is very well organized into categories so you can jump to different sections of a sneaker without missing a beat.

Converse

Customizing shoes on the Converse website was a pleasure. Customers can choose from a variety of classic models including the classic Chuck Taylor All Star, and various forms of it. The color selection on the Converse interface is phenomenal, and you can also place patterns on most panels of the shoe instead of a solid color. Another great feature of Converse’s customization program is that you do can choose a different design for each half of the sneaker. It is even possible to place a pattern on the outside half of the shoe, and a solid color on the inner side. Ever aspect of the sneaker is customizable as well, including the lace eyelets, toe cap and lace colors. ID locations are offered either on the side of the sneaker above the sole, or on the vertical stripe on the back of the sneaker and can be up to 8 characters in length. One of the best features of designing your own shoes with Converse is the pricing, completely custom sneakers finish up around $90! The user interface is just as easy to use as any of the other manufacturers. With such reasonable prices, and great features, Converse is one of the best options out their to create your own shoes.

New Balance

One of the most recognized manufacturers of athletic trainer and running shoes, New Balance also offers a feature to customize shoes. At this time, the number of models is limited, offering only 2 models for men and women. The color selection is fairly basic, but their are many of these basic colors to choose from. Certain panels of the sneaker do allow for material changes such as leather and nubuck. ID locations are available, up to 8 characters, and you can place a different word or ID on each shoe. The top model that New Balance allows you to customize will set you back up to $175. The interface is not nearly as polished as other sites, and can feel somewhat clunky and unorganized. Overall, if you are a big fan of New Balance shoes and want the perfect colorway, this may be for you.

Timberland

You know customizing shoes must be a growing trend when legendary boot-maker Timberland throws its hat in the ring. Models available at Timberland range from their standard boot to shoes, and also include the super tall ladies boot. The colors available are very nice, with many earth tones, white, black, and dark blues and reds available; colors you would expect to see on a boot. ID locations are available both on the boot and the tag that hangs from the shoe itself. A great feature to the ID option is that you can choose from several different fonts. The eyelets can be changed to different metal colors such as brass or gold, and there is an option to add multi-colored laces for an extra hint of color. Pricing maxes out around $220 for the top model and the interface is fairly easy to navigate. If you need a pair of unique boots, or love Timberlands, head over to Timberland’s website and customize a pair for yourself.