The sneaker market is brimming with more options than ever, making it an even harder hunt for sneakerheads seeking out that one unique pair. Luckily, a number of websites are now offering customizable options.
In a time of street-style culture and Instagram “likes,” off-the-rack sneakers just won’t cut it. With that in mind, sportswear brands are offering customers the opportunity to finish off their kicks with personal touches — meaning any of your favorite styles can now match your personality.
And did we mention that most brands offer the feature for free?
Here are five websites where you can customize your sneaks:
1. Adidas
Old-school brands like Adidas have experienced a resurgence of lately, but the best part about living in modern times? You can make retro kicks fit into your wardrobe today. Our favorite pick is personalized Stan Smith sneakers, which can be finished with metallic or tennis-fuzz detailing.
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2. Mache Custom Kicks
Dan Gamache — who goes by Mache — is a well-known sneaker artist. Every order with him starts with a consultation, with price is dependent on each shoe (Nikes appear to be his speciality, though). During our #FNsneakertakeover, Mache showed just how in-demand he is, saying, “Right after this, I’m delivering a pair to Eminem.” You can follow him on Instagram at @mache275.
3. Vans
Vans has long made customization its signature, and the feature is still going strong today, Whether you’re a fan of the Sk8-Hi or the brand’s classic slip-on, you can finish the style in a checkered, striped, flamingo or floral print, or have them colored-blocked, to name a few options. The site also lets you buy pre-customized styles built by other customers, in case you’re feeling lazy.
4. NikeID
If true athletic sneakers are your thing, NikeID lets you customize styles in virtually every sports-performance category, from basketball to golf. Custom products are ready in four weeks, and you can choose everything down to the smallest detail, from laces to midsoles. Playing sports never looked so good.
5. Converse
There’s something about custom Chuck Taylors that reminds us of high school (admit it, you all drew on your shoes, too). The brand’s site allows for a more sophisticated approach to the idea. Customers start with a blank canvas and build from there. Converse’s SoHo store in New York also offers one-of-a-kind graphics that can be worth getting off the Internet for.
Honorable mention: Henderscheme.
Though Henderscheme doesn’t offer customization services per se, the Japanese footwear and leather-goods brand is known to take classic sneakers like Nike’s Air Force One and revamp them in raw, dyed leathers.
