Our Five Favorite Instagram Accounts This Week: The Custom Sneakers Edition
One-of-one kicks.
These days, it seems like sneakerheads would be willing to do anything for a pair of their dream shoes. Some camp outside sneaker stores before limited-edition releases, others pay marked-up resell prices for popular silhouettes that are almost impossible to cop. Then there are those who take things to the next level by customizing their own kicks, dreaming up one-of-a-kind colorways and designs that instantly become must-haves.
From The Shoe Surgeon to FRE Customs, our Instagram roundup this week spotlights some of our favorite custom sneakers accounts. Feast your eyes on the bespoke kicks below.
@frecustoms
@frecustoms
Bio: “The leading sneaker customisation service. Worldwide Shipping”
HYPEBAE Pick: FRE Customs is the creative minds behind those floral embroidered UltraBOOST‘s and Air Force 1‘s you so loved. Based in the U.K., the label is known for its expertly customized Nike, adidas and Vans shoes featuring designer-inspired styles — think Gucci-patterened Old Skools and Louis Vuitton monogram Air More Uptempos. One of its latest creations is a multi-colored Air Force 1 that pays homage to the now sold-out Sean Wotherspoon Air Max 1/97.
@vandythepink
@vandythepink
Bio: ”VANDY®”
HYPEBAE Pick: Back when we first previewed Nike’s “The 1 Reimagined” collection, we knew that the all-white shoes would make for a good blank canvas for DIY. Vandy the Pink’s version, which draws inspiration from Virgil Abloh‘s “The Ten” range, is definitely among our favorites. From Burberry check Nikes to a rainbow array of Goyard Vans, the custom sneaker designer shows that there are limitless ways to personalize your beloved kicks.
@theshoesurgeon
@theshoesurgeon
Bio: “Dominic Chambrone”
HYPEBAE Pick: Anyone who has the slightest interest in sneaker customization would probably know the name of The Shoe Surgeon. A leading figure in the field, Dominic Chambrone has created some of the sleekest footwear designs that exceed our imagination. Some of our favorites from his portfolio would have to be the hybrid model “Air Monarch 270” as well as the denim Supreme x Louis Vuitton Air Jordan 1. We got a chance to attend a workshop with the expert himself last year — read all about it here.
@vijzbespokes
@vijzbespokes
Bio: “Vijz | Handmade sneakers Based in The Netherlands”
HYPEBAE Pick: Vijz’s Air Force 1s are always injected with unique textures and colorways. Hailing from the Netherlands, Sam van IJzendoorn reinterprets the classic shoe with his own twist, creating designs like a leopard print and suede-covered style reminiscent of the atmos x Nike “Beast” pack. Its furry “Pinky Grunch” released on Air Max Day 2018 is another sneaker that stole our heart.
@flaneurzclique
@flaneurzclique
Bio: “Put on the city at your feet.”
HYPEBAE Pick: Sneaker roller skates might not be something you’ve asked for, but Flanuerz did it — and made them look chic, too. The Parisian label has designed what it calls “On Wheelz,” which can be easily clipped on and detached from high-top FILA, Vans and adidas sneakers. To say that these are the perfect shoes for girls on-the-go would be an understatement. Who needs to ride the train when you can get around the city in these skates?
