9 Sneaker Customisations That Should Be Officially Released | Grailify
9 Sneaker Customisations That Should Be Officially Released

9 Sneaker Customisations That Should Be Officially Released

Since sneakers became a fashion statement a few decades ago, designers have catered to pretty much every audience imaginable. This has brought us an ever-growing variety of styles, with only a few limits on creativity. Trademarked imagery. And of course, collaborations between rival sports brands. And then there's the business aspect: some designs don't make it to market because the market simply isn't big enough for them. But all these ifs and buts don't matter when it comes to sneaker customs.
 
Customised reissues of our favourite silhouettes show us what would be possible if it weren't for such mundane factors as profitability, legal certainty or widespread acceptance. They are the result of creative sandbox work and follow paths that are impassable for those who play by the rules. And even if customisers exaggerate from time to time, they remind us that we shouldn't take ourselves and our passion for sneakers too seriously. Besides, some sneaker customisers are just too good to be 1-of-1. That's why we took a look around on Instagram and picked out a few shoes that we think should definitely go into mass production.

 
Nike Tuned „Bi-Color“ by L.S_Customs 
Tuned Air meets a tuned upper. Nike has actually done several multi-coloured variants of the TN, but none of them hit the mark as much as this one. The mismatched design with inverted colours highlights the model's unique upper pattern in a way that few official releases have done. 
 
 
Nike x Vans Old Skool by Katty Customs
Even though both brands come from different backgrounds, the Jazz Stripe and the Swoosh fit together pretty well in practice. And the eye-catching cartoon style perfectly embodies the two slogans "Off The Wall" and "Just Do It".
 
 
Adidas Crazy BYW x Hu NMD x POD x Futurecraft 4D by John Trottier
Even though this is more of a concept than an actual custom, it might as well be an actual adidas release. Two of the most interesting signature models on a midsole that combines Boost and Futurecraft? Come on, this shouldn't remain a "never made" sneaker in the truest sense of the word.
 
 
Nike Air Force 1 x Pigalle Playground by Sid by Sid
It's almost a little strange that every Instagram photographer's favourite basketball court has yet to be turned into an official sneaker. Given Pigalle founder Stéphane Ashpool's love of basketball and his connection to Nike, the Air Force 1 seems made for it and the execution is just perfect.
 
 
Adidas Yeezy Boost 350 V2 „Venom“ by Mr. Simply Custom
Yeezy customisations are hard to come by, let's face it. Hypebeasts have bankrupted the silhouette itself, while lazy customisers who plastered the shoe with LV monograms, Gucci logos and Virgil quotes then managed to tip it over the edge. Plus, comic book-inspired custom sneakers are always on the verge of becoming super-corny. This "Venom" version, however, gives the 350 V2 a fresh twist and nails the Marvel villain's design cues. 
 

ASICS GEL-LYTE III „World Map“ by Certified Custom Lifestyle
Yes, it was made very recently. But look at the details of this ASICS custom. The finish almost surpasses the real atmos model and the slight yellowing of the upper gives it a touch of antiquity. Outstanding work.
 
 
Nike Waffle Trainer „sacai“ by Pugsandkicks
Many of us caught an L on one of the most celebrated and sought-after collabos of 2019. So "self do, self have" is the order of the day. And if the exaggerated sole wasn't your thing at first, you might like this makeover of the classic Waffle Trainer even more than the actual sacai collab.
 
 
adidas Yeezy 700 „Bred“ by Huycustoms
Come on, Ye, we know you still love this classic colourway. And if there was any doubt that it works on the Yeezy 700, Exhibit A here should remove all doubt. 
 
 
New Balance x Balenciaga Track 990 V4 by Michael Cutini
When worlds collide... the original dad sneaker meets today's over-the-top high-fashion track shoe. Given the two opposing base ingredients, this unlikely hybrid looks surprisingly good. Just imagine if the whole shoe was made with New Balance's "Made In USA" quality...
 

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