Customizing a pair of sneakers is a great way to personalize your shoes to match your style and represent your taste, and the best part is that you only need a few things to get started -- some paint, brushes, and a pair of kicks.
But what sneakers should you choose for your next project?
While you can customize pretty much any shoe, certain silhouettes make things easier and give you more freedom to paint whatever you want.
From Air Force 1s to Vans Old Skools, here are five of the best sneakers for customizing.
1. Nike Air Force 1
Without question, the white Air Force 1 is the all-time best sneaker for customization.
The all-white colorway, classic silhouette, and paneled layout create endless possibilities for original designs and color schemes. Not to mention, at only $90, the Air Force 1 is more accessible for artists who want to try their hand at making customs without coughing up too much cash.
(source: @bbizon)
These customs created by sponsored artist @bbizon are the perfect example of how you can transform a pair of AF1s into something completely unique.
Featuring artwork from Jay-Z's legendary discography, these Air Force 1s take advantage of the blank white canvas to create an incredibly detailed and original piece of artwork.
2. Air Jordan 1
As maybe the most important sneaker of all-time, it's not surprising that the Air Jordan 1 is also one of the most popular shoes for customizing.
Like the Air Force 1, the Jordan 1 upper features distinct sections that make it easy to paint custom colorways and designs, and while some colorways can be pretty expensive, the all-white Jordan 1 Mid is usually in stock on Nike.com for a fairly low $115.
(source: @kingdom_made)
If you need some ideas to get started on your own custom 1s, check out these customs by sponsored artist @kingdom_made.
Featuring a red, white, and black color scheme, a clean wood grain finish, and a unique checkerboard pattern on the heels, these customs fully utilize the shoe's layout to create a one-of-a-kind design.
3. Vans Sk8-Hi
The canvas Vans Sk8-Hi is an iconic high-top sneaker that features a canvas upper, a padded collar and heel, and rubber sole. The way the shoe is designed leaves you with a perfect picture frame in the middle that you can use to paint whatever design you want.
At only $65, the Vans Sk8-Hi is a cheap sneaker that's perfect for practicing new design techniques before trying them on more expensive kicks.
(source: @swellguycustoms)
Vans Sk8-His are a perfect shoe for customizing, but since they're made out of canvas, there are a few extra steps to take to make sure your design sticks without messing up the fabric of the shoe.
To help you get started, sponsored artist @swellguycustoms created this tutorial to show you how to create these rainbow sherbet Vans, and how to properly blend and paint on canvas.
4. Air Jordan 3
The Air Jordan 3 isn't the cheapest or most widely-available shoe, but it's unique and instantly-recognizable design make it perfect for custom artists.
The patterned panels open up more unique design options, and the solid upper offers a perfect canvas for painting elaborate and detailed designs.
(source: @kendrascustoms)
If you're having trouble coming up with design ideas, you can always try creating your own take on an existing colorway.
Based on the Air Jordan 3 "Animal Instinct," sponsored artist @kendrascustoms created these custom 3s, featuring a white base, cheetah print on the toe panel and ankle collar, tiger stripes around the laces, and zebra print on the heel.
5. Vans Slip-On
Last up is the Vans Slip-On -- not the most exciting silhouette, but it is one of the best for artists that want a blank canvas to paint larger designs.
The solid white upper serves as the perfect surface for portrait work, large paintings, and similar, detail-oriented designs, and at $50, there's no reason not to pick up a pair and see what unique designs you can come up with.
(source: @lucha_loafers)
Vans Slip-Ons are perfect for larger, more detailed designs, like these Joker-themed customs by sponsored artist @lucha_loafers.
This artist takes advantage of the large blank canvas to paint portraits of the two most acclaimed Jokers of all-time: Heath Ledger and Joaquin Phoenix.
Tip: Don't forget to use Angelus 2-Soft when painting canvas to make sure the paint adheres well and doesn't make the fabric become stiff.
To see more customs like these, make sure to follow us on Instagram, and don't forget to stop by our online store to pick up the tools and materials you need for your next pair of customs.
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