Custom designed sneakers from Vans, Reebok, Nike and Coach, all available to order in Canada
Being a sneakerhead is serious business that requires a high level of commitment, from queuing for releases to monitoring dealers for rare finds.
For those who love the excitement of a new style but don’t have a temperature-controlled closet for thousands of dollars worth of shoes, online customization can eliminate that shopping itch for unique kicks. Looking for a lime green and lavender Air Force One? Need a pair of leopard and floral print Vans? There are several shoe manufacturers where you can let your sartorial imagination run wild, choosing every detail, from the material, to the width of the sole, to the eyelet around the shoelace hole.
There are a few caveats for Canadian buyers: custom availability takes weeks (so order well ahead of when you need it), some companies (like Converse and Timberland) don’t have custom options for shipping to Canada and finally, always check the final price. because several additional modules can quickly add up.
Nike by you has dozens of customization options with styles including Nike Air Force One, Nike Dunk, Nike Air Presto, Nike React Infinity Run, Nike Blazer Mid ’77, Nike Air Max 90, Nike Air Zoom Pagasus, Kyrie Infinity and several styles of studs. Choose a material (like leather or suede), then design all the details in segments: tongue, laces, sole, upper, heel text and swooshes. Shop at Nike.
The hardest thing about designing a pair of custom vans is the sheer number of seasonal choices: will it be the new cherry blossoms or the classic checks? Slip into skate shoes or Old Skool lace-ups? There’s even an option to upload a custom design or photo for a one-of-a-kind pair of sneakers. Ah, making decisions. Available at Vans.ca.
Reebok Club C sneakers are a standard normcore shoe and while there are no custom options online, Reebok has a bunch of ways to turn a classic sneaker into a custom look. Shop at Club C sneakers and see DIY tips at Reebok.
The coach has two sneakers for men available for customization: the Lowline Low Top and the Citysole Court Sneaker. Choose a size, color and embellishment (like Coach’s signature dinosaur, Rexy). Available at Coach.