Nike Roshe Run “Island Girl” Custom by Kikeroni

The “It Shoe” of summer time 2013 is undoubtedly the Nike Roshe Run. Affordable and a light weight mesh design makes it the perfect lounge shoe. With that popularlity comes a bit of attention on the custom sneaker side as we’ve seen a few already. This pair is something refreshing to see in the custom genre in general. Titled “Island Girl” customized by KIKERONI of SLHVN the simple red and white base was changed into a very attention getting pair of sneaks.

California LA Map shoes

Map of Los Angeles Custom Vans by Randy of @RadIsRad

The type of custom designs that can speak for themselves are a favorite here at PaintOrThread.com. But the least we can do is give a good description of what is pictured and where you can contact the artist that made them. Even then you’d be surprised how many times people still comment asking where they can get the featured shoes. But the word where is not a question for these custom Vans. Living in southern California probably had something to do with the design on this previously all white pair of Vans slip ons. Randy De Jesus of the streetwear brand Rad Is Rad put his drawing

Nike Lebron X ID “Hulk” by @JPCustomKicks

One of the great things about custom sneakers is you get to see different artists representation of a certain theme. Though nothing new, the comic book hero inspired design has been done before but it is cool to compare one persons idea up against another. One character not seen an overwhelming amount is of The Hulk. But starting with a Nike ID Lebron X JP Custom Kicks gave his latest custom the angry green Stan Lee character’s look.

Nike Lebron X “POW!” Youth by @TwizzCustoms

The womens and kids size sneakers don’t get nearly as much love in customizing as the mens sizes so a custom like this is always refreshing. What started out as the Easter colorway of the Nike Lebron X in a youth size was given a POW! of neon colors by Twizz Customs. The first addition is the painted midsoles featuring a purple to pink to green fade that wraps around the shoe with splattered paint throughout. The shapes painted on the upper take us back to the 90’s with a very Fresh Prince and comic book vibe color combination.

Newport cigarettes Air Jordan Shoes

Air Jordan 4 “Newport” by FG Customs

How often do you look at stuff you see everyday and think, “hmmm how would that design look on a sneaker?” For the sneaker customizer with a good eye for design the skill of recreating a theme or look on a sneaker without a blatant logo or graphic is something to be proud of. This latest custom along those subtle design inspiration ways by Maggie of FGcustoms may remind those in the know of a Air Force 1 look-a-like Menthol design by artist ARI in 2006. This pair though the concept is less on making a statement or mocking branding but instead creating a freshly influenced design.

Lebron 9 China low

Color Swap Saturday: Nike Lebron 9 Low “China” Custom by KURTZASTAN

One color swap idea too many leads to another? Sneaker customizer by the name of Kurtzastan intended to make a ever so popular South Beach themed custom sneaker on this previously “Easter” colorway Nike Lebron 9 but had seen enough. Instead he decided to recreate a lesser seen colorway of the Lebron 9 high’s official release, the blue and orange “China” version. The entire upper was changed from a turqouise to crystal blue with details of an orange Swoosh and the Year of the Dragon graphics recreated on the tongue tags.

Color Swap Saturday: Baby Nike HEINEKEN Air Force 1 by @gordo__1

Kids apparel with alcohol brands all over it? Sounds like a PR nightmare. Fortunately the “Heineken” Dunk original shoes weren’t officially licensed in the first place when they released. @gordo__1 on Instagram decided to give their look in child Air Force 1 form painting an white on white toddler size with the memorable green and black upper.