If white sneakers are considered a centerpiece in the modern men’s wardrobe, they don’t necessarily help one stand out. After all, nothing looks more like a pair of white sneakers than another pair of white sneakers (with a few minor differences).
For some time now, customization options have multiplied. A term has even emerged to describe this service: shoe customization. To learn more about this practice, we met with a French player in this new market, L’Empreinte Ponote.
What is sneaker customization?
Custom, customization, personalization. All these terms actually refer to the same thing. In very simple terms, it is therefore an artistic and creative process, during which standard sneakers are customized according to the tastes and preferences of the owner or creator. This practice allows ordinary sneakers to be transformed into unique pieces, reflecting personal style, specific interests, or even conveying a message.
When we know that sneakers represent almost 47% of the shoe market in France (whose turnover is estimated at 9 billion euros per year), we easily understand the potential of this activity. So it’s no coincidence that many enthusiasts have entered this market, whether on Etsy or through a “real” company. Among them, some already enjoy a good visibility or reputation such as the aptly named Sneakers Custom, Sneakeaze, La Belle Sneaker or the site Sneakers & Chill launched by three Parisian friends.
But since it’s not only in the capital that sneaker customization is booming, we also find customization specialists elsewhere in France. In Le Puy, for example, where L’Empreinte Ponote was born in 2020.
After 20 years in the world of commerce and footwear, Stephanie Anthouard, the founder of the company, had a revelation: “The idea for this project was born out of frustration! Frustration with overconsumption linked to fashion trends perpetuated by must-have brands.” With her son Corentin and Jules, she realizes that personalization can be a response to this type of phenomenon. And so began this new adventure in Altiligérienne… which is not limited to sneakers alone!
How to personalize your sneakers?
The starting point is to find the right contact. We have already given you some trustworthy sites a little above and as you have understood, our choice was based on L’Empreinte Ponote.
What type of shoes can be customized?
Unsurprisingly, customization is more effective, more impactful on a pair of white sneakers. The model can be in leather or textile, but the ideal is that it be of a solid color and with few patterns.
In this context, you won’t be surprised to learn that the pair most often customized is the Stan Smith. But the Nike Air Force 1s are just as valid as a canvas for play and expression, and customizing black sneakers is still conceivable. As well as Doc Martens! The visual result simply won’t be the same.
Do sneakers have to be brand new?
This is one of the points to emphasize: customizing is not exclusively for new shoes. While these make up the vast majority of pairs redesigned at L’Empreinte Ponote (about three quarters), it is perfectly possible to give a new look to a pair that has already been worn … but in good condition.
White sneakers that look a bit grubby, a sole that has yellowed, slightly damaged seams… According to the chosen professional, these elements do not constitute an insurmountable challenge and it is even an excellent solution to extend the life of your favorite sneakers (and therefore avoid overconsumption!).
It is precisely with an “old” pair of sneakers with many kilometers on the clock that we did the test. And the result is rather convincing…
What type of customization for your sneakers?
Again, everything depends on the person in charge of customization and your goal. A message to convey, subtle work with the logo and the original colors of the shoe, thematic personalization, everything is possible…
The Hokusai Wave is a very trendy model (and relatively simple to draw for graphic designers), just like scenes from mangas (from Dragon Ball Z to Studio Ghibli works) or street-art works (Banksy, but not only). More abstract motifs can also be considered and some professionals even customize sneakers in the colors of their company!
Before “painting” the shoe, the surface must be cleaned and prepared. Then, rather than a simple Posca pen, the graphic designer or illustrator may need to use 2 or 3 layers of paint as well as a finish varnish. Some companies also offer customization by printing, where the customization is done using a suitable printer.
In all cases, it is recommended to spray a waterproofing agent regularly to prolong the life of the decoration. On a daily basis, the maintenance remains the same as for a pair of classic sneakers and we recommend you to gently clean the outside of the shoes with warm water and soap.
💡Also read : Philips Sneaker Cleaner: simple gadget or miracle solution for cleaning your sneakers?
How much does it cost?
Naturally, the price varies depending on the complexity of the customization and the time spent. At L’Empreinte Ponote like other specialists mentioned in the article, the announced rates are generally between 40 and 200€.
Count for example around fifty euros for an abstract design or a simple sentence, and 100 to 150€ for a “simple” landscape or a street-art work. At some professionals, these prices can soar to over 500€ to cover the entire two shoes with a manga scene for example.
