From custom cleats for pro athletes to everyday pairs: This is the exact process I use.

Why Most Custom Sneakers Fail (And What Actually Matters)

If you’ve ever looked at custom sneakers and thought “I could do that,”  you probably can!

I’m a Detroit-based artist and I’ve been customizing sneakers for years, creating pieces for professional athletes, sports teams, brands, and everyday clients.

And after doing this at a high level, I can tell you this: The difference between a custom that lasts… and one that cracks or peels in a week is almost never the design. It’s the process. More specifically the prep.

So if you’re getting into sneaker customization, or you want to understand how it’s actually done professionally, I’m breaking down exactly how I do it, step by step.

I also put together a video showing my process step-by-step, so you can see everything in action → [Watch Now]

Choosing the Right Shoe

This decision alone can either set you up… or ruin your entire piece.

My go-to:
Nike Air Force 1s

Why:

• smooth leather surface
• durable
• easy to work with
• clean base for designs

I also paint Vans once in a while (depending on material), but here’s the rule:

Stick to fully leather shoes whenever possible.

Avoid:

• plastic panels
• rubber areas
• soles

Paint doesn’t bond properly to those surfaces, so even if your design is perfect, it won’t last.

Designing Your Concept (Before You Even Touch the Shoe)

Before any paint goes down, I always start with the design. Because once you start painting… there’s no undo.

Personally, I use Procreate since I’m an artist and I like to fully freehand my ideas. It lets me build everything out exactly how I see it and refine details before committing to the shoe.

But if you’re a beginner, don’t overcomplicate it.

You can:

• use Canva to mock up simple designs
• sketch it out on paper

And one of the easiest ways to transfer your design is using Da Vinci Eye

It lets you project your design directly onto the shoe using your phone and a tripod so you can trace and sketch it out cleanly. Super helpful when you’re starting. I personally freehand onto the shoe most of the time, but if you’re newer (or not an artist at all), projecting first will save you a lot of stress.

Supplies & Materials

You don’t need anything crazy, but what you use does matter.

Here’s my core setup:

• Sandpaper → removes factory finish
• Acetone → breaks down protective coating
• Cotton pads → gives you control when applying acetone
• Brushes → detail + control
• Frog Tape (green) → clean edges
• Sealer → protects your work

Simple setup, but every piece plays a role in durability.

Paints I Use And What I Actually Recommend

This is one of the most common questions I get.

Angelus Leather Paint

This is by far my overall recommendation! I personally prefer Angelus because you have more time to work with it, and I like the consistency when I’m painting.

• very beginner-friendly
• flexible (moves with the shoe)
• slower drying (more control)
• requires a sealer

Alpha6 Paint (Detroit-made)

This one is a little different.

• dries very fast
• extremely durable
• built-in seal
• harder to blend

You have to move quick with it, but it holds up really well. And I always love supporting local brands, especially ones coming out of Detroit.

Prep Process (Most Important Step)

This is the step that determines whether your sneakers last… or fall apart. Sneakers come factory sealed with a protective coating. If you paint directly on top of that, your design will peel.

Here’s what I actually do:

• Lightly sand only the areas where paint will go → you’re not sanding the whole shoe, just dulling the surface where you’ll be working
• Go over that same area with acetone → this removes the factory coating and preps it for paint

One thing I've see people mess up on:

Using too much acetone. If you overdo it, you can actually damage the leather and affect how the paint sits. You don’t need to soak it.... controlled, light passes are enough.

Hand Painting Technique (Brush Method)

I'm a traditional artist, so brush has always been my go to from the beginning.

Key things:

• use thin coats only
• let each layer dry before adding another
• build color gradually

If you go too thick:

• paint can crack
• it won’t flex with the shoe

Thin layers always win.

How to Get Clean Lines (Without Paint Bleeding Everywhere)

If you want your work to look clean and professional:

Use green Frog Tape

• prevents bleed
• creates sharp edges

Pro tip:
Remove the tape when the paint is slightly dry, not fully cured. This will give you more crisp lines and waiting too long can lift the paint.

Sealing & Protecting

This is what locks everything in.

I use Angelus sealants. The finish options include:

• Matte → no shine
• Satin → slight sheen
• Gloss → high shine

You can use:

• acrylic finishers
• waterproof sprays

Then let the shoes fully cure before wearing.

Advanced Technique: Airbrush & Stencil Method

Recently I have gotten into using airbrush for specific parts of shoes for precision (For example when having an order of 20 shoes from a company and maintaining consistency throughout them all. In the photo below I used it for the 313 logo).

My setup:

• Angelus paint + 2-Thin (mix it together then pour it into airbrush cup)
• airbrush pressure at 20–30 PSI
• Cricut vinyl stencils

Process:

• apply stencil
• use a heat gun to help it stick
• start with a ghost layer (very light first coat)
• wait about 15 minutes
• build up using extremely thin layers

When you’re done:

• peel stencil slightly before fully cured

Warning:
Heavy coats with an airbrush almost guarantee peeling later.... NOT FUN. AT. ALL. The trauma is real.

Common Beginner Mistakes (Avoid These)

If I could save you time, money, and frustration, it would be here.

1. Skipping or rushing prep
This is the #1 reason customs fail.

2. Painting too thick
Thick paint cracks. Always build in layers.

3. Using the wrong materials
Not all paints or shoes are created equal.

4. Not letting layers dry
Patience matters more than speed.

5. Expecting perfection immediately
Every artist messes up. It’s part of the process.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one “right” way to customize sneakers. This is just what I’ve learned from doing it over and over... messing up, figuring it out, and creating pieces that actually last.

If you take anything from this, let it be this: Prep often matters more than talent.

You can have the craziest design in the world  but if your foundation isn’t right, it won’t hold up. If you end up trying this yourself, I’d genuinely love to see what you make.

And if you’d rather have a pair done for you, whether it’s something simple or a full concept piece, you can always reach out to me for a custom order.