I want to order some custom sneakers. How does this work?
There are two decisions to be made. You must pick your design and your shoes.
A design can be anything, including sports themes, fashion themes, cartoons, movies; whatever you want memorialized on a pair of shoes. Some people like to send me design inspiration photos so I know what they’re looking for. Others have an idea but leave it to me to create it. Either way is fine.
Pick your sneakers. It’s best to work with leather shoes. The Nike Air Force 1 line and the Air Jordans are good to work with. Adidas and other companies also make nice sneakers. You must provide the shoes. See next question for more information.
Once you send me an email we’ll verify your design and give you a quote. Most designs will cost between $100-$200. If you want to proceed I’ll give you my shipping address so you can send me your shoes. I suggest getting a tracking number from your shipper.
Who provides the sneakers?
You provide the sneakers. Pick out a pair you like (we recommend Nike Air Force 1, Air Jordans or any leather shoes) and send them to me. If I were to buy the shoes I’d have to mark them up and resell them to you at a higher price. You don’t want that.
How do you determine the pricing?
The pricing depends on how complex the project is. Most will fall in the $100-$200 range.
What methods of payment do you accept?
If you’re local in Chicago I can accept cash. I also accept Paypal, Venmo and chase Quick Pay.
What will my custom kicks look like?
Please refer to my photo gallery for some examples. I try to include all the elements people ask for, but I will take creative license if I think it will look better a different way or if there simply isn’t enough room on a shoe. But in the end you’ll be very satisfied with your custom kicks!
How long does it take?
It only takes me 1-2 days to make a pair, depending on the complexity. However, I may have to order paint or other supplies, which can delay things a few days. I also have several pairs on order and usually just paint on weekends because of my day job. So I tell people 2-3 weeks, but that can vary.
How do I care for my custom kicks?
I usually apply about four coats of acrylic finisher to the shoes. This helps protect the paint from minor scratches and scrapes. Scratches and Scrapes cannot be fixed, so be careful. To clean dirt and grime I suggest Goo Gone. If you don’t have Goo Gone, try warm soapy water on a rag.
How do I contact you?
Send me an email. I’ll send instructions. Steve@CustomKicksbytheLase.com
Do you airbrush other items?
Yes. I can airbrush anything that can be painted. I’ve done boots, furniture, shirts, jackets, helmets, pool tables and other items.
I notice some overspray and lines that aren’t perfectly straight. What’s up with that?
Shoes like the Air Force 1 have multiple layers of leather which provide a challenge. When I put a mask over it to spray paint a targeted area, the tape mask won’t necessarily be a hundred percent flush. I always go back over these areas and touch them up by hand, which is very tedious and time consuming. But it’s part of the game. Also, shoes have curves and bumps which add to the difficulty of making straight lines. But if you take a close look at my gallery, you’ll notice the lines and letters I make are generally pretty sharp. Plus, you will be wearing these shoes at ground level and people looking at them will be 5-6 feet away from them when they’re standing up.
The most important thing to remember is that these are not machine made. This is art. Art isn’t supposed to be perfect. But I hope you’ll find it to be creative and visually appealing.
What is your return policy?
All sales are final. Once you tell me what you want done, I’ll verify it and make it. If you have any issues, contact me.
Do you paint the soles of shoes?
No. While it is possible, the paint will come off quickly.
Why do you prefer to paint leather?
Leather makes a great “canvas” because it’s smooth and holds paint well. Cloth shoes have many little bumps and absorb paint, which means using multiple coats for the paint to shine. However, cloth shoes bleed paint, so lines won’t be clear. Plastic and vinyl shoes can be painted, but over time don’t hold the paint as well.
Do you offer colored shoe laces?
I can buy shoe laces and resell them to you, but you’re better off buying them directly. AngelusDirect.com sells them. That’s where I buy my paint. Other companies sell them as well. I suggest you take off your laces and measure them. Depending on your sneakers, the length can vary from 45” to 63”.
Custom Kicks by the Lase 