A couple of weeks back we wrote about custom kicks, and the trend of sneaker customization; though it seems Robert B. Martin Jr. is taking it to another level.

Growing up he found himself delving into his motherss safe and using her jewerly and diamonds to freshen up his kicks. He would take the jewerly from her and put it around the laces of his sneakers to create a unique pair of ‘bling’ kicks.

As time passed the fashion he created became more popular. Jump down the line a few years and Robert’s design style has now turned into a full blown sneaker accessory company namely Kickbars.

Kickbars are diamond plated bars specifically designed to lace through your shoelaces to create a custom style. Though many of his customers are wearing their Kickbars around their wrist or neck. The idea is patented by Robert and Kickbars and the actual bar itself comes in opulent 24K White Gold, either in a pave or invisable setting. You can also pick from an assortment of gems or colors to match your style.

All the diamonds are round cut though with different weights. The co also offers a Jr. Kickbar at a weight of 13grams, encrusted with 38 diamonds to a total of 1.5 carats. The original Kickbar is 18grams, made with 54 diamonds and is 2.0 carats.

The bars, which he says are made with conflict-free diamonds, are easily transferred from your Air Force Ones onto bracelets and necklaces. KickBars start at $6,500, but Martin says, “They can go all the way up to $5 million a shoe.”

Customizing is rather hot at the moment. Everything seems to be customized; from pimped cars to retro furniture. This major trend is especially popular in footwear, with some really special designs being produced and sold online. Customizing your own kicks (shoes) seems to be a way of stepping out of the crowd, of showing your personality; off the shelf designs just don’t say enough.

Just about every sneaker brand of late has found a way to put street art into their products; rain boots have never been in such demand; and the customizing festivals and exhibitions being held all over the world; are a serious force to be reckoned with.

Enter “Custom Kicks” a publication showcasing the work of 150 artists and illustrators including Skwak, Steven Harrington, Chuck Anderson, Mike Perry, Boris Hoppek, Jeremyville, Emil Kozak, Jon Burgerman and many many more all whom have been invited to show/create customized shoes, the book not only appeals to sneaker freaks, fashion fetishists and trend watchers, but also to the graphic-design and art audience. The text examines the trend and asks: how did it start? What materials do the artists use? There are also tips and tricks on how to create your very own unique shoes.

About the Authors: Kim Smits and Matthijs Maat of MAKI Design

MAKI is a boutique design and illustration studio based in Groningen, The Netherlands, run by Kim Smits and Matthijs Maat. Besides customizing their own sneakers, MAKI work for a variety of clients including magazines and many t-shirt companies around the world. In 2007 their first childrens book will be in stores as well as their own shoes and a childrens clothing line.