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.