Alright, guys, so I’ve been wanting to customize some cleats for a while now. I finally decided to go for it and make some custom Off-White inspired ones. Let me tell you, it was a process, but totally worth it!
Getting Started
First, I grabbed a pair of plain white cleats. It doesn’t really matter what brand, just as long as they’re mostly white and have a surface you can work with. I went with some basic ones cause, you know, budget.
Next, I gathered my supplies. Here’s what I used:
- Acrylic paint (various colors, but especially orange and black)
- Paintbrushes (different sizes for details and larger areas)
- Masking tape
- A pencil
- Sealer (to protect the paint)
- Black and Orange Shoelaces
The Design Process
This is where things got interesting. I spent a good chunk of time just sketching out ideas on paper. I wanted that signature Off-White look, with the text and the zip tie, but I also wanted to make them my own. I looked at a bunch of pictures online for inspiration.
Once I had a general idea, I lightly penciled the design onto the cleats. This was just a guide, so I didn’t stress too much about making it perfect. I mostly focused on where I wanted the text and the lines.
Painting Time!
I used the masking tape to block off the stripes, and the swoosh on the shoes.
Now for the fun part! I started by painting the larger areas, like the stripes and any solid blocks of color. I used thin coats of paint and let each layer dry completely before adding another. This is key to preventing the paint from cracking or peeling later on.
For the text, I used a very fine brush and a steady hand. I carefully painted the words “SHOELACES” on the laces,and my name, and the classic “”AIR”” on the side of the cleats. It took some patience, but it was starting to look pretty cool!
I also added some orange accents, because, well, Off-White. I painted a small rectangle on the side and a few other details here and there. Just enough to give it that pop of color.
Finishing Touches
Once everything was dry, I carefully removed the masking tape. Then, I applied a few coats of sealer to protect the paint job. This is super important, especially if you’re actually going to wear these cleats on the field.
And of course, I added the orange zip tie! I mean, it’s not really Off-White without the zip tie, right? I just threaded it through one of the lace holes and made sure it was secure.
I also added the new shoelaces.
The Final Result
Honestly, I’m pretty stoked with how these turned out. They’re not perfect, but they’re definitely unique, and I had a blast making them. It was a bit of a learning curve, but totally doable. If you’re thinking about customizing your own cleats, I say go for it! Just be patient, take your time, and have fun with it.
