It may seem like some time ago, but it was only 4 months ago that a massive earthquake hit Haiti, forever changing the lives of millions both there and in the US. Efforts to aid and assist has dissolved a bit but they are still in much need of help. Pioneering sneaker forum, Niketalk, has managed to gather five of the biggest customizers- JGoods, 1of Customs, JBF, Evolved Foowear, and Revive– to contribute their skills to create custom pairs to be auctioned off. Not only will all proceeds be donated, but Niketalk themselves will match all winning bids to contribute to the Doctors Without Borders fund. Each pairs is quite unique, really pushing the boundaries of custom sneaker work. No need to be a forum member either, you can simply email Niketalk directly to place a bid. A great capsule for a great cause. Check below for more details of each custom.
JGoods
Shoe: Nike Air Force 1 Mid Supreme Air Max CB
Size: 12
Description from JGoods:
A country long tormented by poverty, environmental degradation, violence, instability and dictatorship was devastated in January when a magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck at its heart. Haiti will need to be completely rebuilt from the ground up.
Through all their trial and turmoil, Haiti has maintained a rich culture and fervor for the arts. Haiti is world famous for its distinctive art, bold designs and brilliant colors. Taxi cabs, also known as tap taps, are elaborately decorated by their owners with bright colors and other artistic elements, which stands in contrast with some of the desolate city blocks.
These particular shoes were inspired by the superbly painted tap taps; A more colorful way to travel. The shoes feature a balanced mosaic of geometric shapes and line using the colors of the Haitian flag. The base shoe is a classic in its own right: The Nike Air Force 1 Mid Supreme Max Air CB.
The rear quarter shares the French phrase “L’Union Fait La Force”, the same phrase on the country’s flag, which loosely translates to: strength through unity. It will take the efforts of many, united by cause, to begin to restore all that has been lost. JGoods one.
1of Customs
Shoe: Nike Air Force 1 low
size: 10
Description from 1ofCustoms:
These shoes are a tribute to the most important people on NikeTalk. People that give information months before a shoe comes out? Nope. People that help others get shoes for little to no profit? Uh-uh. The OG members? HELL NO. I’m talking about the prepubescent kids that blow their load over a little side boob. This one’s for the beasts.
And just like any self-respecting beast, this Nike Air Force 1 low comes with blue fur and the 2 most important questions on NikeTalk: “Pics?” and “Info?” written all over them. A yellow swoosh and toe bring the whole thing together.
JBF Customs
Shoe: Nike Blazer
size: 10.5
Description from JBF Customs:
Nike Blazer SBs, re-constructed of black oil shale leather with carbon fiber swoosh cutouts. The shoes also include red cross detailing on the heel tab as well as JBF branding on the tongue.
Evolved Footwear
Shoe: Nike Dunk high
Size: 9.5
Description from Evolved Footwear:
Iconic Nike: orange and elephant print with a side of NikeTalk on one of the most discussed shoes in NT’s 10 years: the Dunk. They feature a black on orange engraved elephant print with two NikeTalk logos on the back heels from the 10th anniversary t-shirt line.
Revive Customs
Shoe: Nike Air Trainer I
size: 9
Description from Revive Customs:
This is the second installment of the “What the One” series from Revive Customs. This time, the Nike Air Trainer I was chosen as a base to honor Nike’s involvement in the development of Cross Training. Each panel represents a certain Nike Training shoe design from the past.