A Q&A With One Of The Voices Of Custom Sneakers: JBolding Kicks

Why don’t you walk me through how you got into making custom sneakers.

My name is Jeremy Bolding — just an average guy who loves art of all kinds!

I have a wife and a son and am a science teacher in Memphis, TN.

I have always enjoyed sneaker culture and art.

I actually stumbled into customizing shoes — I bought a pair of dusty ole grey air max 95’s and they were new. I wore them once and they started turning brown on the midsole.

I contacted Nike and when they refused to do anything I researched and found that the only way to fix it was to paint it.

So I found Angelus online and ordered 5 colors — white, black, tiffany, blue and purple.

I was able to fix my 95’s and customize my first pair of shoes (Kobe’s) thanks to a good friend, Stained by Stats.

Since then I have enjoyed learning about the game and trying to constantly improve!

Which sneaker customizers do you follow?

I know you might not believe it but I follow every single customizer I see on Instagram.

It doesn’t matter to me if they have 10 followers or 100,000.

I love to see everyone’s talents and perspectives when approaching a shoe design.

I do have so many favorites. Too many to list. There are so many that are so talented.

One of my favorites is chadcantcolor just because he stays true to his style and doesn’t follow the waves.

I also love all the customizers in my Memphis gang.

How would you describe what makes JBolding customs special to a desired customer?

I pride myself on making shoes look factory. I beg people to zoom in on my pictures haha. I spend way too much time on them sometimes.

I also spend a lot of planning time making sure shoes are wearable as far as the art goes. I don’t want it cracking and chipping off after the first wear.

If it’s a material that isn’t suitable, I simply won’t paint it.

I lose money sometimes but my reputation is more important and I am not going to send out anything I wouldn’t wear myself.

I also pride myself on line work and trying to keep the same thickness and opacity throughout.

What are trends in the custom shoe and custom sneaker space that you’re most excited about?

I am excited that custom sneaker art is becoming so accessible with sports and that the younger generation is getting involved.

All art is art and I love to see people bring fresh life.

What is one of the most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made in your custom shoe business?

The biggest investment is practice.

You have to spend time practicing.

Buy some old used shoes on eBay and practice, practice, practice.

You are going to screw up so many times.

It’s not the art that is difficult it’s the canvas you are working with.

Shoes come in so many materials and they all behave differently. Take time learning them all.

Also, invest in relationships with fellow artists. There are so many cool people out there that will actually put you on game and help you. Several have helped me!

What has been one of the most worthwhile lessons you’ve learned running a custom shoe business?

WHEW. It takes time. Lots of time.

I don’t have much of a base because I don’t market — I simply cannot do that many pairs because of my full-time job.

I really am trying to find a way to be able to put more pairs out there each year while not making it feel like work.

Yes, it’s a side business, or a main business, but it should still be fun!

It’s hard finding work/family balance and also do shoes.

What advice would you give to a first time customizer? What advice should they ignore?

Again, PRACTICE.

Just buy a couple of paints and go for it.

You don’t need expensive brushes or anything.

DON’T FOLLOW THE HYPE! Do something you want!

Don’t be afraid to tell the customer your thoughts. Don’t be afraid to say, “that won’t work.”

Don’t take shortcuts. Take your time when painting layers and don’t try to rush the process. It will only create a crappy product or more work later on.

How can I learn more about JBolding Kicks?

Just DM me on Instagram — @jboldingkicks!

I love meeting and talking with new people.

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