Top 5 Custom Sneakers Right Now

The world of custom kicks is critical to the infrastructure of sneaker culture.

These comic book heroes, such as Dominic "The Shoe Surgeon" Chambrone, John Geiger and Dan Gamache, have elevated the taste levels of consumers and gone against the traditional brand wave we're so used to seeing.

Understanding what the custom marketplace is all about and what it represents is big. So we decided to reveal five of the best custom sneakers in the world, using quality, creativity and conceptuality as our guiding light.

John Geiger: 'New P Logo' Air Force Ones

John Geiger has turned his footwear visions into stark, wearable pieces of reality over the last few years. For those who don't follow the Geiger wave, the man has helped guide Air Force Ones back into people's closets.

It started with his Misplaced Checks series—a limited release of sneakers that featured countless Nike swoosh marks—and transitioned to the "New P Logo" Air Force One lows.

Honoring Geiger's Pittsburgh heritage, these shoes took a minimalist approach and turned an all-white Air Force One low into a must-own summer shoe. He laced a special tribute to his home city near the heels of each shoe.

Air Force One supporters and those who appreciate an artistic renaissance in general understand Geiger's vision. It's not always about flash. Sometimes, it's about substance and setting trends.

The Shoe Surgeon: Premium 'Banned' Air Jordan I

Air Jordan may have brought the "Banned" I back to retailers earlier this September, but Dominic Chambrone, more commonly known as The Shoe Surgeon, went into the lab and unveiled his own take on this classic sneaker.

Using above-grade, super-premium materials, Chambrone constructed a limited "Banned" I.

The sneaker follows the traditional Air Jordan structure, but instead of going for normal, he swapped out factory materials for sensational, finger-melting cuts of leather. On top of that, he also lined each sole with Adidas Boost technology, bringing wearability and comfort to a shoe known more for its style rather than feel.

Chambrone's end result was a proliferated leather cut, honoring the "Banned" I. He somehow took a classic piece of footwear and turned into something even more iconic.

Mache: Balor Club Vans

Dan Gamache has always created work worthy of a place in the Museum of Modern Art. His hand-detailing and paint game remain off the charts.

It's the reason why he's been commissioned to work with LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Marvel Comics, various WWE wrestlers and so many other icons of pop culture.

Recently, Mache gave WWE Superstars their own custom kicks for the company's annual SummerSlam show. Of all the wild drops—such as Kofi Kingston's LeBron Soldier Xs—it was his work with Finn Balor that really shined.

The Balor Club Vans were less abrasive than his other kicks but stood out nonetheless. Using Balor's signature font and logo, Mache sprinkled the Vans' canvas with various Balor Club markings.

The shoe design looks better than almost any Vans' drop to come out this calendar year. It's a testament to Mache's hustle. Creating a sneaker for a WWE Superstar that could sell in retail stores is just how he rolls.

JBF Customs: Python Air Jordan III

JBF Customs has become synonymous with the use of python leather—just look at the Instagram account. The detailed, patchwork effect is now a trademark look for one of the sneaker world's finest customizers.

With this dark, aggressive take on the Air Jordan III, consumers were treated to something outside of the Jordan Brand box. The pattern is laser etched, generating textures you rarely see from retailers.

Customization is about taking risks and generating a buzz. JBF Customs has achieved that over the years, transfixing the python leather movement as its own tsunami of sneaker goodness.

The Shoe Surgeon: Crust Leather 00 Original

Rather than redesign a sneaker, The Shoe Surgeon has at times veered off and created his own silhouettes from scratch.

This Crust Leather 00 Original design, posted above, was shaped with a boot influence and executed perfectly. Material-wise, it's off the charts. Crucial slabs of pristine leather and a rubber sole blend durability with high fashion.

On a creativity front, it's a unique approach to the customization game. To see Chambrone go from crafting a pair of "Banned" Jordan I's to these originals is a testament to his imagination.

People who tend to stray away from more athletic-style sneakers could find his original work even more appealing. Switching up your style and taking risks is a huge part of what this custom sneaker business is all about.