Want to stand out with a pair of Air Force 1s that no one else has? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re interested in customizing a pair directly on Nike’s website or you want to customize them yourself using your own materials, we’ve put together an article that can help you create the design you’re looking for.
Nike By You Collection
The Nike By You collection is a limited-edition product line that users can customize before ordering. Most of Nike’s popular silhouettes are part of this collection, including the Air Force 1, Dunk, and Air Max 90. Depending on the model released, various combinations of materials and colors can be used to create a unique colorway. When a material is sold out, users can no longer use that material to place orders. Certain Nike By You models are available all year round, while others are only available for a few days (or sell out within minutes of launching).
To customize a Nike Air Force 1, you need to visit the Nike By You page. After you choose the model and material combination you want, you can either select a design recommended by Nike or click the Customise button to start the customization process.
Using your mouse, you can rotate the camera to view the design from different angles. At the bottom of the screen, you can scroll through all the individual parts that make up the sneaker and customize them. Don’t forget that in the final step you can add your initials to each shoe instead of the Nike logo on the heel.
After you finish choosing the colors and materials, save your design. You will now be able to copy the design link and send it to a friend. You can also add the pair to your cart and place your order. Hurry, quantities are limited – if any of the materials you used sell out, you will be forced to change that material.
In general, Nike By You deliveries take between 3–6 weeks to arrive from the moment the order is placed. Orders are shipped by courier and follow the same conditions as other orders placed on Nike.com – there are no additional costs beyond those shown on the site at the time of ordering.
Do It Yourself
If you don’t want to order a pair of custom Nike Air Force 1s directly from Nike, you can create your own pair of customized sneakers at home. First, you’ll need a pair of Nike Air Force 1, preferably the Triple White model. It’s also best if the pair is new (or as little worn as possible).
First, remove the laces from your Air Force 1s. Then you’ll need some acetone to clean the leather on the sneakers. This process removes the factory finish from the leather upper. This step is extremely important and should not be skipped. You want the designs you’re about to create to stay on the shoe, even if you wear them out in the rain.
The second step involves masking all the corners and areas where you don’t want the paint to go. Make sure you press the tape down firmly – don’t rush, the more precise you are, the better. After you’ve finished this process, take a craft knife and start cutting the tape along the lines you marked earlier. Be careful, you don’t want to damage the leather by mistake with the knife.
Now the fun begins! You can start painting over the white base. Choose your palette of acrylic paint colors and get to work! Keep in mind that thin layers of paint give the best results. When you’re done, let the shoes dry overnight.
Once the shoes have dried, you can use a matte acrylic finisher before removing the tape. Your custom pair of Air Force 1 is ready to wear! Post a picture of them on Instagram and use the hashtag #sneakermarketro.
