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Mbulelo Mpofu, Online Reporter
FROM mere Adidas ‘Yeezy Desert Sands’ or Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers to a remarkable, new look customised slides or sneakers, fashion lovers surely cannot resist the latest trends.

This Do It Yourself (DIY) practice owes its origins to the late 90s and early 2000s in America and has been growing from strength to strength.

Sneaker culture has taken the world by storm and at the altar of fashion, many have paid homage.

Sneakerheads in the City of Kings and Queens have probably diarised December 18 as the day they stop everything for the Bulawayo Sneaker Expo.

Customised footwear is irresistible to the point that even celebrities have Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO). Ask Justin Timberlake for example.

The “What goes around…Comes around” singer even has a personal snicker customiser.

In Eric Connor, JT has a trusted cadre. Remember, opulence means everything to these socialites.

Now, fashion is subjective I know hence some call it drip, sauce or swagger, the truth of the matter is that nothing beats “owning” what you wear.

While some of us are grateful just for having something on our feet, others go all out in pursuit of peculiarity – call it drip, sauce or swagger if you want – but having a sense of control of what they wear and also belonging to a certain clique is a must to them.

When it comes to fashion, sometimes, the popular phrase, “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” is just a saying.

To others, plain is cool yet to the other half, simplicity just does not cut it. Shoes have arguably been perennial yardsticks for measuring one’s social status and it is against this background that Chronicle Showbiz embarked on a fashion excursion to find out what’s the secret behind customised footwear.

Why do people customise their footwear? With a survey based on fashionistas and footwear specialists in the locale, mixed reactions were the end product of this endeavour.

Ranging from cartoon characters to logos, sneakers and slides are plastered with anything that one may find amusing.

Situated along 9th Avenue opposite Southampton Building is one sneaker and slide customiser by the name of Sibangani Moyo whose eyes light up at the sight of a sneaker or a slide.

“Making them (sneakers & slides) look cool” is his specialty. Armed with a fine brush and Angelus acrylic paint, Sibangani is ever ready to paint footwear away.

“To me, customised footwear means food on the table. I rarely put one on but for the reasons of making ends meet, I customise sneakers and slides for people,” said the sneaker customiser.

Fashionista and rapper Likhwalethu Moyo (25) customises his apparel for different reasons.

“One of the reasons why I so adore customising my clothes, not sneakers in general, happens to be wanting to stand out. I want my sneakers to be different from what everyone has and this can only come through adding my personal touch to it.

“Wearing a customised sneaker makes a statement even before you utter a word and what more power can one have other than that?” said the sneakerhead.

Another fashion freak, Ndumiso Masuku (20) conceded that he does not want to be a laggard, but wants to go keep pace with the latest trends.

He wants to be part of a new breed of youths who take control of what they wear.

“Customising sneakers or slides gives one carte blanche to do as I please on what I own. I cannot wear Nike Air Force plain white or black sneakers like everyone else, no. I need a sense of ownership and control and that is the very reason why I customise my shoes,” relayed Ndumiso.

Future Ndlovu (27) shares the same sentiments as Ndumiso as he savours the chance of living amongst arguably the most ingenious folks that the world has ever seen.

He feels “confident” when he puts on his customised slides. I’m sure that I’m speaking for everyone when I say that everybody loves shoes but the demarcating factor is in our preferences.

What’s your take on customised footwear? Is it a yay or nay for you? — @eMKlass_49