Customisation is the latest thing in fashion. Well, in a sense… Customisation has always been around and can mean many things. Altering jeans because they are too long is a form of customisation. Rolling up school uniform skirts is a form of customisation too, though to the chagrin of dress code conduct. In short, any alteration from the original product is considered customisation because it has been adjusted to fit the wearer. Some brands have decided to capitalise on the growing trend of personalisation. Everyone is either “clean girl-core” or “y2k-core” or even “ballerina-core” these days, and being able to personalise things like bags and shoes provides added value.
The enduring stereotype of women being obsessed with shoes explains the foray that brands are making into customisable shoes. Despite telling yourself you can never have too many shoes, a second glance at the burgeoning shoe closet says otherwise. Everyone has favourite pairs of shoes for different occasions, but what if there didn’t need to be so many choices? The renewed obsession with Crocs exacerbates this and asks a very important question: Why can’t shoes reflect our whims?
CROCS
Of course, this article would be incomplete without the mention of Crocs. Some might say it set into motion the trend of customisation. Inspired by people clicking bag charms, from pins to keychains, onto their belongings, Crocs came out with Jibbitz—fully customisable charms for your shoes (Crocs, of course). For every kind of person, young, old, fashionable, plain, there is a Jibbitz. Ranging from minions and Sanrio characters to more universal charms like bows and flowers, Crocs’ customisable shoes are perfect for those who want a little pep in their step come rain or shine.
Instagram: @crocsth
VIVAIA
A footwear brand that began during the thick of the pandemic in 2020, VIVAIA offers comfortable footwear for women made from eco-friendly and recyclable materials. Spotted on the toes of celebrities like Bella Hadid, Julia Roberts, and Lola Tung of The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022–) fame, VIVAIA’s repertoire of shoes is impressive on its own (its inclusion of wide box feet makes us wonder why other brands haven’t done something similar) but some of these shoes are set further apart by their customisation abilities. The Almond-toe Mary-Jane (Nelly) can be personalised through removable DIY charms like bows and acrylics, which can be clipped on and off the straps of the shoes. The Nubia flats and Barbara heels can be customised with pearls, rhinestones, and Cuban chains. Those who are fans of sneakers can join in on the fun, too! Common shoelaces can be replaced with VIVAIA’s fun ribbons in the colours pink, black, and white. The charm of customisable accessories means that shoes can be made anew with just one minor change.
Instagram: @vivaia.th
PACE SHOES
There is nothing more coveted than a nice pair of heels. Naturally uncomfortable, it is necessary to find a pair that makes the beauty worth the pain, the blisters, and the twisted ankles. Whether that is choosing the right size of heel, the best colour, or even accessories, the process of purchasing the perfect fit is subjective. Instead of hopping from store to store, what if you could do all of that in one place? Pace Shoes, established in 2014, is a Bangkok-based customised sandals and heels brand. Two of their collections, The Garden Series and Cherie Amour, are fully customisable. From options in heel size (flat, one-inch, two-inch, wedges, stilettos), adding extra ankle straps for a little oomph, choosing colour, and adding different charms. For Pace Shoes’ The Garden Series, the choices are between different types of orchids so you can match your petal to your pedal.
Instagram: @paceshoes
BLOC B
Shoes are perhaps the most underrated objects in our closets. After all, we can’t exactly walk around barefoot… outside the comfort of our own homes, that is. Cheap shoes are a temptation, one which fills shoe cupboards with broken heels or ruined soles. At what point does saving money start to cost more? Eventually, our feet will pay the price. Bloc B shoes, handcrafted in Thailand, are made from French lambskin leather. With sleek silhouettes in every style, ranging from sandals to sneakers, the possibilities are endless. Some products are further customisable. For example, two personalised pins with a choice between letters and symbols can be added to the Blake loafers for a small additional fee. The line of sneakers, Campbell, Campbell Hidden Love, and Cooper, also offers personalised embroidery in any spot you desire. With Bloc B, try, instead of on your sleeve, wearing your heart on your feet.
Instagram: @blocb_official