So Sick Kicks

Inka

2011-03-07T12:42:00.000-08:00

The Inka line was inspired by my home country, Bolivia. An ongoing project, the idea to create this personal line stemmed from my desire to learn more about the South American country that was home to my birthparents. After much research into the country’s indigenous art forms and rich Inca history, I came up with this colorful design as a way to honor my personal heritage, while also sharing an aspect of Bolivia’s culture with my customer base. There are currently 20 pairs of limited edition Inka kicks available for purchase.

Loving Las Vegas

2011-02-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Like the bright lights of Sin City, these kicks will make you want to hit the slot machines, or head for the nearest poker table. Created for an avid Vegas fan, every inch on these custom kicks calls to mind elements of the Vegas Strip. Roll the dice, or pull the lever and you just might hit the jackpot. Need a little extra luck? The bright “clover green” background is there to send some your way, or, better yet, remind you of the “green” you could win if you play your cards right. Hopefully, the next time the owner of these kicks is in her favorite city, all she needs to do is click her high-tops and the chips will fall in her favor.

The Wise One II

2011-02-25T13:06:00.000-08:00

This pair of sneakers was named after one of my first childhood paintings: a pudgy little owl resting on the branch of a tree, surrounded by a deep blue sky. Coincidentally, years later, another talented young artist commissioned this very same owl design. This particular request allowed me to apply techniques that I had learned in fine art classes in high school and led to my decision to use a more traditional brush stroke and wash for the shoe. It was fun to have the opportunity to revisit a childhood “classic”. I hear the client’s art teacher was quite impressed with the final design, too, which was great to hear.

Brokeback Mountain

2011-02-25T12:54:00.000-08:00

These kicks were created for a huge fan of Annie Proulx and of most things Country. From images of the Brokeback Mountain sweethearts standing on the mountain on which they first fell in love, to images of the postcards that the men exchanged, right down to the image of their Ford pick-up truck winding up the road that they travelled as they revisited their hideaway, every significant moment in the long love affair between Ennis Del Mar and Jack Twist is captured in magnificent detail on this shoe. Look closely at the back of both sneakers and you’ll notice that the pattern of their checked shirts is reflected, along with metal studs, to further reinforce the rodeo lives of the Wyoming men. As a final desolate touch, an empty bronze heart locket was tied with twine to the kicks, leaving room for a sweetheart’s image to be inserted and carried wherever the shoes roam.

Custom Designed SSK Lace Locks

2009-10-20T10:05:00.000-07:00

In a collaborative effort So Sick Kicks teamed up with Design Proper Clothing Company to produce custom lace locks. So Sick Kicks is now offering a FREE set of lace locks with every sneaker purchase!

2009-10-19T11:41:00.000-07:00

Red Carpet

2009-09-17T10:17:00.001-07:00

A local photographer commissioned these kicks after seeing samples of my work at a local art collaborative. She wanted something simple that honored her love of music, the arts, and fashion. My inspiration for the design was DC's historic U Street Corridor.

Smart, Sexy and Stylish

2009-09-17T10:04:00.000-07:00

I made this pair for a client who is a fancy NASA engineer from 9 to 5, and an aspiring stylist 24/7! The flip side of these awesome extra high-top Chucks features the planet earth gliding through outer space, and a fierce spacewoman surveying the extraterrestrial landscape.

Hook ’Em Horns

2009-09-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

College football fans take note: UT fans aren't shy about expressing their pride! I had lots of fun with this shoe, which was actually a surprised birthday gift for a very lucky boyfriend (he is now a fiancee... I wonder why...). The toughest part of the shoe was getting the color exactly right; Longhorn orange is a great color with strong red tones. Once we got the color, the only other challenge was fitting all of those national championships on one shoe!

When In Rome…

2009-07-19T20:46:00.000-07:00

When a client approached me about transferring an al fresco design onto her kicks, I knew that I would have a great time with her request. These kicks are one of my all time favorites because they contrast the fine art style of the Mediterranean with the raw classic beauty of Chucks. Viva l'Italia!

Custom Kicks: The Reel World

2009-06-09T18:47:00.001-07:00

A love of traveling, Nigerian film, and gorgeous tropical beaches were my client's inspiration for these kicks. You only live once, and she knows how to live! The beaches, fishermen, and palm trees were all included as homages to this client's home country of Cameroon!

Featured Kicks: Sweet Aventure

2009-06-09T18:42:00.001-07:00

My love for ice cream, cute kids, and warm weather were the inspiration for these sweet tooth tempting kicks. I like to think that these chocolate chip cookies, mint ocean, and ice cream cones give Mr. Wonka a run for his money!

Featured Kicks: Stars Burn Out

2009-06-09T18:25:00.000-07:00

Down goes the sun, up goes the moon, out come the stars. Well, they don't always come out in DC, NYC, or the many other places from which So Sick Kickers hail, but they're still out there! Stars always remind me that our struggle for human connection doesn't have to be as difficult as we make it-- you don't need a computer to share a moment beneath the sky. But difficult it is, because come morning the stars burn out of the sky and I'm left wondering if anyone else feels their absence as I do.

Custom Kicks: Brave New Breed

2009-05-25T19:23:00.000-07:00

These kicks were specially made for "Triple Threat" a HOT local rapper, producer and CEO of Brave New Breed Ent. The label has just dropped a mixtape: "Grand Theft Audio Vol. 1". Check out their site and download the album! www.bravenewbreed.com

Custom Kicks: Lego My Kicks!

2009-05-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

These shoes were a surprise for a very special young client who wanted to express a few of his greatest loves in life: Legos, Batman, and soccer! Since the late 80's, fresh kicks have been the crown jewel of every kid's outfit (I know they were for me!). Kids' shoes require a bit of extra work, since there is a considerably smaller space in which to execute the design concept-- but they are always worth it!

Featured Kicks: Lucha Libre

2009-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

"Lucha Libre," or free fighting, is an explosion of emotion, color, and personal style. These kicks take luchadores (fighters) into the future with newly designed masks, and an unmistakably feminine presence. These kicks celebrate the grand Mexican tradition of self-expression and bravura!

Custom Kicks: Breakbeat

2009-03-07T13:03:00.000-08:00

These shoes were designed at the reqeust of a client who wanted a fresh pair of kicks to highlight her Haitian heritage and affinity for old skool hip-hop. Rope chains, boom boxes, turntables and brass knuckle name rings signify the magic moment when hip-hop finally hit the masses! Word.

Featured Kicks: Heart Racer

2009-03-05T16:03:00.000-08:00

These kicks were born on the streets of Cairo, where there are no speed limits, no rules, and faded driving lanes are no match for the mob of packed cars. The Great Pyraminds watch over roads thick with blaring horns, teeming with pedestrians, and absolutely full of life. There is order to this beautiful chaos, but the wonder of it all sent my heart racing.

Featured Kicks: Raging Bull

2009-03-05T15:32:00.000-08:00

Raw emotion, a sense of purpose, and sheer power are what this pair of kicks represent. Sometimes life demands that we lead with our natural instincts, and charge through our obstacles. These feelings can be hard to find, but when we do uncover them we can unleash the raging bull inside.

Featured Kicks: Mad Designer

2009-03-05T15:20:00.000-08:00

Do we control our creativity, or does our creative energy control us? This shoe represents the central tension between the world we are born into and the world we choose to make around us. The mad designer wears a mask that hardly hides her emotions, as she imposes her will on the universe.

So Sick Kicks FAQ

2008-12-08T12:31:00.000-08:00

We've tried our best to distill the most frequently asked questions so that you're able to find the answer you're looking for. But if you can't find it, don't hesitate to "Ask the Sidekick!" by clicking on the link in the right-hand menu.

1. What are the design possibilities for my So Sick Kicks?

The possibilities are truly endless! Some clients come to us full of exact ideas, and others come

to us with concepts or even feelings. Whether you are a member of the former or the latter, we will work with you to bring your kicks to life.

2. I want one of the shoes I saw on this website-- can I just order the exact pair?

There are two types of shoes on the website: "featured kicks" and "custom kicks." Featured kicks are conceptualized entirely by So Sick Kicks staff, and therefore can be ordered and reproduced. Custom kicks are conceptualized in partnership with a client, and cannot be reproduced. If you like a pair of custom kicks, we can work to incorporate very general ideas or elements into your kicks, but we will not reproduce the exact design.

3. Do you provide the kicks to be customized?

We provide the kicks, but if you have a particular pair of shoes in mind and want to provide them, that is fine as long as they are completely new and unworn.

Currently we only customize canvas sneakers, such as Chuck Taylors, Vans, etc. We do not guarantee availability of any particular size or style, as that is subject to manufacturer availability. If the style of shoe you desire is not available in your size, we will work with you to find a suitable style for your design. Some shoes run larger or smaller than others, so please be sure of your size when ordering.

4. What happens after I order a pair of So Sick Kicks?

Once you place your order, you will be contacted by the Principle Designer of So Sick Kicks who will walk you through the design process. This involves conceptualizing your ideas and discussing color schemes, shoe styles, and design elements. You will then receive a draft sketch of your design; if you are unhappy with the design or would like to add/change design elements, we will work with you to arrive at the final design of you desire!

5. How are So Sick Kicks made?

So Sick Kicks are made with superior quality materials and processed meticulously until you receive the final product. All So Sick Kicks are treated by hand to remove protective coatings. A blueprint design is laid-out on the shoe, and the final design is then drawn permanently onto the kicks. The next step is to paint the shoe, ensure it is properly heat-set, and finally treat the shoe with a water resistant coating.

6. How much do So Sick Kicks cost?

So Sick Kicks start at $160, however prices can vary depending on the level of detail or customization, the base cost of the shoe, and the materials required to complete your kicks. So Sick Kicks for kids start at $130.

7. I don't live anywhere near Washington, DC-- how much is shipping?

Shipping is free!

8. How long will it take to receive my So Sick Kicks?

As a general rule, it will take approximately 2-3 weeks to receive your kicks. Since this depends on the volume of clients at any given time, we will promptly inform you of any delays. Kicks can be expedited for an additional fee of $50.

9. Do I have to take special care of my So Sick Kicks?

Your So Sick Kicks will resist wear and tear just like any other pair of shoes. They are water resistant (not water proof), so as long as you aree not dancing in the rain or using them as snowshoes they will be fine!

10. Is there a return policy?

Since each shoe is hand made-to-order, there are no returns.

How to Order Your Pair of So Sick Kicks, or Schedule a Consultation Today!

2008-05-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

Featured Kicks (Adult or Kids)
To order a pair of Featured Kicks, go to the drop-down menu on the sidebar and choose "Featured Kicks." Next, select the name of the pair of Featured Kicks that you would like to order (i.e. "Heart Racer, Stars Burn Out, etc.), and click the "Buy Now" button. You will then be contacted by So Sick Kicks to go over shoe size, and information on when you can expect to receive your kicks!

Custom Kicks (Adult or Kids)
To Order a Pair of Custom Kicks, go to the drop-down menu on the sidebar and choose "Custom Kicks" or contact us at sosickkicks@gmail.com. Prices for Custom Kicks can fall below $250, depending on the level of detail and design time involved in making your kicks.

After ordering or contacting us, you will be contacted by the Principle Designer of So Sick Kicks who will walk you through the design process. This involves conceptualizing your ideas and discussing color schemes, shoe styles, and design elements. Next, you will receive a draft sketch of your design; if you are unhappy with the design or would like to add/change design elements, we will work with you to arrive at the final design of you desire!