Some sneaker custom designs are so played out that customizers will flat out refuse to entertain working on them. But design inspirations can present a fun challenge by begging, “What would that look like, anyway?”
Lucky for Jake Danklefs, aka “Dank Customs,” he had two clients contract him to create Air Max 1 versions of two of the most beloved New Balance collaborations of all time. The “Nazer Eye” and “Purple Devil” 1500s that Solebox created for New Balance continue to be sought after the world over, demanding resale prices that are astounding. But, why pay those prices when you could have a Dank original?
Jake used the inspiration of those designs, as well as the paneling on the 1500, to create colorways on the Air Max 1 that any New Balance ‘head would recognize. Jake’s most special touch, though, was removing the signature swoosh and replacing it with leather patches reminiscent of the stitched N, signature of the 1500. Jake is careful to point out that in this case “N is for Nike.”
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