How to Make a $10k Pair of Shoes from Scratch: The Shoe Surgeon

Dominic Chambrone aka 'The Shoe Surgeon' is one of the most well-known creators in the custom sneaker world. What began as a humble shoemaking hobby has turned into a full-time career. Relocating to LA, Dom opened up his Surgeon Studios HQ, where he creates and collabs on custom sneakers from Pizza Hut and Ebay to celebrities such as DJ Khaled and Lebron James. He's opened up a school to help train the next generation of custom sneaker creators.
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[@MrKydaman]

Creativity and passion is a great combination.

[@theDudeOfDudes]

Stupidity and an overabundance of money is a terrible combination. There, I fixed that for you.

[@jamesramirez3540]

TheDudeofDudes hey at least they love their jobs

[@catipolanco]

And a lot of money also

[@aidanhoh2723]

TheDudeofDudes jealousy and being broke is the worst combination.

[@catipolanco]

another innocent that believe that poor people is poor because they want and rich are rich because they work hard..

[@disaar3679]

Sneakers aren't my thing but I really appreciate the craft. And it's so cool this guy is sharing his knowledge, thumbs up!

[@amend333]

Di Saar, we need more commenters like you, so many people shagin on his craft.

[@HotepSaoirse]

The lack of creativity is sickening

[@TheRedverb]

Di Saar, All day. Make money from the craft, teach the craft to others. I dig it.

[@monarchthedj8357]

In your opinion, what would you describe "Creativity" as in the world of shoe customization?

[@Felishamois]

i hope his workers are allowed to smoke weed ..it will definitely help the creativity part

[@-__-_-_--__--_-__-_____--_-___]

I like sneakers being made in non-cheap labor countries. It's great that he's inspiring a market for high quality construction again

[@georgequiroz7537]

Neurotic Sos this is actually low quality shoe he’s making them by hand. Higher quality is In China like they say on the tags made in China.

[@mytheoryofmind]

George Quiroz how is it low quality shoes? All of these celebrities wouldn’t be asking him for customs if they were, nor would he be holding classes if he didn’t know what he was doing. He puts massive amounts of time and dedicated to this. He is a master of his craft.

[@Ishankk]

@@mytheoryofmind have you worn a custom? Although they look good they are of poor quality, you can certainly not use it for daily use and they are neither as comfy as some retails.

[@Crimsonsky1851]

@@mytheoryofmind idiot you have no idea how this thing works lmfao

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

@@Ishankk Yeah this looks like a niche product that happened to catch the popular imagination. These are ripoff customs from cheap athletic footwear. They probably should be thought of as art-shoes or pop-art or something. Couture fashion items are often ridiculously expensive but poorly made. They trade on image more than quality.

[@royalvibes4433]

This is really cool . I just wish they showed more of how to make an actual shoe like step by step . I want to make a shoe one day . That would be so awesome . This is very inspirational

[@KushSmoke707]

Much respect to dom, we went to high school with each other and it’s good to see someone out of Sonoma county doing it!!

[@Wiscompton608]

Dude's a true craftsman, so many people get lost in our disposable society and forget the artistry that goes into handmade goods. I'd love to take a class with Dom some day, mad respect.

[@MrSlicer2424]

Sam Merkel Craftsman??? Right! My grandmother made shoes for dorndorf Germany in the 1940's. She would have laughed her ass off watching these cubicle kids patting themselves on the back for playing arts and crafts!!!

[@1sadsexually2sadsexually54]

MrSlicer2424 You dont have to explain anything on youtube nobody cares especially if you're going to act childish.

[@obi-wankenobi9871]

Art=/=Craftsmanship

[@rochester212]

Am i missing something? Aren`t sneakers disposable? When your sneakers are worn-out, do you rebuild them? I have 10 year old factory shoes with double stitching and replaceable soles, but sneakers don`t have that, they are meant to be disposed and they are not made to last(at least not anymore). The most i can get out of a pair is 3 summers worth of use. Very tricky to repair as well. When it comes to quality footwear, sneakers are the worst investment. But if you want a pair, you can get one for 1000 dollars or less. You can even make your own, it`s not exactly rocket science !

[@s3ntin3l60]

MrSlicer2424 I have respect for your grandma. She doesn't require a reward.

[@nadinesalameh90]

He's been through dark times but managed to move forward and inspire others ! Why so much hate in the comments! I think it's a great story to tell

[@dustinshaffer384]

Is awesome seeing Dom get so big! I grew up with him and his brothers in Santa Rosa. He was a crazy kid but so glad he is doing great things.

[@aggt9266]

I love the part where he talks about mental health. It was unexpected

[@stephenwatchesyoutube]

If you think about it, people that are as creative as him, it's usually expected with them. Think about all the great artsits.. they all struggled with mental health

[@nigelnigelakiraakira]

Over priced. Yes. Over hyped....maybe a little. But you have to appreciate the fact that these are handcrafted pieces of art. That you can wear! Not my style but I can appreciate it. Hard to find handcrafted anything these days. And he's teaching them to make their own! That's fucking awesome.

[@Reloaded44]

I AM NO ONE couldn't have said it better 😊

[@pablohill6688]

So are the handmade fakes of China but there still illegal

[@ChickenPermish]

Lol all the clothes you own are handcrafted by east Asian children.

[@aaroninky]

These people are doing the exact same labour and processes that a bootlegger in a sweatshop in China would do, to flood little markets all over the world with convincing fakes. What makes it 'art'? I'm sorry but stitching a bunch of spare fabrics to existing designs is not 'Art'. It's like amateur handicraft.

[@nigelnigelakiraakira]

aaroninky He's hustling people for sure. Definitely think it's way overpriced. I'm not going to buy a pair, but I'm not going to hate on the success of his business. And of course art is subjective.

[@lumapas]

If not made/assembled by Chinese,its not a real Nike.

[@lewissunflower6397]

Most of their shoes aren't made in China (only ~20%).

[@txmmymai3175]

I'm Vietnamese and i'm offended

[@collinschultz7251]

Lewis Sunflower r/wooosh

[@collinschultz7251]

w a n k e r b o y e r/wooosh

[@pinkcactuz1252]

w a n k e r b o y e ok

[@heskicks]

This was too ill! Kudos to vice for showcasing SS he does incredible work

[@YvesCastles]

Hes Kicks Your comment sank to the bottom and I'm displeased by that

[@deg1647]

Hes Kicks too ill???? 🤒that’s the dumb est expression don’t be a sheep to Ballshit

[@YvesCastles]

Dan Pay You're banned from commenting any more.

[@Jointfreund]

SCHUTZ STAFFEL

[@davidlarson3905]

Let's put a nail in the coffin of the question: "Why is he allowed to put the Nike trademark on his shoes?" These are customized shoes made with parts of shoes that were sold originally as Nike's... there is no legal difference between him making a profit off these shoes and a re-seller making a profit off of rare Nike's. Think of it like a customized classic car. You still keep the Ford logo on that old customized Mustang, right? Even after you've changed the drivetrain, suspension, interior... etc...

[@yodaddyyogatti3586]

David Larson lmao you’re talking out our ass, didn’t you see him picking which fabric to use? Those ain’t part of Nike shoes lmao , the only thing that was part of an actual nike shoe was probably the sole but then again he most likely just buys bulk “fake” soles from China or some shit

[@davidlarson3905]

@@yodaddyyogatti3586 you just gave an example that supports my analogy 😬

[@yodaddyyogatti3586]

David Larson he’s still using their name to make money

[@david3wrightson684]

He probably just has the green light and built a relationship with them.. good question though I am wondering the same thing.

[@brodie5034]

and if the Chinese made this for sure people will call it fake. lmao

[@fernandovieira3134]

Dom is the man, known him since elementary. Proud of the long way he has come!

[@laggsanity7005]

Why does this reporter sound like every 2k myplayer? 😂😂😂

[@zekzekzekzek6146]

Lol

[@edem710]

Loved this documentary: passion, overcoming depression, self-development and S N E A K E R S. Keep doing the great work VICE!

[@SneakerHeadInTheBay]

Mad skills

[@tannerrubach3998]

First reply

[@joeyjohnson4987]

I wanna chill with you

[@zeredbaron3147]

Props to this guy...he's doing great and he's humble...I wish him all the best.

[@oOMissPoodlePantsOo]

Interesting.. Im happy how hard he has worked and where he is now! I went to school with this guy, all the way from grade school, and we had moments from artist to artist and both sharing the same mental illness. GOOD FOR HIM! Such a talented and good hearted guy.

[@ajcoolbreeze3961]

This is awesome, glad there are people like Dom out there helping and assisting in inspiring others to be creative.

[@AlejandraPerez-sv3tr]

Everyone in the comments needs to quit hating! He's talented and knows how to market his product as something unique to make A LOT of money. Kudos to him

[@AlejandraPerez-sv3tr]

manu ochenta 0- 100 real quick there, bud. I'm not telling anyone not to speak. Get your head out of your ass

[@wdsftygt]

Alejandra Perez hating,yeah brilliant.

[@RelaxRelapse720]

manu ochenta - Telling someone what to do because you want them to quit telling people what to do. lmao

[@tytytyme33]

Coolest thing was he learned how to be more humble and found something he can teach and pass on to others. Life!

[@ToFester]

Alejandra Perez - Yeah but how is it his product when the shoes have a Nike logo on them?

[@stinkee518]

Fantastic video from Vice. Keep giving spotlight to the makers 💛

[@yowgyrl]

You are an inspiration. We come from different worlds but I found your story inspirational. You didn't let the bi-polar diagnosis stop you or confine you into a box with a label. I could relate to that.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

Fricking love binge watching Vice docs! 👍🏻

[@tclavoie4313]

This is so dope and inspiring... Much respect for this man and his craft.

[@morganpeace6867]

I was really curious if you offer courses on what to do after finishing a pair of shoes, like protecting your design, selling your design, or the different ways you can make money selling footwear? Thanks so much for the video!

[@sanjitsingh3461]

Absolute inspiration for aspiring Sneaker Designers. Thanks Dom❤️

[@connorswanson3695]

This guy has elevated his brand so much since I last watched this video so cool to see him winning definitely deserves it , not even a Sneaker head but appreciate authentic craft

[@benpswift]

Well done to the guy. I'm happy for him that he has been able to achieve his dream. Then establish a school to teach others is great!

[@baronsamuels5537]

Yo dom you've just sparked my imagination always wanted to design my own shoe. Thanks for the cool video.

[@ptonfire1]

Your a real inspiration to ppl brother Don;..more than u can ever possibly know....

[@iyhamdolfin1875]

Wow! Amazing talent, dedication n passion in this craft. Hat's off!

[@palomino13]

If you are an artist and/ or a lover of art you can understand. I want to know more of when he went to a crazy house for trying to fill a big order , i know the stress to well.. Awesome guy ,awesome video.

[@MarkHolidayTrendsetter]

I'm glad Zlatan Ibragimovich got into shoe business.

[@walterb7174]

Nice spelling

[@minenhlemkhize6983]

😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂 😂

[@JBuns02]

Shoes got into the zlatan business

[@jennifer9084]

Hahahaha

[@feawFefaeffa]

lol

[@therealrinkadink]

Inspirational! I enjoyed watching this ❤️👌

[@joselorenzolibunao9393]

Love it bro keep it up. Spread the vibes

[@TheDuckumz]

Is it wrong of me as a mechanic to think his old wood garage floor is more baller status than the Escalade?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Are Escalades considered baller? Not to me.

[@donanderson7801]

Dam i would do that class in a heartbeat. Awesome job u

[@georgiamsp2768]

wonderfull. I was so happy to see the development of this industry. I want to know where and when the next school will happen?

[@Nick-xc4fy]

I definitely want to do this course, looks like great fun!

[@razorbladekizz]

So Justin bieber drove him crazy?

[@michaelcoco]

it was the amount of work and so little time.

[@henriksen8572]

Fuck Bieber

[@punker405]

He must hate Bieber now

[@user-3dfhdha24]

?

[@mrfloris3367]

That's gay

[@jessejames9272]

Man this is so kool. Wish I can come way over there n make a pair.

[@gotbigdreams.5257]

they all show some love, and supportive team work fr 🤟🏽

[@olivierrabbath]

Keep Giving away the Skill Brother. Nothing better than sharing!!!!

[@jtaustindog]

In my humble opinion, the best sneakers I see are customs made by artists

[@aestheticsvibes6435]

Im afraid I disagree with you, because sneakers made from the brand itself usually have more quality in case of structure, purpose, compatibility and more affordable to but i get it why you like it that way, in the case of their design and aesthetics, they're no close because you can choose how you like it sorry if i being rude, just tryna have some conversation from sneakerheads to sneakerheads

[@jtaustindog]

@@aestheticsvibes6435 nah it ain't rude at all lol we all got our separate opinions. custom sneakers def lose in the affordability category compared to what brands put out

[@andresduran9902]

This is amazing, it would be so dope to be a part of that class

[@brandleeshadden5913]

That’s truly amazing individual to teach others how to fulfill there passion and dreams.

[@cracker182]

So inspirational, I’m living with bipolar, been in and outa the hospital a lot , too hear a story of success gives me hope.

[@stillblank4514]

Those EBAY COLLABS ARE 🔥

[@oddtechnique12]

The way this guy managed to carve his own lane is amazing. much respect

[@Pretz_Starwind]

Been searching the net a bit on how to make my own shoes and found this video. I do have to say I have a particular shoe design in mind, the Back to the Future Air Mags, mainly just the style and the actual HIGH top as opposed to the "Mid-Top" High Tops we have out in stores these days. Wish this guy had this class over here in NC near me, as I would love to come take this class he showcases. I always have trouble finding a good shoe, making concessions here and there, like I bought a pair of Nike Air Monarch IVs earlier, they are nice and decently comfy but wore them to work and realized I might not have much grip on the bottom of these for working in the kitchen. And the fact they are low cuts also is a slight drawback as I really do need some stability in my ankles. However unlike the mid tops I've been getting, they don't let my heel lift up much and rub along my Achilles tendon making it sore. The insole is good for now but will be putting some memory foam inserts in later. So what I'm looking to make is the Nike Air Mag look, the shape of the shoe and it's extra support in the heel and ankle areas, but will have either a lace tie closure or might go full velcro straps. Sadly I have little to no sewing knowledge or tools, so was looking into this to see if it's a venture that might be too great an undertaking. Most how to videos for shoes I find are mostly for just cloth shoes like a Converse All-Star or more traditional leather dress shoes. Will keep looking but if anyone can help point me in the right direction for learning how to make my own sneakers, and especially in the area of making my own Mags, do please reply with whatever advice you can.

[@cvlturestudio3534]

Hey did you ever make those Air Mags?

[@edgarrodriguez7874]

I love your story man. Inspirational.

[@HiAdrian]

For a second there I thought Zlatan. Looks like I'm not the only one 😄

[@krimmy8459]

Host:What is Skiving? Shoe Surgeon: Skiving is when you make the edges flush Host: Oh ,Okay.

[@101iswhatsup]

its great that he bounced back better than his fall and used it to find success and inspire others. Bring value to others, the money will come. Also what he said about overcoming yourself, so real.

[@rustyshackleford4965]

The passion for his career is admirable. I enjoyed this though Im not a sneaker guy.

[@thesimulation9651]

right on, this guys figured it out

[@morty8628]

The ikea pair are just🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@1986baldwinvic]

Hands down The BEST VICE piece ever created!!!!

[@luciengeorgegooding4389]

This man is making art that you can actually wear, keep up the good work!

[@amend333]

To all the people who might see it in the wrong light, it’s art, don’t shag on someone’s passion. Just like some might pay for painting or statues these shoes are art.

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

Meanwhile...over in Jamaica, they arrest the Yardie Man dem for knocking of Clarkes!

[@mitchbastion6400]

talking about mental health in this episode is beautiful Dom is an inspiration

[@relmcmillan]

Super into this and I don't even do sneakers. I love the teaching component and the uniqueness of starting coursework for a segment of society growing in clout. Hip hop culture being given visibility on a bigger scale outside of rap 💯

[@disgruntledoctopus4560]

Usually nike goes mental about people messing with there brand proper protective how did he get away with it guys work is amazing

[@jetman1895]

Because it's a custom and not a knockoff?

[@bastar]

that workshop has amazing hipster concentration.

[@j.dtruths5577]

That Was Awesome, Really Appreciated This !! God Bless! J... ( Toronto )

[@silente9337]

I must say this video inspired me a lil as a graphic designer already i always seemed to find a way to make my own art and my own style. I wish i could be in LA making shoes with all these good people

[@johnnascimento1716]

AMAZING GREAT VIDEO GREAT WORK GREAT FUTURE ALL THE BEST 👍

[@JanMichael-Vincent]

Just ask yourself a question. If someone is willing to pay $10k for sneakers, why not sell them for that price?

[@iamspeed2017]

Jan Michael Vincent what

[@trevor5473]

Jan Michael Vincent they do?

[@emirei1296]

So proud of you Dom! Killin it! 🙏🏽

[@akalyoung620]

He is sooo creative n kind

[@monello89]

song in the intro?

[@TheNebster]

That feeling when you have to watch a video about making 10.000$ shoes out of an Ikea bag for school.

[@orgulloboricua2746]

For him to be able to share and do classes from hes craft making its extremely genius man!!!

[@hOtneO]

A real OG. Respect.

[@Fangoman85]

I wonder how much those LA Dream's sold for? What a name to pull out on the spot.

[@janpieter862]

I thought that was Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the thumbnail.

[@dronepunkfpv1424]

What a cool trip this guy has taken. Love this story!

[@nkosirooms9615]

That's A true talent love custom kicks.

[@officialozzywatztv4785]

Dude looks like a light skinned Tyler the creator

[@LiveSnoopyTV]

Ozzy Watz for real lmfao

[@nebkidane2010]

Facts!!!! lmfao albino Tyler

[@helioszxc]

Most stupid comment ive read in a while.thanks for killing my brain cells

[@officialozzywatztv4785]

JahJah no prob shithead

[@KaizerMan]

JahJah You do Know they’re talking about the interviewer not the actual Shoe Surgeon right?

[@MisterKevinQuach]

What is the name of the instrumentals in the background ?

[@brokencircle81]

I want to know too... anyone ?

[@pajoadrianretino.9723]

Oits called budots bro..

[@simionjokon1073]

These are 🔥🔥 bro

[@bunnicat4880]

Such an inspirational story. AwesomeSauce!

[@rspurdie]

So many haters. Go make something unique yourself and you’ll understand the value of that feeling.

[@christianvisconti3800]

Ryan Purdie i don’t want to pay for someone’s value of their feelings i want to pay for a shoe that’s reliable and actually looks good

[@BrAiNs102]

Don't know if basing value on feeling is the best idea.

[@satan7889]

Some people have kids, that's something more unique than some overpriced shoes that only cost about 20$ for the material

[@justinwu5913]

Christian Visconti they are clearly not marketed for people like me or you. And just because you don’t think they look good doesn’t mean others feel the same way.

[@jauume]

I felt great taking a dump this morning, so will you buy it for 10k? Please? I UNDERSTAND THE VALUE OF THAT FEELING AND YOU TOO SO PLZ GIMME MONEY

[@allandransfield1826]

So I can build a go-kart and use the Audi brand, top! 👌

[@DonXXXPrince]

This guy is amazing so much attention to detail I need a pair from this guy

[@frannelk]

The guy is cool, their design is just beautiful.... What I like the most was him teaching people...

[@shadowfell_21]

The guy in the cover looked like zlatan

[@YouGetHyper]

My first thought too haha

[@verlan3293]

looks like h3h3h3 imo

[@Felishamois]

i hope his workers are allowed to smoke weed ..it will definitely help the creativity part

[@MLProductions.1]

This is my dream to create my own shoe company. Not knock offs but my own

[@dominicsouder4938]

After this he may be my hero. I have the same desire and knack to create with shoes, same name, same past mental problems. Thanks Dom for living. One love.

[@yourstrulymanuna]

Full of inspiration I’m in love

[@madcuh]

There’s a difference between making custom sneakers and completely replicating an already created sneaker

[@Uff-dada]

Custom. Made to an individuals specifications. As in the customers.

[@RyanAnthonyDigitalMedia]

I’ve never understood the fascination with shoes that Sneaker Heads have.

[@lmsmbassaddict7779]

You are such an inspiration. I have two years sober, my bi polar is in check, I feel so stagnant. I feel so lost. I want to be successful but I guess things are easier said than done. I received the most amazing gift for Christmas.... Both my parents at lorosas pizzeria. I love my family. I just need to turn this stagnant water into gold. I just need to figure out how.

[@RottenSnake]

Dom is one of the very few people I actually enjoy. Genuine.

[@TheSAG-AFTRA_Actor]

My buddy Dingo on the westside of Chicago was doing this in the 80's! A certain shoe company shut him down... 😒

[@ImThatGuy00]

@AFICIONADO23 What was the 80s like?

[@americansniper1641]

Ur sooo old

[@dutchvanderlinde3256]

AFICIONADO23 Name it.

[@gstylez0107]

Yeah, my boy Fuzzy Slippers had a little sumthin goin on the sly too.. The cherry tops put the pancakes on it though. Now he just collects sticks.

[@big..pablo.]

i enjoyed reading this comment.

[@BraddahKai808]

20 pairs ? In the interview with Complex you said 10... is it 10 or 20 bruh

[@destrybroderick9736]

Online narcs want to know lol.

[@neonapiknowledge484]

Great job dude!

[@SAMZIRRA]

Vice, after 2 years of watching your channel you finally get a sub from me for this video. That's not to say all your other vids aren't cool. This one is just the best. (and the Westminster Dog Show on Acid).