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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[@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!!

[@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

[@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..

[@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

[@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

[@laggsanity7005]

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

[@zekzekzekzek6146]

Lol

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@fernandovieira3134]

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

[@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

[@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

[@heskicks]

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

[@deg1647]

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

[@Jointfreund]

SCHUTZ STAFFEL

[@SneakerHeadInTheBay]

Mad skills

[@tannerrubach3998]

First reply

[@joeyjohnson4987]

I wanna chill with you

[@krimmy8459]

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

[@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

[@b.couturevibesnyc2870]

I'm bipolar and a creative .I relate to this dude .I already make hats,belts,etc and customize clothes .I think I just found a new found appreciation in being a cobbler .Bring back craftsmanship,bring back individuality shit .Everybody paying 300+ for yeezys or offwhite ONLY TO LOOK LIKE EVERYONE ELSE .I would love to have the skills to make me my own one of one 💯💯🙌🏽🔥just solidified an idea I had .dope craftsmanship ,bless

[@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

[@grasworxTTGameplan]

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

[@edem710]

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

[@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?

[@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.

[@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.

[@mitchbastion6400]

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

[@stillblank4514]

Those EBAY COLLABS ARE 🔥

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@bastar]

that workshop has amazing hipster concentration.

[@NigelThornbery]

Wow. I'm really impressed with the on the field reporter/interviewers over at Vice. He really brings in the viewers attention and compliments the video nicely with lines such as," Boom", or "my man" " yup" "gotchu" "aight" "okay" "right". At the end just ask the man a couple of questions that were typed up by some guy that sits at the vice corporate headquarters all day and isn't "camera appropriate" and BOOM you have a new Vice video. Vice is a cold, empty shell of what it once was.

[@MrDontez1992]

Facebook

[@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.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

Fricking love binge watching Vice docs! 👍🏻

[@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!

[@glenpeskar3773]

Now that would be a dope show. Have this dude on a TV show were contestants come in and have a shoe off!

[@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.

[@oddtechnique12]

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

[@ajcoolbreeze3961]

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

[@donpeters9849]

The honesty of mental health is awesome

[@stinkee518]

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

[@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.

[@andres-d933]

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

[@1986baldwinvic]

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

[@Fangoman85]

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

[@olivierrabbath]

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

[@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

[@RK-zf4jw]

*Connecting with shoes on a spiritual level.*

[@TILEROB]

Juston bieber drives me crazy too dont trip bro hahahaha

[@CarsSupercars]

Why he is putting on nike in his shoes?

[@ashton6478]

Promothash Boruah he makes them out of Nike shoes

[@alandinhio10]

It's like when someone restores and customizes a car they still keep the logo.

[@st1n]

He's using Nike's logo and Nike doing nothing, why?

[@ashton6478]

stinnn because he was legally allowed to, watch the vid

[@st1n]

@@ashton6478 I think I might have to rewatch the vid cuz where's the part he said it

[@marcuscadiz2012]

This Man has my dream job. Fuckin' Major props to this Man. Geniuses are borderline insane Broskii ! Pure Genius.

[@donanderson7801]

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

[@kashishkhandelwal3623]

For people wondering the starting song , its "6am from Toronto"'s remix, but original one is also equally good 🐣

[@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?

[@janpieter862]

I thought that was Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the thumbnail.

[@kawag2780]

As someone with bipolar, he is one of my inspirations to pursue the dream of being a craftsman.

[@frannelk]

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

[@akalyoung620]

He is sooo creative n kind

[@nkosirooms9615]

That's A true talent love custom kicks.

[@kramnhoj42]

bieber literally destroyed his mental health. I admire how recovered from that.

[@Thor-Orion]

Not intentionally though, he just liked his shoes.

[@shinakuma.194]

that smile in the tumbnail got me.a 'business boomin' kinda smile

[@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.

[@DEBRACRANFORD]

What a great thing. Passing on knowledge doesn’t take away a masters work. It means he/she becomes a mentor and there is no finer feeling than teaching others.

[@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

[@allandransfield1826]

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

[@mrblf652]

You gotta appreciate his honesty.

[@MisterKevinQuach]

What is the name of the instrumentals in the background ?

[@brokencircle81]

I want to know too... anyone ?

[@pajoadrianretino.9723]

Oits called budots bro..

[@jordanprezley2363]

i wish this documentary was longer i could literally watch great shoes in the making for hours.. i am confused though on how he gets around using the Nike swoosh particularly if he is making them from scratch? please do more

[@ssherrierable]

Exactly, they are fake nikes

[@juliadplume3097]

Good question. Maybe it’s paid advertising for Nike. ?.

[@KimSoWard86]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 I am absolutely proud of your fight!! Blessings ❤️🙏🏾

[@mrcerclees]

So when someone else makes it it’s fake

[@Nick-xc4fy]

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

[@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).

[@kenyattauhuru4462]

I like this, he uses a creative outlet as his own therapy and its working, not only is he creating his own market he's running a successful business. but he's teaching others (local youth) a skill and motivation to pursue legitimate business ventures rather than illegal ones. This should serve as an inspiration to anyone who feels disenfranchised by the system. what you buy, you can also sell whether that be a service or product. you know what the people in your surrounding market want its part of your daily life, you are the people who set the trends. money or startup is not an obstacle starting up a company is as simple as starting an LLC or other corporate entity is a fresh start towards credit and building capital profit regardless of your past financial history or debt. what you don't have or are incapable of partner with those who have diverse skills yet the same vision, professionalism and level of dedication. This video offers a message on so many levels. Dom deserves much support and praise, not only because of his personal triumph over mental illness to become a successful entrepreneur but because he offers positive life changing solutions to those facing the same challenges. Local business men like him should be sponsored by state agencies to offer workshops to people in crisis or rehabilitation programs. There is a lot of untapped talent out there that are simply misguided. it obviously worked for him.

[@NamanPaulAWESOME]

Relative : Beta what do you do? Me: Oh . I'm a surgeon . SNEAK 💯

[@dazzandaco3384]

Pleasantly surprised the video ends on 8:00

[@brokeboyz704]

I remember when he was still in Charlotte. S/o to you bro

[@iyhamdolfin1875]

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

[@loriketcham8389]

I thought this was a tutorial😒

[@zxidy]

Known about this guy since Justin biebers pairs. It’s awesome how far he’s come, wish something like that was in my area

[@jasonkiigespere1920]

Looking at most awesome custom made sneakers. Everyone: WOW Vice: Best I can do is 10 bucks.

[@everythingvlogs5028]

You do realize 10k is 10,000 dollars right #ain'tnobodygottimeforthat

[@tk-em1yj]

At first I thought he was Zlatan 🤣

[@boejudden9011]

finally, content that appeases the socialist and the hype beast in me

[@krys8494]

Dominique Diaddigo-Cash lol its capitalism at full flesh tho

[@boejudden9011]

@@krys8494 nah, it's pretty consistent with Marx's labor theory of value

[@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 💯

[@sinsin9887]

I use nike logo Shoe me

[@Cannons_N_Cutlery]

This is the dopest thing ive ever seen. I def wanna make some air maxs.

[@elshowdelpape4445]

is this legal ? 🤔

[@rooster443]

It does not make you rich about it, as long as a mass production. I guess its like making a cover to a song? Its ok, as long you dont "copy" the desing and then "sell a bunch". Just like the real deal. As long is for you! The nike's just have a simbol but not the name of it, fike*

[@Htownkid-ot8uf]

That’s why he’s getting sued by Nike for 60 mill lol I like his stuff but in reality it was fake he didn’t create anything so Nike will win with ease so it’s either partner with them or done done he got too greedy tho

[@mariafonseca5809]

“Name one genius that ain’t crazy”

[@mrmidnight32]

I still just see a $50 shoe 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@carboi8772]

They work hard on making em shoes $50 or not it has a price when u make it with hands

[@hansklok3564]

@@carboi8772 yeah but 10k is way overpriced. buying a pair of dress shoes from a bespoke shoemaker dont even cost that much. and they really create a shoe that fits you like a second skin.

[@collinschultz7251]

hans klok Many shoes are WAAY over 10k. Because they are limited,material, and popularity.

[@hansklok3564]

@@collinschultz7251 materials are not limited. in fact many of these shoes could easily cost 50 dollars. There is no craftmanship in those shoes, no rare materials. just arteficially created rarity that could easily be replicated and there is no quality difference between the items.

[@collinschultz7251]

hans klok They are made to replicate rare shoes. Made with good materials, and can be sold for a lot. And dude, search up Nike Air Mags. Easily over 10 g

[@therealrinkadink]

Inspirational! I enjoyed watching this ❤️👌

[@More_Row]

Yeah... no.

[@brandleeshadden5913]

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

[@leggyleggy8344]

Work team is very significant,keep the good work

[@Fidel_Cashflo414]

You lost me when you said you ended up in a mental institution for trying to make 20 pairs of shoes in a week for Justin.B. 🤦🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️ #RoughLife

[@bmwgod1631]

If anyone looking for the song at the intro 0:00, It's Clairvoyant by Misogi and it's probably one of my favorite songs.

[@bklynzcoco]

Nothing but respect for this guy

[@dylonjackson5081]

Im totally gonna make a pair of custom shoes as a project. Just gonna find some sets of soles and buy them to skip that part tough.

[@paulromero3215]

Love the kicks eBay 1s are fire

[@davegoogle7702]

I think it's nice to see someone going from zero to hero !

[@dronepunkfpv1424]

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

[@mahatmaheil]

This makes me wish I was creative. I love shoe design, but not sure I'd be able to do it myself.

[@ajitbiswas9473]

very creative and very successful ..respect from Bangladesh..