Sneaker brands are always looking for a way to stand out. From customization to designer collabs, manufacturers sometimes don’t know which way to turn to please their aficionados. And whether in confidential boutiques, via mobile apps or trading services, there are many ways to make sure you’ll get your hands on THE limited-edition pair everyone’s looking for. Yet, buying a limited-edition piece sure doesn’t mean you’ll be the only one getting it. That’s why the customization workshops are here for. But until now, customization only meant spray-painting, hand-drawing or topstitching on preexisting sneakers. Recently, a Los Angeles resident by the name of Dominic Ciambrone decided to offer the same services as car preparers, i.e to deconstruct a mass market product to reconstruct, customize and optimize it with the best of the best materials. This is how the most exclusive sneakers in history came about. Made from the most luxurious materials (gold, alligator leather, cashmere…), each shoe is remodeled to create the most unique pieces ever made. And when it comes to uniqueness, Ciambrone (aka @theshoesurgeon) and his shoes often carry his political commitment. What about the price? A few thousands dollars, depending on the options. Good to know: Ciambrone also shares through knowledge with workshops that will transform you into the shoemaker of the future.