One of the few ways a player may express oneself on the pitch is by customizing their boots. The next best option is a bespoke custom job because signature editions are only available to the absolute elite of a brand. Jordan Dawson has made a name for himself in this market by creating unique boots for players like Usain Bolt and Anthony Joshua, as well as Declan Rice, Son Heung-Min, and Marcus Rashford. In his most recent project, he used the ‘Shadow Pack’ version as a starting point before adding custom elements for Liverpool’s Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez. We spoke with the creative customiser to learn more about the entire procedure—from beginning to end—as well as to get a sense of his body of work as a whole.

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Can you briefly describe how you entered this field of work to start?

 

I first started creating unique shoes for brands like PUMA, Converse, and Nike. Then, at the FIFA 20 Launch Party, EA Sports asked me to design a pair of adidas sneakers with Kaká, Ian Wright, and Hudson-Odoi. I approached Declan Rice at the event, and he became my first customer for football boots. When I agreed to make a pair for him, he announced their arrival on social media, and the rest is history.

 

How does a chance like the one Darwin Nunez is currently experiencing come about?

 

The majority of my work these days is word-of-mouth, but this pair for Darwin Nunez was acquired through RareBoots4U. Cam and I had talked about collaborating in the past, and when I constructed a set for Heung-Min Son, Darwin’s desire in a set for himself created the chance for us to work together.

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Walk us through the entire process of customizing a player’s footwear.

The player will then deliver the pair to my studio once I have asked them which boot I will be working on. After the boots arrive, we’ll have discussions to determine what kind of design they would prefer. After we’ve reached an agreement on that, I’ll book them for a customisation slot. On the day of customizing, the boots will be prepared and taped up in preparation for painting. They can then watch their designs come to life as the painting process is updated. The boots are sealed when the painting is finished to protect the artwork. After finishing, a crisp photo is handed out for them to share on social media. The boots are then rewrapped with branded gift wrap and sent by hand or shipment to the practice facility for the player to break in before the big game.

How much of the athletes’ creative input goes into what you do? Do some athletes participate more than others?

The player is the only factor that matters. Others have a design in mind and ask for something similar, while some players give me a notion and let me build it. I create mock-ups for the players to see their design before getting started on the final boot.

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Are you limited by what types of boots you can use for personalisation? Assume white works best?

Of course, white is desirable, but I’ve worked on so many various canvasses that it doesn’t matter what color the base of the boot is. I even modified the base colors of the boot to match the player. I also make designs that complement the boot color I am provided so that there is no color clash.

What’s been your favourite project that you’ve worked on so far?

There have been a few standout projects I’ve worked on during the last few years. As a Chelsea supporter, the first project that springs to mind is the one in which I made a pair of boots for Mason Mount. The second concept was collaboration with Chelsea FC. I was asked to Stamford Bridge to create a limited edition pair in honor of Nike Air Max Day.

Who’s been the best player to work with?

I’ve worked with several high-profile footballers, but Declan Rice and Mason Mount stood out for how down-to-earth they were and how they made me feel at ease. They are great young men!

How does it feel when you see these superstars wearing something that you’ve created for them? Does it give you an extra buzz if they score?

It’s a fantastic sensation to see my creations on people’s feet. Some of the stuff I produce for customers I never see again, so being able to watch footballers play in my boots is a dream come true. I get that extra fulfillment if I see a player wearing my customized and they score in them.

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How long does a task like this typically take you?

 

Expect three days of labor, though it’s hard to anticipate because it depends on how intricate the design is.

 

Who would be your ideal player to collaborate with, based on a peek at your Instagram account, which displays a vast list of clients? Any ideas on how you might treat their boots?

 

I think Lionel Messi, the G.O.A.T., is the only possible solution. When he finally hangs up his boots, I’d love to be able to create a limited-edition pair to honor all of his records and accomplishments.

Would you ever refuse to play a player?

I don’t see any reason to reject any player. I’d be happy to create boots for anyone.

We know you’ve previously collaborated with athletes like Usain Bolt and Anthony Joshua. Any other athletes outside football players that you’d like to see?

I’ve had the pleasure of working with these individuals, but if I weren’t in football, I’d want to collaborate with LeBron James or Tom Brady.