Signature Coffee-Dyed Sneakers
I turn brand-new white sneakers into vintage-inspired art using my signature coffee-dye process. It gives every pair an authentic, aged patina that makes them look lived-in and completely one-of-a-kind.
Here’s a look at how I create the perfect holiday sneakers. I use my signature coffee-dye technique to give these Nike Air Force 1s a warm, retro feel before painting a custom map design. It’s how I make your sneakers truly one-of-a-kind.
A quick lineup of some of the sneakers I've given the coffee-dye treatment to. From Nike Cortez and Air Jordan 1s to New Balance 550s, this technique works beautifully on so many different styles to create that perfect vintage look.
This is how two of my favorite things, coffee and sneakers, come together. I collaborated with a local cafe to use their beans to dye these Nike Air Force 1s, then painted them with a custom Dior-inspired Toile de Jouy print.
A little something for those who love coffee and flowers. I dyed these Nike Air Force 1s in coffee and then hand-painted them with a delicate design of roses and tulips. The result is a warm, romantic, and completely unique pair of custom floral sneakers.
For this project with Arweave and ETH Mumbai, I created a design that honors Mumbai's street culture. The sneakers were first dyed with coffee and tea, then covered in doodles of the Sea Link, Vada Pav, and Kaali Peeli taxis for a true local vibe.
Bringing a touch of luxury to the coffee-dye process. These Nike Air Force 1s feature a custom Dior-inspired print over a rich, coffee-stained base, finished with bright orange laces for a pop of color.
Your journey, painted on your feet. These custom Nike Air Force 1s feature a Google Maps theme painted over a coffee-dyed base. I can even highlight a specific location that’s special to you, like a neighborhood or a favorite spot.
About this collection
The coffee-dye process permanently alters the leather's base tone, so any custom art I paint over it—like maps or floral motifs—sits on a warm, earthy canvas rather than stark white. You should know that this process takes time for proper curing, so please plan for a two-week window.
I started experimenting with coffee-dyeing to break the monotony of standard white leather. When you want that retro, vintage aesthetic, a fresh factory finish just does not cut it. I use a full immersion process with custom coffee and tea blends to achieve specific tones like sepia or aged earth. Because this is a chemical reaction with the leather, the look is permanent and develops a beautiful, unique texture that only improves with time.
After dyeing, I use Angelus leather paints to layer your designs. Whether you want a full map of your travel history, delicate roses, or classic sports team logos, the coffee-stained base acts as a cohesive backdrop. Do we like? I certainly do, and it is a crowd favorite for a reason.
I primarily work on models like the Nike Air Force 1, Nike Cortez, and New Balance 550. The leather quality on these pairs holds the dye perfectly. Since I remove the factory finish and apply multiple coats of protective finisher, your art remains waterproof and chip-resistant. Keep in mind that I do not supply the base shoe, so you will need to ship your new white sneakers to my Mumbai studio to get the process started.
Ridhii Makkar
I am Ridhii, and I don't believe in keeping sneakers looking brand new. My signature coffee-dye process gives your kicks a permanent, vintage soul that creates the perfect base for custom art. Whether you want a retro map or delicate florals, we can make your vision a reality.
Looking for other ways to customize your kicks?
Explore my other customization styles and services.
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