Sole Circle Week 1 - More Than Just Sneakers

This week kicked off our sneaker customization class—and already, it’s bigger than just paint and shoes. 

We don’t have the Air Force 1s in hand yet (they’ll land by Week 3), but that didn’t stop us. I came in with three used shoes from a past project and challenged the students to do something bold: reimagine what was in front of them. No limits. No rules. Just vision.

We split into three teams. There was a little hesitation at first—some confusion, some quiet. But once the brushes hit the surface, the room lit up.

They began to talk, plan, and push ideas.

Some flipped the shape.

Some layered on wild colors.

Some looked at that shoe and saw something completely new.

What started as a simple project quickly became a masterclass in creativity, teamwork, and self-expression.

And that’s the heart of this class.

We’re not just teaching how to customize sneakers.

We’re giving them tools to problem-solve.

To collaborate.

To lead.

To trust their imagination.

Every paint stroke is confidence. Every decision is growth.

This is what happens when you blend art with opportunity.

When you hand a kid a brush and say, “There are no wrong answers.”

Week one is in the books.

And we’re just getting started.