Dark Nikes
ShoeBaker / Cinema / Behind the build
Dark Nikes
Words by Baker Bezalel
Two Batman builds, about two years apart. One for a client. One for me to practice the craft. You can see the different seasons of my work in both.
Dark Nikes: figuring out the hardware
Dark Nikes was a play on The Dark Knight, and the first Batman shoe I created. I made this Air Force 1 for a client.
This was the season between visible screws and finding ways to hide the hardware. I reversed the direction: instead of drilling into the shoe from the outside, I worked outward and capped the hardware with a bolt. I was trying to find something more visually appealing.
Some people liked the exposed hardware. I was still figuring out how to cover those bolts. The pair came out cool, especially the spikes coming out of the toe box and heel, inspired by the spikes on Batman’s gauntlets.
Bat Blazers: a different season
In 2024, I came back to Batman on the Jumbo Blazer. About two years had passed, and this time I was creating for myself, practicing the craft.
The Air Force 1 and Jumbo Blazer gave me two different ways to explore the same character. Looking at them together is another reminder that art evolves. Each pair shows where I was in that season.
Art I still love displaying
I really like how the Bat Blazers turned out. I still have them on display today. They’re a size 9.5, and I’ve thought about selling them. Someone can make me an offer, but I love being able to display my artwork.