Inked Mag Staff
November 2nd, 2022
Art and Sole
Find out what happens when tattoo artists get their hands on shoe leather
Photos by Dylan Schattman
All reputable tattooers know their way around human skin. They know how to work with a client who is living and breathing. They know what colors to use with different skin tones to create the best possible tattoo.
Shoe leather is made out of cowhide, so why shouldn’t tattoo artists be able to replicate what they do on strips of leather waiting to be turned into sneakers? Dominic Ciambrone handpicked some of his favorite tattoo artists and challenged them to tattoo strips of shoe leather with the intention of turning the art into an amazing one-of-one pair of sneakers.
Dmitry Troshin

Andres Makishi

Luke Wessman

Noah Minuskin

Vicente Guizar

BJ Betts

Chaim Machlev

Editor's Picks
Lilo & Stitch Live-Action Release Inspires These Heartfelt ‘Ohana’ Tattoos
Celebrate the Lilo & Stitch live-action movie with tattoos that honor ‘ohana, nostalgia, and the beloved bond between family and mischief.
Ink on the Riviera: Tattoos Take the Spotlight at Cannes 2025
Tattoos took the spotlight at Cannes 2025. From Rihanna to Kristen Stewart, these inked icons proved elegance and body art are a perfect match.
Met Gala 2025: The Best Tattooed Celebrity Looks
At the 2025 Met Gala, inked celebrities like Rihanna, Cardi B, and Lewis Hamilton proved tattoos are the ultimate high-fashion accessory.