Jacob Ferrato, aka JBF Customs, is widely regarded as one of the premiere sneaker customizers in the game. Ferrato doesn't just add a touch of artwork to an existing silhouette, or implement slight alterations here and there. He tends to completely transform a given model into a revamped work of art.
To take a look at how he got started, WIRED ventured out to Jacob's JBF headquarters in Cleveland, which is a 2,000-square-foot loft located roughly five minutes from the downtown area. Much of JBF's workspace he built himself — ie, constructing a triplex bench from cheap Home Depot parts. On it, you will then find materials that are much more valuable, however, ranging from exotic leathers, to industrial glues, specialized hardware and various hand tools, all of which are utilized during his sneaker creations.
Ferrato doesn't just customize shoes, either. He makes them, exclaiming "a cobbler repairs shoes. I’m a cordwainer: somebody who makes shoes," as he then goes on to point out, he dreams up a new design and then makes it from scratch, and he has done so for a slew of celebrity sneaker enthusiasts.
But to hear from the man himself, as well as to get a look inside his sneaker workshop, see the coinciding video underneath, and be sure to head on over to WIRED for their entire conversation with Jacob Ferrato, aka JBF Customs.
