Sneaker rescue Operation

Arthur Writer & Wright Writer

Meet Klingsmen Lee, a shoe doctor in Singapore giving weathered sneakers a new lease of life – with a modern twist.

Lee runs Classified Footwear, a small business whose repair and customisation services are popular among Singapore’s sneakerheads and shoe collectors.

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Like shoe doctors in Japan and the United States, Lee keeps up-to-date with the latest in fashion and pop culture.

,,

I am constantly intrigued by how different a pair of shoes can turn out after a simple makeover.

,,

Klingsmen Lee, Classified Footwear

I am constantly intrigued by how different a pair of shoes can turn out after a simple makeover.

Before customisation

Uppers washed and conditioned

Vibram Ripple sole

Rubber soles replaced with leather panels

Fitted on EVA wedge

Transformation of classic Converse sneakers into “sneaker boots”

Click to view

It’s not just about cleaning up a pair of tatty sneakers. Lee gives all his repairs a steezy twist, personalising each pair with modish details such as additional panels, an extra swoosh stitching, or even changing the colourway completely.

Customisation

< 01 >

Customisation

This pair of Nike Air Jordan got a fresh coat of colour and a spanking new sole.

Swipe to view transformation

This pair of Nike Air Jordan got a fresh coat of colour and a spanking new sole.

Swipe to view transformation

This old-school New Balance went from blah to wow with a few tweaks: A leather welt trim on the outsole and a new commando lug sole for a more formal finish.

Swipe to view transformation

This old-school New Balance went from blah to wow with a few tweaks: A leather welt trim on the outsole and a new commando lug sole for a more formal finish.

Swipe to view transformation

Lee used a special bleaching technique to add character to this all-black pair of Chuck Taylor All Star.

Swipe to view transformation

Lee used a special bleaching technique to add character to this all-black pair of Chuck Taylor All Star.

It’s not just about cleaning up a pair of tatty sneakers. Lee gives all his repairs a fashionable twist, personalising each pair with interesting details such as additional panels, an extra swoosh stitching, or even changing the colourway completely.

,,

I want to give shoes a new lease of life and yet make them one of a kind so there is always a creative thought process in solving a shoe-related problem.

Changing the soles can give even mangy sneakers a new look. Here's how different sole revivals look on the same upper.

Resoling

< 02 >

Resoling

An urban-friendly sole that offers comfort and sleek design.

Nike Air Force 1 sole

01

An urban-friendly sole that offers comfort and sleek design.

Nike Air Force 1 sole

01

Padded for souped up support.

NIKE Air Jordan 4 Sole

02

Padded for souped up support.

NIKE Air Jordan 4 Sole

02

Slim, lightweight, high-performance sole for athletes.

Vibram Litebase Trek sole

03

Slim, lightweight, high-performance sole for athletes.

Vibram Litebase Trek sole

03

Sleek design for casual urban settings.

Vibram Strighton Cup sole

04

Sleek design for casual urban settings.

Vibram Strighton Cup sole

04

Offers tactical functionality ideal for hiking.

Vibram Bifida Trek sole

05

Offers tactical functionality ideal for hiking.

Vibram Bifida Trek sole

05

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

For a distinctive look, Lee also uses random paint splatters to create unique soles.

Hot tip for fashion fans: Make like Stella McCartney and Prada who love a good chunky, ridged sole. Its distinctive look lends a sophisticated turn to plain old sneakers.

,,

When I do customised resoling of shoes, I play around with colours or materials.

Lee also reconditions cracked leather caused by trapped dirt and oils from ageing and constant use.

Leather Restoration

< 03 >

Leather restoration

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Swipe to view transformation

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Swipe to view transformation

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Beside sneakers, Lee also repairs and customises leather loafers and Oxfords, as well as designer leather bags from the likes of Hermes, Chanel, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo.

,,

I want to give shoes a new lease of life and yet make them one of a kind so there is always a creative thought process in solving a shoe-related problem.

Klingsmen Lee, Classified Footwear

SEE THE SHOE DOCTOR IN ACTION

Editor

Serene Seow

Interactive Design

Chern ling

Video

Marcus Mark Ramos

Photos & background videos: Classified Footwear, Chern Ling

SHARE THIS PAGE

01 LONG WEARING

02 STYLISH RUNNING

03 FUNKY STYLE

04 DAILY WEAR

05 TOUGH TREKKING

06 LIGHT JOGGING

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Restoration

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Soles Customisation

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Colour

Adventure

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Glamping

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Remote Stay

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Read similar stories like this

SNEAKER RESCUE OPERATION

Sneaker Rescue OPERATION

Sneaker rescue Operation

Arthur Writer & Wright Writer

Meet Klingsmen Lee, a shoe doctor in Singapore giving weathered sneakers a new lease of life – with a modern twist.

Lee runs Classified Footwear, a small business whose repair and customisation services are popular among Singapore’s sneakerheads and shoe collectors.

DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE

Like shoe doctors in Japan and the United States, Lee keeps up-to-date with the latest in fashion and pop culture.

Klingsmen Lee, Classified Footwear

Transformation of classic Converse sneakers into “sneaker boots”

Click to view

It’s not just about cleaning up a pair of tatty sneakers. Lee gives all his repairs a steezy twist, personalising each pair with modish details such as additional panels, an extra swoosh stitching, or even changing the colourway completely.

< 01 >

Customisation

This pair of Nike Air Jordan got a fresh coat of colour and a spanking new sole.

Swipe to view transformation

This pair of Nike Air Jordan got a fresh coat of colour and a spanking new sole.

Swipe to view transformation

Swipe to view transformation

This old-school New Balance went from blah to wow with a few tweaks: A leather welt trim on the outsole and a new commando lug sole for a more formal finish.

Swipe to view transformation

This old-school New Balance went from blah to wow with a few tweaks: A leather welt trim on the outsole and a new commando lug sole for a more formal finish.

Swipe to view transformation

Lee used a special bleaching technique to add character to this all-black pair of Chuck Taylor All Star.

Swipe to view transformation

Lee used a special bleaching technique to add character to this all-black pair of Chuck Taylor All Star.

It’s not just about cleaning up a pair of tatty sneakers. Lee gives all his repairs a fashionable twist, personalising each pair with interesting details such as additional panels, an extra swoosh stitching, or even changing the colourway completely.

Changing the soles can give even mangy sneakers a new look. Here's how different sole revivals look on the same upper.

< 02 >

Resoling

An urban-friendly sole that offers comfort and sleek design.

Nike Air Force 1 sole

01

An urban-friendly sole that offers comfort and sleek design.

Nike Air Force 1 sole

01

Padded for souped up support.

NIKE Air Jordan 4 Sole

02

Padded for souped up support.

NIKE Air Jordan 4 Sole

02

Slim, lightweight, high-performance sole for athletes.

Vibram Litebase Trek sole

03

Slim, lightweight, high-performance sole for athletes.

Vibram Litebase Trek sole

03

Sleek design for casual urban settings.

Vibram Strighton Cup sole

04

Sleek design for casual urban settings.

Vibram Strighton Cup sole

04

Offers tactical functionality ideal for hiking.

Vibram Bifida Trek sole

05

Offers tactical functionality ideal for hiking.

Vibram Bifida Trek sole

05

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

Unique pattern for maximum grip and propulsion for running.

Vibram Sphike running sole

06

For a distinctive look, Lee also uses random paint splatters to create unique soles.

Hot tip for fashion fans: Make like Stella McCartney and Prada who love a good chunky, ridged sole. Its distinctive look lends a sophisticated turn to plain old sneakers.

Lee also reconditions cracked leather caused by trapped dirt and oils from ageing and constant use.

< 03 >

Leather restoration

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Swipe to view transformation

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Swipe to view transformation

This rare 28-year-old Air Jordan 1 Chicago sneaker now looks as good as new – and can sell for thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Beside sneakers, Lee also repairs and customises leather loafers and Oxfords, as well as designer leather bags from the likes of Hermes, Chanel, Dior and Salvatore Ferragamo.