Athletics
How two partners overcame adversity to create unique footwear for a cause
See the custom Wings for Life footwear David Coulthard and Aaron Colton received from DEZ Customz and Kreative Custom Kicks at Red Bull Showrun DC.
In the world of sneaker customization, DEZ Customz (David Zambrano) and Kreative Custom Kicks (Mohammed Gafar) stand out as dynamic collaborators, bringing personalized flair to footwear for over 10 years as partners. They customized shoes for top athletes across the NFL and NBA, even a few for Steph Curry. Their story goes beyond paint and fabric – it's one of resilience and collaboration, exemplified by their recent work with Wings for Life World Run to support a cause close to their hearts.
Mohammed tragically, faced a life-altering event last year in a motorcycle accident, leaving him with lacerations, multiple broken bones, and paralyzed from the waist down with a SCI T12 complete.
Kreative Custom Kicks and Dez Customz
© Rob Snow
The recovery was tough, and it is still challenging at times for Mohammed. At a distant point in the past, life seemed to look dark to him, the thoughts of ‘giving up’ lingered. However, he always stayed thankful and motivated due to his family, his friends, and even his business partner David.
“You have to keep getting back up, you have to keep going,” Mohammed said. “I was taking on a new test with everything, and I needed to try my best.”
As Mohammed continued to recover from the injury, he saw a new appreciation for life. He quickly learned to drive an adaptive car. It was tough at first, but allowed him to drive his two sons to school, a routine that they still cherish. As life continued for Mohammed, his passion for the arts and painting had not yet returned. It was something he thought about, but had reservations.
Despite those feelings, the spirit of creativity and determination persisted. Partnering with Wings for Life at the Red Bull Showrun in Washington DC, Mohammed embarked on a remarkable journey of artistic expression and community support with his longtime partner, David.
Kreative Custom Kicks at Red Bull Showrun DC
© Rob Snow
Aaron Colton and Kreative Customs Kicks
© Rob Snow
Aaron Colton
© Rob Snow
Their first venture together since Mohammed's injury saw them team up with Wings for Life, a spinal cord research foundation, to create custom racing boots for David Coulthard and motorcycle boots for Aaron Colton. This collaboration marked a significant milestone for Mohammed, as it was his first project post-accident working with the team. The challenge was not just artistic; it was a testament to the power of human will and resilience.
The Red Bull Showrun in Washington DC provided the perfect stage for these custom creations to shine. Both DEZ Customz and Kreative Custom Kicks attended the event, experiencing the electrifying atmosphere firsthand. Amidst the roar of engines and the buzz of excitement, they found camaraderie and inspiration.
The highlight of the event was seeing their customized footwear in action, adorning the feet of racing legends like David Coulthard and Aaron Colton. Each step taken in those shoes represented not just a feat of athleticism, but a triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
"I couldn’t be any happier about it. I just want to say it was a privilege and amazing to do boots for David Coulthard and Aaron Colton,” said David. This event really breathed back life into him (Mohammed), it was amazing painting side by side with me and rest of the team.
Aaron Colton wearing his Kreative Custom Kicks at Red Bull Showrun DC
© Rob Snow
Aaron Colton
© Rob Snow
Aaron Colton wearing his Kreative Custom Kicks at Red Bull Showrun DC
© Rob Snow
Aaron Colton and Kreative Customs Kicks
© Rob Snow
But the story doesn't end there. The shoes worn by Coulthard and Colton were more than just footwear – they were symbols of hope and solidarity. After the event, these custom kicks will be auctioned off to raise funds for Wings for Life, a cause dedicated to supporting the progress in spinal cord injury research.
"Me and Dez have been to so many events, and this one meant so much more since it was my first time coming back out to the world in a crowd. To share a moment with Aaron Colton and see his reaction when I presented him boots… I used to paint mine when I ridded!"
As the tire wheel skidmarks settle on Pennsylvania Avenue, the impact of their partnership continues to reverberate. Each brushstroke on those custom boots tells a story of resilience, determination, and the power of community. And as the auction begins, these shoes will carry forward the spirit of hope, leaving an indelible mark on the world of custom footwear and beyond.