LEXINGTON, Ky. — A Lexington sneaker designer has made his mark across the globe from Kentucky to places in Europe and beyond after partnering with the city’s tourist-one-stop for a horse tennis shoe.
Now, some are asking how they can get their hands on a pair of his designs.
For the first time, horses are wearing kicks just as exclusive as the people in Lexington, thanks to customizer Marcus Floyd.
During the pandemic, Floyd became alumni of the Shoe Surgeon Academy, a Los Angeles-based custom shoe design company that provides training on the process.
“I took the class, came back and then started messing up shoes. I just recently got to the point where I feel comfortable enough to make a good quality shoe.” Floyd said.
Teaming with Visit Lex and hoping to unite the horse capital to something unique, Horse Kicks became the answer.
President of Visit Lex Mary Quinn Ramer says they intended to invite people to see something new and relatable to Kentucky. “What he did as a part of the deconstruction and reconstruction process is he took actual boots that a horse might wear for safety in the breeding shed, and he built the tennis shoe around those boots so these shoes can actually go on a horse,” she explained.
Floyd says he is honored to bring customized sneaker dreams to reality and, sometimes, with exclusive designs that aren’t even seen on shelves.
“You know those sneaker companies haven’t put it on or produced it yet. So it’s been pretty fulfilling to bring something to life that someone else has obviously thought about or it’s been an ideal or something, so it’s a good feeling.” Floyd said.
While the full-time dad, Toyota employee and shoe designer enjoys his passion, he says it gets dangerous. “I lost focus, and the razor slipped past and I ended up getting seven stitches right here,” Floyd said.
Among a list of talented sneaker artists, Floyd will go down in history as one of the first horse shoe creators.
“I’m the only person doing it right now. I’m sure they’ll be others but until then, I guess officially, I am the only one.” Floyd said.
The shoe doctor says his designs have gained attention from sports teams like the Seattle Seahawks and even hip-hop mogul Jas Prince.
The Horse Kicks artist says he plans to continue expanding his work, adding jackets, tracksuits and other clothing items to his list of customization.
A percentage of future horse kicks funds will go to Sneaker Ball Lex, the annual sneaker themed gala and night of service.