Nike, Inc. and The Shoe Surgeon, a sneaker customization brand based in downtown Los Angeles, CA, settled after a year of litigation over trademark infringement and misleading customization of Nike shoes.
The case, which began in 2024, centered on the practice of custom designer Dominic Ciambrone, also known as The Shoe Surgeon, deconstructing Nike shoes and rebuilding them as luxury customizations.
Nike charged that Ciambrone was attempting “to build an entire multifaceted retail empire” using Nike’s trademark rights by creating and selling counterfeit Nike shoes and classes that would teach consumers how to make fake Nike shoes.
The settlement between the two companies was undisclosed. Nike had initially demanded $60 million in damages.
As part of the settlement, the court prohibits Ciambrone from using any Nike branding that could mislead consumers, although he will be able to customize products under Nike-approved conditions.
Ciambrone stated to the Sneaker Bar Detroit, “It’s a dream to collaborate with legendary brands. Especially with the brand who tells us to believe in something. Who tells us it’s only crazy until we do it. Tells us the best is yet to come. Tells us to be better. To just do it.
“We are confused Nike has chosen litigation over a discussion, but we are confident with proper dialogue and collaboration, we can resolve this with the new management team and turn it into a win for the culture.
“Creating defines us. Our pursuit of greatness is the soul of every creation, and authenticity is stitched into our DNA. Where there is unity, there is victory,” concluded Ciambrone.
Image courtesy Dominic Ciambrone, aka The Shoe Surgeon
