BucketFeet Footwear Steps Out in D.C.

BucketFeet’s storefront includes a custom mural by local artist MasPaz.

The new store’s bright interior encourages shoppers to “create a more beautiful world.”

A collection of custom-designed sneakers from artists all over the world.

Each artist’s design is unique and has its own story. BucketFeet shoes are a perfect accent accessory and a built-in conversation starter!

IN SIXTH GRADE, a friend of mine had a pair of Converse that she decorated with a Sharpie. Song lyrics in painstaking cursive, colorful hearts and swirling patterns covered her feet — to me, it was the epitome of cool. BucketFeet Footwear, with its new retail location in the Shaw neighborhood, has taken that idea and run with it.

Begun in 2011, BucketFeet offers unique sneakers designed by a network of more than 40,000 artists. The company welcomes design submissions from artists all over the world, receiving up to 1,000 every week. Each design has a chance to be featured as a custom BucketFeet product, with sales royalties going to the artist.

The D.C. location features the full collection of slip-on and lace-up sneakers for men, women and children, ranging in price from $62 to $158. The walls are lined with a variety of designs, from geometric patterns to floral creations to embossed gold pineapples. Each shoe features a placard with information on the artist and the vision behind their design. The bright studio space and colorful exterior, designed by local artist MasPaz, embraces BucketFeet’s mission to “create a brighter world” through creative partnership and artistic conversation.

— Emily Harburg
Emily Harburg is MyLittleBird’s summer intern. She last wrote about  taking a spin at the new FlyWheel.