The internationally well known sneaker customizer Alex Nash aka Nash Money has transformed an ordinary pair of Nike Air Force Ones into speakers. For this, it has excised portions of the sole in order to put the speakers (woofer and tweeter), and cable connectors installed inside. Unfortunately, this sneaker speakers is not commercially available, but maybe you can make one from the photos to recreate your Sneaker Speakers.
You’re known for deconstructing and then rebuilding sneakers in your custom projects, but have you ever done anything on this level before?
No, I can honestly say I’ve not worked on a sneaker for it to be anything but a sneaker. I’ve always had to tackle problems and learn new skills or techniques with most of my customs/designs, but I never thought electronics and carpentry would be one of them. Hopefully you’ll see more of it in the future…
What was the most difficult part of the build?
I guess the gutting of the sneaker – these things are bloody well put together. I never would have thought I would complain about how hard it was for a sneaker to come apart. Also, fitting in the amp was quite hard, delicate and time consuming.
The electronics look complicated – did you know what you were doing?
I didn’t have a clue, but it’s not like I was building a rocket to orbit Jupiter. I’d not really worked with electrics before so I just made meticulous notes as to what wire went where, constantly tested the speakers at each step, and then made sure that each join was soldered together firmly.
In terms of the Inspired Ingenuity project, can you relate to the people of Havana, who create what they need from what they have? We definitely see sneaker customisation as a form of Inspired Ingenuity.
I guess I can relate to some extent, as I don’t have many emanates at my disposal to develop the ideas that I visualise – I mostly have to make do with what I have to hand. On the other side of the spectrum I make things for pleasure, things that are more of a luxury than a necessity. I can’t really relate to doing it all of the time for everyday items, or for things we take for granted as part of a way of life.
Finally, what was the first track you played through the speakers?
Hustlin’ by Rick Ross
Cool :D (y)