STORIES YOU CAN WEAR.

Made to be worn and designed to turn heads.

Shop now

Hey, I am Valentino

I’m a 24-year-old artist based in Sweden. For the past four years, I’ve been customizing sneakers with one core purpose: storytelling through anime. What started on shoes has now grown into something bigger, as I’ve expanded into creating original paintings and fine art pieces that carry the same emotional intention.

Every sneaker and every canvas is more than just artwork. It’s a tribute to the characters, moments, and emotions that shaped me into who I am today. Whether it’s a hyped new series or a nostalgic classic, I try to capture that exact feeling you had when you first experienced it and translate it into something you can wear or hang on your wall.

This is more than paint, leather, or canvas. It’s my way of staying connected to the stories that gave me hope when I felt stuck.

And now, I hope my art can do the same for you.

The Process Behind Every Piece

It always starts with a blank pair of sneakers. I always start by sketching out the whole thing, figure out what goes where and all of the proportions. This part alone takes longer than most people think.

Then I start painting. Thin layers, panel by panel. I use Angelus leather paint and I'm pretty obsessive about getting the colors right before moving on. Just me, my brush and a lot of patience.

Some pairs are done in a few days. Some take well over a week. I don't have a set timeline for any pair, I just know when it's done.

1 of 3

Frequently Asked Questions

What shoes do you paint on?

I use brand new authentic Nike sneakers, mostly Dunks and Air Force 1s. Every pair is unused before I start.

What paint do you use and will it crack or peel?

I use Angelus leather paint, made specifically for sneakers. They gets a top coat off Liquid Kicks Sealer after which secures the design in place. With normal wear and basic care it won't crack or peel.

Are the designs durable enough for daily wear?

Yes, they're made to be worn. That said, they're still hand-painted artwork, so the better you treat them, the longer they'll look good.

Can I wear them in rain?

The sealer makes them resistant to light rain and everyday conditions. I'd skip the mud and heavy downpours just to keep the artwork looking good longer.

How do I clean them?

Soft toothbrush, mild soap, warm water is all you need. No machine washing. Scrub them lightly and they should look new again.

Are they true to size?

Yes. Order your normal Nike size. If you're unsure, check the size chart on the product page.

What if my package arrives damaged?

Once it's with the carrier it's out of my hands. If the package arrives damaged, contact the carrier to file a claim. Since every pair is custom made I can't offer refunds or returns.

Can I request a custom design?

Yes. You can submit a custom request in the Request section found here on the website

Who's behind Vallerje?

Just me. Vallerje is my Swedish artist brand and every pair is painted by hand by me, in Sweden. You're not buying from a factory, you're buying a one of a kind piece.