Bespoke Sneakers at Milo Shoe Gallery in North Park

The marriage of art and fashion has always been a logical union considering the similarities.

Both need creativity and great skill to accomplish, and the outcome is often one of beauty and interest. In the1930s we had Salvador Dali and Elisa Schiaparelli. Today we have Milo Shoe Gallery. This shoe boutique teamed up with local, national and international artists and shoe customizers to provide a unique selection of bespoke sneakers.

A recent pop-up in North Park and generally under the radar, I stumbled upon the boutique while scouring the area for the best shops for dresses. I was immediately intrigued by its striking white décor with a space age twist until the merchandise stole the spotlight.

Vans, Nike, Converse and Superga shoes march up Milo’s wall on vertical circle platforms adorned with paint, pen or marker. The sneakers are covered in images of dinosaurs, musical instruments, pornographic women, various patterns, and characters from movies including Will Farrell as Anchor Man on a pair of Vans with his infamously slogan, “Stay Classy San Diego” scrawled across the left shoe.

“Someone painted on these,” I blurted out stupidly while gazing at the numerous one-of-a-kind sneakers. “Yes they are all unique, please let me know if I can help you with anything,” responded the sales woman behind me that I later realized is the owner and operator, Magali Jay-Snyder. French born and laid back, Snyder is exactly who one would envision owning a radical sneaker shop. Her look embraces street style and underground art with her graphic Tee, Mohawk and, of course, artistic sneakers.

The whole store speaks volumes of her passion, individuality and business sense. In addition to Milo Shoe Galley, Snyder owns Santos Coffee Shop, also in North Park. After running Santos for four years, Snyder wanted to open up a “really cool” sneaker store and an art gallery that would bring locals in with events, shows and DJs.

Her concept evolved when she decided to multi task and marry the two ideas together. Considering the huge market for custom sneakers online and the lack of a physical shop anywhere near San Diego, Snyder moved forward with art on sneakers, consequently turning new-born Milo into a one-stop shoe boutique and gallery.

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