John Manalo is a local Bay Area sneaker restorer and his specialty is midsole swapping.
I’ve been a fan of John’s for a while now and his work is some of the best I’ve come across. He can pretty much swap midsoles of any shoe without issue, even sample pairs — like this OG Air Jordan 14 Low White/ Red sales sample from 1999. However, it’s not every day that you come across a game worn and signed pair of kicks to sole swap. Let alone a pair that was game worn by the G.O.A.T. himself during the 1991 NBA Finals.
If you want to see a really awesome sole swap on a piece of Air Jordan History then check out the video below. If you like what you see you should head over to John’s channel and subscribe as well. As mentioned above, he’s one of the best in the business.
This is definitely an art and must take a crazy amount of patience. It’s great work though and I’m sure that it’s what he loves so it is time well spent and enjoyed in the end.
it is a shame he had to take apart another shoe just for the midsole. it is such a waste. although those autographed ones will go for thousands. there must be another way to change up the midsole. after all the shoes will be on display not worn..
Generally the reason to restore is to wear, at least a few times. It’s a lot of money not to wear…
They are swapped to be able to wear and it’s worth a replaceable newer pair being dismantled to be able to have a piece of history on your feet… you must be new to the game. I am og sneakerhed since I was 13, 05’ so I seen the retro game evolve and understand the process
Galing ng Kabayan nating Filipino,
I guess even the old 1991 shoes were made in Taiwan(seen near the end of video),
Awesome Job there John Manalo.
Damn, that was a good watch. Love seeing someone which such skill and passion in their craft. Cheers.
Agreed!
Looks great! Nice way to save a historic pair of 6s. Bad thing is they will break down again in another 20+ years because PU midsoles suck.
Read my comment on here below that was meant for you… read it and learn