Photo: Kustom
Eric Mehlberg, Kustom MarketingOriginally based in Australia, Kustom footwear was introduced to the US market in 2006 rather uniquely. According to Kustom's Eric Mehlberg, "We were shipped a box of samples and told to make it happen."

Four years later Kustom is still producing rad yet distinctive kicks for surfers and non-surfers alike. Drawing inspiration from a team of riders like AI, Parko and Kerr, Kustom has a strong Summer 2010 line that will turn heads at the beach or on the streets. Let's examine some special soles.

- Danny Spyra

Photo: Kustom
Kustom's surf team includes 2009 WCT #2, Joel
Parkinson

BNQT - KUSTOM PRODUCES PRODUCTS THAT INSPIRE SURFERS TO CHALLENGE CONVENTIONAL THINKING. WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE SUMMER 2010 LINE?

Eric - Kustom is all about differentiation and being unique. We place a large amount of time and effort into building each product with the most progressive materials available to the market. Our uniqueness spreads from product to marketing and in both you can see how Kustom tells its story. In 2010 we have once again raised the bar and came out with another solid line that will blow your mind when you see it.

Photo: Kustom
The Kompressor Leather combines ultimate comfort
with supreme materials

BNQT - THE KOMPRESSOR LEATHER BLENDS PREMIUM MATERIALS WITH EXTREME COMFORT. IS THIS SANDAL THE EQUIVALENT OF THROWING A PARTY FOR YOUR FEET?

Eric - We take pride in making sure your feet are happy everyday. The Kompressor Leather does just that while keeping a high quality look and feel so you can wear it to even semi formal affairs and not look to out of place. The sandal not only fits well but has great arch and heal support making this the kind of sandal you can wear all day long.

BNQT - KUSTOM IS PUSHING THE ENVELOPE ONCE AGAIN WITH THE RETURN OF THE AIRSTRIKE. CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT THIS CONTEST?
Photo: Kustom
The 2010 Kustom Airstrike will award 50,000 for the
best surf maneuver

Eric - We are currently in our second year of the event and have had an over whelming response to it. The event is pretty simple, whoever completes and captures on film the most innovative and progressive aerial maneuver within our waiting period is awarded $50,000 cash. Last year we saw Dusty Payne win the inaugural event with a MASSIVE front side reverse. This year we have had some incredible entries that are going to make it really hard on our judges. Go check it for yourself at: www.kustomairstrike.com

BNQT - AN INNOVATIVE FEATURE OF THE 2010 AIRSTRIKE INCLUDES THE LANDSCAPE ALTERED VIDEOS BY KAI NEVILLE. WHAT IS THE AIM OF THIS WEBISODE SERIES?

Eric - The Airstrike is all about being innovative and progressive and we hope our coverage of the event will be just the same. Kai is considered one of the best filmmakers of the times and we wanted him to document the event through his eyes in a 4 part webisode series. To do so we sent Kai on a boat trip to the Mentawai Islands in what is considered the off season as the waves can be smaller than normal and the winds can be a variable which is perfect for punting massive airs. We sent along a star studded cast including: Josh Kerr, Chippa Wilson, Jay Davies, Mitch Colborn, and Clay Marzo to get the job done and capture some clips. The trip was a week long and the destruction count was high as a dozen boards were broken, 2 ankles were sprained, and Jay Davies blew out his knee and ended up in a wheel chair. Needless to say, these guys were going for it. You can check the first webisode out at: http://kustomfootwear-usa.com/Video2.html

Photo: Kustom
The Dekade Wake shoe
BNQT - A NEW KUSTOM SHOE, THE DEKADE WAKE, IS MADE FOR WAKESKATING. WHAT KIND OF FEATURES DOES THIS KICK OFFER?

Eric - The Dekade Wake shoe is as technically sound as they come. Some of the key features are:

-Low-density rubber outsole for better grip
-Closed Cell EVA upper that doesn't absorb water
-Mesh lining on the outer to allow for drainage
-Tripled stitched leather toe cap to prevent tearing

Brian Grubb who is undoubtedly one of the best wakeskaters in the world rides this shoe religiously, because of this we have received loads of feedback on making it so good. Something we never expected from this shoe was the enthusiasm from customers who weren't even using it to wakeskate in. We found that people just loved the look, comfort it provided, and the ventilation for non-stinky feet.

Photo: Kustom
The Kustom Sparrow...no yacht required
BNQT - I FEEL THE SPARROW WILL BE A HOT TICKET IN THE KUSTOM LINEUP. BUT DO I NEED A BOAT TO WEAR THIS SHOE?

Eric - The Sparrow is built with nothing but comfort and style in mind. Even if you don't own a boat you sure can look like a yacht club member in a pair of these. The Sparrow is a new addition to the Summer 2010 collection and will be available at: http://www.kustomfootwear-usa.com/

Street Beat Archive:

Mike Murphy with Fyasko

Ian Foulke with ISIS

Jonathan Paskowitz with Lightning Bolt

Matt Harkins with SPY OPTIC

Chris Brunstetter with Goldcoast Longboards

Damon George with ERGO

Charlie Setzler with Rusty