Rochester

After a hard day’s work, everyone needs an outlet. A Rochester-area medical professional found his in pairs of old sneakers, of all places.

Walking a mile in Rick Kaseman’s shoes starts with a blank canvas.

“Plain white shoes and I’m happy,” said Kaseman of Irondequoit.

A pair of sneakers, some paint, an airbrush — and an idea, that’s how it starts for the self-proclaimed sneakerhead.

“I remember as a kid the suede Pumas were big,” he said. “And I got my blue Pumas.”

Turning a pair of sneakers into a piece of art is a process.

“There are times that you do screw up on a canvas shoe and you’re buying a new pair,” he laughed.

Kaseman started his custom sneaker business, Rikreations, four years ago. The former art and music major decided to give it a try, and really became involved in his work during the pandemic. Since then, he’s done about 200 pairs — a side hustle that’s relaxing, compared to his day job as a cardiac technician.

“Yeah, haven't quit the full-time job yet,” he said.

Inspiration comes in many forms. Many of his sneakers are music-themed, from rock to hip-hop. He has created pride-themed kicks, and a doctor requested a medical-themed pair.

Kaseman’s creations often bring a special reaction. He showed a video of a friend’s wife — a cancer survivor — opening a package containing pink sneakers with ribbons painted on them.

“Her reaction was just, it made me tear up,” said Kaseman. “To do something like that, it’s special. It means a lot.”

Some sneakers take just a day or two to finish. More intricate designs can take more than a week. Kaseman lives by a simple mantra when he’s creating.

“Always have to remember to trust the process,” he said. “As you're doing it, sometimes you can feel like, ‘Oh jeez, what am I doing here? This doesn't look right.’ Trust the process. It’ll work out.”

Trust the process. And use art — and an old pair of sneakers — to make someone’s day.

“Bringing it back to life. That's my favorite,” said Kaseman. “And to see their shock. It just keeps me going.