Why Big Companies Like Amazon Prime Video Are Choosing Custom Sneakers as Awards

In the world of corporate recognition, traditional trophies and plaques are slowly making way for something more exciting, personal, and memorable: custom sneakers. And at Gitartsy, we’ve been leading this creative movement — turning Nike Air Force 1s into wearable works of art for some of the world’s biggest brands.

One of our longest-standing collaborations is with FinSys, the talented Amazon Prime Video team responsible for powering the platform behind the scenes. For the past three years, FinSys has chosen Gitartsy to create their most prestigious employee award — a completely bespoke pair of sneakers hand-painted with artwork inspired by Prime Video’s most popular trending series or film at the time.

From Screen to Sole: The Gitartsy x Prime Video Story

Every few months, FinSys holds an internal awards ceremony celebrating the outstanding achievements of their top employees. But instead of a standard glass trophy, winners walk away with something far more unique — a one-of-a-kind pair of Nike Air Force Ones hand-painted by Gitartsy. Gitartsy uses Angelus Brand leather paints, which are permanent, professional paints made for the shoes!

The concept is simple but powerful: each winning sneaker is themed around the current number-one show or movie on Prime Video. It could be a gripping drama, a blockbuster action series, or a cultural hit everyone is talking about. This means every award is completely different and deeply connected to that moment in pop culture — making it a personal and collectible piece of art.

The Power of Personalisation in Employee Recognition

In today’s competitive corporate landscape, personalised rewards speak volumes. Custom sneakers go beyond generic gifts by celebrating individuality and achievement with a creative, meaningful touch that resonates deeply with recipients. This level of personalisation makes each award not just a prize but a treasured keepsake, where no 2 awards ever look the same!

Why Custom Sneakers Make the Ultimate Corporate Award

1. Memorable & Personal – Each pair is designed for a specific person and moment in time.

2. Wearable Art – Unlike a trophy that sits on a shelf, sneakers can be displayed or worn with pride.

3. Brand Storytelling – Designs can reflect a company’s culture, milestones, or brand identity.

4. Social Media Buzz – Eye-catching sneakers encourage winners to share their award online, boosting brand visibility.

It’s no surprise that more companies are seeing the value in unique employee recognition gifts. Whether you’re a tech giant like Amazon Prime Video or a growing startup, a custom sneaker trophy is a way to stand out, inspire your team, and create a lasting connection.

The Creative Process

When FinSys approaches Gitartsy for a new season’s awards, we start by researching the current top Prime Video hit. Then, every element of the design — from the colours and patterns to the tiniest painted detail — is crafted by hand to capture the spirit of that show or movie. The result is a pair of sneakers that are not just footwear but wearable, collectible art.

Thinking About Custom Sneakers for Your Company?

Gitartsy has created hand-painted sneaker art for a star-studded list of clients, including:

• Footballers: Diogo Dalot, David Raya, Emerson Royal, Nicolas Jackson, Millie Bright (Chelsea Foundation)

• Celebrities: Idris Elba, Kurt Angle, Jey Uso, Badshah, Zoya Akhtar, Alia Bhatt, Sarayu Blue

• Brands: Prime Video, Chelsea Foundation, The Man Company and many more.

Whether it’s for employee awards, brand activations, VIP gifts, or promotional events, Gitartsy’s custom sneakers turn recognition into a work of art that will be treasured for years to come.

📸 View our Brands & Logos Sneaker Art Portfolio here

If you’re a company looking to reward your team with something truly original, let’s talk. Together, we can create the perfect sneaker trophies that tell your brand’s story — one step at a time.