Nike Settles $60M Trademark Lawsuit With The Shoe Surgeon

Nike’s legal clash with The Shoe Surgeon has ended in a confidential settlement that redraws the boundaries of sneaker customization.

After a year of legal wrangling that captured the attention of the sneaker and streetwear world, Nike, Inc. and The Shoe Surgeon, a Los Angeles-based sneaker customization brand led by Dominic Ciambrone, have reached a confidential settlement in their high-profile trademark dispute. The case, filed in 2024, centered on whether Ciambrone’s luxury reconstructions of Nike sneakers crossed the line from creative customization into trademark infringement and counterfeiting.

From Collaboration to Courtroom

Nike and The Shoe Surgeon were once partners, collaborating on exclusive projects for celebrities like LeBron James and Usher. However, the relationship soured when Nike alleged that Ciambrone was “attempting to build an entire multifaceted retail empire” using Nike’s trademark rights by creating and selling counterfeit Nike shoes and offering classes that taught consumers how to make fake Nike sneakers.

Nike’s lawsuit, filed in federal court, accused The Shoe Surgeon and his business partner, Dallas Imbimbo, of trademark infringement, counterfeiting, false designation of origin, and unfair competition. The Swoosh sought $60 million in damages and a sweeping injunction to halt further sales of the custom sneakers.

Settlement Terms: New Boundaries for Customization

The settlement, finalized in June 2025, remains confidential, but key terms have been made public. The Shoe Surgeon must pay Nike an undisclosed sum as part of the resolution, and Ciambrone and his affiliates acknowledged that Nike’s trademarks are valid and enforceable, and that their past actions violated federal trademark law. A permanent injunction bars The Shoe Surgeon from producing or selling any product that uses Nike’s trademarks or anything likely to cause consumer confusion. This ban extends to physical products, digital goods, marketing materials, and even workshops involving Nike’s intellectual property. The Shoe Surgeon may continue to create “one-of-one” customizations under very limited, Nike-approved conditions—using authentic Nike shoes, with clear disclaimers, and only for personal or non-commercial use. The court retains jurisdiction to enforce the agreement, and any future violations could trigger further legal action and penalties.

Nike explained its position in a statement:

“It is unfortunate that after many attempts to resolve this matter privately, we’ve had to take legal action against the Shoe Surgeon for counterfeiting, mass customization, and trademark infringement… These activities are illegal, deceive consumers, and create confusion in the marketplace around source, authenticity, and quality of Nike products”.

The Shoe Surgeon Responds

Ciambrone, known for his creative reimaginings of classic Nike silhouettes, expressed disappointment that the dispute ended up in court rather than at the negotiating table. In a statement to Sneaker Bar Detroit, he reflected on the journey and the importance of creativity:

“It’s a dream to collaborate with legendary brands. Especially with the brand who tells us to believe in something. Who tells us it’s only crazy until we do it. Tells us the best is yet to come. Tells us to be better. To just do it.”

He further added:  "We are confused Nike has chosen litigation over a discussion, but we are confident with proper dialogue and collaboration, we can resolve this with the new management team and turn it into a win for the culture”.

He also expressed: "Creating defines us. Our pursuit of greatness is the soul of every creation, and authenticity is stitched into our DNA. Where there is unity, there is victory”.

A Turning Point for Sneaker Customization

This case marks a pivotal moment for the custom sneaker industry. While Nike’s legal victory reasserts its control over its iconic trademarks, it also clarifies the boundaries for artists and entrepreneurs operating in the customization space. The Shoe Surgeon can continue to create, but only within strict limits that respect Nike’s intellectual property.

As the dust settles, the sneaker world is left to ponder the evolving relationship between brand protection and creative expression, a dialogue that, for now, must take place within the lines drawn by the court.