Abstract: An athletic shoe (10) having interchangeable components for the customizing to the particular needs of a wearer. The wearer's weight, weight distribution, type and level of activity, and other variables are considered when determining the degree and location of support. The athletic shoe (10) includes a base portion (12) which defines a sole member (14) and an upper (16). A plurality of recesses (24) are defined at selected locations by the sole (14) for the receipt of sole inserts (18). The upper (16) defines a plurality of indicia receiving regions. The sole inserts (18) and the indicators (20) may be permanently attached to the athletic shoe (10) by any selected process such as ultrasonic welding. Additional support members may be placed within the athletic shoe (10) as desired to provide further support for selected portions of the foot, including the ankle and the arch.