Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.

Abstract: Customized or personalized recessed designs can be cut into the bottom of the soles of flip flops, sandals, boots, and any other flat soled footwear using computerized numerical control machining. The customized recessed design can be created in reverse (i.e., in mirror image) to leave a specified design or message when the shoe is pressed into material capable or taking an impression such as sand or snow. Designs can also be created to appear forward (non-mirrored) on the sole so that that design or text is legible when looking at the sole of the shoe. The footwear can be custom produced at the request of a customer, who can specify the nature of the customization for one or more pairs of footwear. Each of a pair of the footwear may have a different design, message or message portion.