For the founder of Tyler Mann Injury Law, LLC, and co-owner of Pro One Athlete Agency,
shoemaking has become the perfect creative outlet. Inspired by the signature sneakers and style
of his favorite athletes growing up, what began as an appreciation for footwear has evolved into
a hands-on passion project. We spoke with Tyler about his love of shoemaking, balancing creativity with a legal career, and why the perfect pair of shoes is about much more than style.
Ask Tyler to define his style, and he'll tell you it isn't just one thing. "I'm not sure my style even
has a name," he says. "I wear what's comfortable – what fits my personality and the occasion. I
can rock sneakers and streetwear just as easily as boots and jeans." That same versatility shows
up in his approach to designing shoes, which can begin anywhere. "Sometimes it's an idea from a
client, and sometimes it starts with experimentation, working with a fabric or texture I haven't
used before," he explains. From there, the process becomes methodical: a drawing template, then
fabrics, textures, and colors. "Most sneakers have the same bones – soles, lasting board, foam,
rigid heel board," Tyler says. "Next comes the leather or suede, cut with a pattern and assembled
by hand – much of it stitched on a specialized post machine designed to make shoes – which
allows you to sew in three dimensions." All told, a single pair takes about 15 hours to complete.
For Tyler, though, shoes are never just about craftsmanship. "Shoes represent personality, style,
and fun," he says. "You can be all business from the ankles up, but a great pair of shoes is always
a conversation starter." That philosophy offers a natural counterbalance to his day job. "Being an
attorney and a sports agent can be rigid in structure," Tyler shares, "Making shoes allows me to break free from that structure and let my creative side breathe."
Tyler has also crafted custom pairs for friends, including fellow attorneys. "One of my favorites
was a pair for a friend who's a huge LSU fan. He wears them to almost every game," he says.
Still, no pair compares to where it all began. "The first pair I made, which was based on a Jordan
1 High, was the most special," Tyler reflects. It's how I learned, and it's what sent me down the
road to finding a hobby that I really enjoy."