Romero Britto Painted the World, Now He's Painting Skechers

Romero Britto has built a decades-long career around a simple idea: art should make people feel good. The Brazilian-born, Miami-based artist has turned his signature mix of bold colors, graphic patterns and optimism into one of the most recognizable visual languages in contemporary art, bringing his work far beyond gallery walls through public installations, global partnerships and projects that reach audiences around the world.

That spirit sits at the center of his latest collaboration with Skechers. Blending Britto’s unmistakable imagery with the brand’s everyday comfort, the collection transforms familiar silhouettes into wearable works of art. Hearts, vibrant color palettes and hand-drawn motifs pulled directly from the artist’s paintings appear across the range, bringing his joyful perspective to a new audience with every step.

We sat down with Britto alongside the collection to discuss what attracted him to the partnership, how closely he worked with the Skechers team throughout the design process, and what it means to see his artwork move beyond the canvas and into people’s daily lives. As with much of his work, the goal remains unchanged. Create joy, spark connection and make art accessible to everyone.

“Art really belongs outside, not necessarily on a wall in a museum or gallery or at home, but out in the streets to be enjoyed by others.”

How are you feeling being in front of everything here?
I’m very excited to collaborate with Skechers. The situation is like a dream come true for an artist because I share happiness. And Skechers is comfortable. Together, everybody enjoys so much. They’re comfortable with the Skechers, and the colors and the art. My work is going to be enjoyed by many people out there.

You have a signature style that’s so recognizable. What does it mean to you for it to be enjoyed by people on something functional like a shoe?
It’s fantastic. I always wanted to have my art enjoyed by a larger audience. Every time I create a piece of art, it goes to a home, a collector, or to a gallery or to my exhibition. I also like the idea of my art being enjoyed by many people, and sharing happiness at the same time, together with Skechers.

You’ve said this collection is meant to be worn and not just kept in a box. What does it mean to you to have your art moving through the world on people’s feet?
It means so much to me because I don’t just want my art for myself. I do it because I want to share with people. It would make me so happy to share my work with so many people, incorporating it into a company like Skechers in terms of technology and comfort. I just enjoy seeing people with it. It is a perfect fit.

You’ve collaborated across a huge range of sectors, sports, luxury, consumer goods. Is there a difference in how you think about a collaboration with a footwear brand versus a fine art institution?
They’re two different moments. One moment is different people going to museums and galleries every day. But there are so many people in different parts of America and the world that don’t have access to museums. They live far away. Art really belongs outside, not necessarily on a wall in a museum or gallery or at home, but out in the streets to be enjoyed by others. You can enjoy yourself wearing these shoes, but also as you walk out in the street, other people will see it and enjoy it too. They’re going to bring a smile to people’s faces. That’s the most important thing. That you wear something that makes you feel good and makes you feel happy.

You’ve had deep ties to Miami for a long time. How much does the city and its culture show up in this collection?
Oh, everything. Because I live in Miami, I see it every day, and it’s just an incredible place. I definitely bring my life and my everyday Miami to around the world when I show my art, and now with this collaboration with Skechers as well. The shoes can go everywhere, so people travel everywhere. It would be amazing to see people going around wearing them and sharing happiness.

You carried the Olympic torch in 2016 and have worked with teams like the Heat and the Dolphins. What draws you to the world of sport?
I think sports help kids and people in general develop discipline. And you can use that discipline and passion in everyday life, at home, with family, at work. There are a lot of parallels with working as an artist. If I don’t have the discipline to wake up in the morning and go to the studio and feel that drive and excitement about creating paintings and sculptures, I won’t be able to do what I do every day. I paint with my shoes.

“Everything that happens on the shoes went through me. Everything is true to my art.”

Artist collaborations with big brands can sometimes feel very surface-level. How involved were you in the design process here?
Very involved. Definitely. Everything that happens on the shoes went through me. Everything is true to my art. Everything comes from a painting.

How do you draw the line when it comes to creative control?
I’ve been very lucky that in every project I’ve done so far, I’ve worked with companies that enjoy working with artists. That’s why I was reached out to by the owner of the company, because he likes my art, he enjoys art, and he respects art. So it’s been a real joy to work with the team at Skechers. It’s been amazing.

What do you want someone to feel when they put these on and walk out the door?
I want them to feel happy and comfortable. Happy and comfortable. And I want them to keep wearing my shoes.

Now that we’re sitting in front of the collection, is there any standout detail that was particularly fulfilling to bring to life?
It’s a great question. It’s like asking a mom which child she likes the most! Each one of them has something unique. Think about this one: when you cross your legs and see the bottom of the shoes, you see colors and art. This one here is like summarizing everything about my art, the heart, love, everything that I put in my work. Each one is a different experience, and I’m sure people are going to want to have one of each.

Britto’s collaboration with Skechers is available here.