Warning: The following post contains gross levels of awesome. Proceed with caution.

Videogame apparel is typically tacky and poorly constructed from the cheapest materials one can find at a shanty factory somewhere in Hong Kong. What’s worse, in spite of their abhorrent build quality, they consistently fetch premium prices online, because they cater to a relatively niche market.

However, not all gaming apparel is made by money-grubbing companies. Some is actually made for the fans, by the fans. And today, we celebrate the very best ones we could find.

The following custom-made sneakers were handcrafted by some of the most devout videogame addicts in the world. Sure, you can call it an unhealthy obsession, but I like to think of it as art.

The Thirteen Best (Note: Larger versions are in the gallery)

1. Super Mario Brothers (NES) – The 8-bit classic reborn in sneaker form.

2. Paper Mario (N64) – Because one pair of Mario sneakers simply isn’t enough.

3. Super Mario World (SNES) – Nor are three, for that matter.

4. The Legend of Zelda (NES) – The Hyrulian Crest, featuring the Triforce: Simple, yet effective.

5. Grim Fandango (PC) – Tim Schafer’s classic adventure game is awesome enough to make even the color purple look cool.

6. The Money Island Series (PC) –Guybrush Threepwood from the Lucas Arts classic adventure series.

7. Tetris (Various) – It’s like a disco ball on your feet. In other words, you’ll be a hit at the local Russian discotheque.

8. Earthworm Jim (Various) – Whatever happened to Earthworm Jim? Oh right, Earthworm Jim 2.

9. Megaman (NES) – I’m almost disappointed that they didn’t use the 8-bit game’s box art.

10. Metal Gear Solid (PS1) – The Cyborg Ninja. ‘Nuff said.

11. Halo (Xbox) – The Master Chief. Also ‘nuff said.

12. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360/PS3/PC) – Needs more Captain Price, but “Soap” MacTavish hurls a knife into a guy’s eye. So, he’s fine with me.

13. Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis) – These sneakers are better than every Sonic game in the past ten years combined.