There's a lot to choose from when it comes to gamer-created gamer apparel, of course. Also people are coming up with new stuff all the time. But I've picked out five pairs of shoes that I've found in the last year which I'd seriously considering buying if I weren't a starving journalist. Check 'em out and by all means point me to your favorites, if you've got a link.

Princess Peach Trainers
Created By: Daniel Reese (a.k.a. BRASS MONKI)
Shoe Type: Nike Trainers
Theme: Super Paper Mario
Spotted On: BRASS MONKI's blog
Total Cost: £135/$230

These fancy kicks were mocked up by Daniel Reese by my request after I got in touch with him over pricing on the Moogle shoes. Even if it's just a Photoshop job of what the shoes would look like, I think the design is spiffy, I love the color pink and I find that there's not nearly enough in the way of Princess Peach-related shoes to buy these days.

NES Controller Keds (Classic)*
Created By: Danielle (a.k.a. Cole530)
Shoe Type: Keds slip-ons
Theme: Nintendo hardware
Spotted On: Zazzle
Total Cost: $74.50
*Not pictured per Zazzle's site policy.

I remember decorating Keds in summer camp when I was a kid with fabric glue and glitter, but my childish creations are nothing compared to these kicks. I like the design because it's subtle and the colors will go with most of my wardrobe. Unfortunately, I find Keds slip-ons to be beastly uncomfortable until you beat them into submission — and that would probably damage the paint.

NES Controller Keds (Hipster)
Created By: Rachelle Williams (a.k.a. ParadoxArtistry)
Shoe Type: LA Gear Slip-ons
Theme: Nintendo hardware
Spotted On: Etsy
Total Cost: $85

I've never worn LA Gear brand slip-ons, so I'll just have to trust the artist's claim that these shoes are comfortable. Other than that, I like how vibrant that red acrylic looks — even if it is too loud to get away with wearing to an office job. Also, I'm not sure how I feel about the cord spelling out N-E-S on the back of the right shoe. My preference with gamer clothing of any kind is subtlety that separates gamers from posers. In other words, if you have to ask me what's on my shoes, you clearly aren't cool enough to hang out with me.

Ms. Pac-Man Mary Janes
Created By: Lindsay (a.k.a. emandsprout)
Shoe Type: Rubber-soled Mary Janes
Theme: Ms. Pac-Man
Spotted On: Etsy
Total Cost: $28

It's not hard to find ladies sizes of shoes, but I rarely run across actual ladies shoes (heels, slingbacks, etc.) in my quest for gamer clothing. These classic Mary Jane slip-ons are decorated with what looks like felt pieces and tiny accessories, so I'd be a little worried about ruining them after only three wearings. But still, it's Ms. Pac-Man and it's comparatively cheap.

Unofficial Kotaku Shoes
Created By: Adidas
Shoe Type: Trainers
Theme: Kotaku
Spotted In: Nordstrom's in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Total Cost: Can't quite remember what it cost in the store, but similar shoes on Adidas' site go for $90

I spotted these while Hanukkah shopping with my dad earlier this year and almost bought them just because they had the Kotaku color scheme. Sadly, though, they only had mens sizes too big for my little feet. Also, while I could claim I had Kotaku shoes, they're not really Kotaku-themed enough to speak for themselves. Still cool, though.

These five pairs are but a few examples of awesome gamer shoes to be found on the Internet. For further reading, go check out some of the other shoes we've spotted over the years.

We've seen large NES controllers before, but this one is the biggest yet... and it works! This five foot long bad boy was made through the efforts of three artists for Maker Faire 2007. It was hooked up to a NES console and displayed on a large screen tv and atendees of the fair could play the Super Mario Brothers, but with a catch. Two people must work in tandem to make the controller work. One manning the d-pad while the other managed the two red buttons.

The artists have posted a detailed explanation on how they made it including pictures of the whole process on their site, Spark Fun Electronics. Check it out and if you've got the gumption, maybe you can make one of your own. Flynn De Marco

Two Players Required [Spark Fun Electronics]

Finally, a NES controller wallet to go with your girlfriend's NES Purse. (and I mean a real girlfriend, not the female Blood Elf you chat with online who is really a guy) Zenilorac over at Instrutibles has given us a step by step picture guide on how to make this little beauty. All you need is a NES controller (preferably a dead one) a long zipper, some glue, wire snips, a small screw driver and a little talent and you've got yourself a dandy wallet. Just imagine the gasps of amazement when you whip this baby out in public. Now that's what I call olde schoole class! (can also be used as a change purse if you like that sort of thing) Flynn De Marco