TonTon Gibs: Try to develop your own taste in sneakers

How many pairs of sneakers do you have? 

I would say about 450 pairs.

Your 3 favorite pairs?

Tough question when you like sneakers in general, but if I had to choose:

1 / Nike Mag

2 / Air Jordan 6 Doernbecher

3 / Patta x Nike air max 1 Chlorophyll or Parra x Nike Air Max 1 Amsterdam

Which sneaker would you never wear?

As we say, you should never say never (haha), but I don’t know, every brand has an ugly sneaker, and each one is aesthetically different.

Must-have of every shoe collection?

Nike Air Max 1, Air Jordan 6/3/4/1, Air Force 1, Air Yeezy, off-white, etc.

adidas Superstar for history, Yeezy 350 Turtle dove, Pirate Black, 700 Wave Runner, 700 V2 Static and V3 Azael, etc.

Reebok Question Mid, Kamikaz, Ventilator, Pump, etc. I like sneakers too much in general, so everything can be a “must-have”, sorry. (haha)

When did you start writing your book, and why? How many books have you sold?

I was contacted by Editions Larousse in the spring of 2019 to write a book on sneaker culture. And as it was a project that I had already had in mind, I accepted immediately because when a large publishing house offers to release your book about your passion, it’s an offer you can’t refuse.

Sales have been excellent in France, with around 11,000 copies sold between October and December 2020, and it continues to sell well! I think this is a timeless book that speaks to young and old alike, and it will usually be translated into English for international release. I’m currently in the process of writing a second book on another very cool topic as well.

When we say Footshop, what do you imagine?

A great team of good, passionate people who work hard to bring Footshop to the top!

What would you say to others?

I would say to keep both feet on the ground, not get into trouble for clothes or pairs of sneakers; it’s a passion but not a vital priority! I would tell the younger people to try to develop their own taste and not always get caught up in the social media hype, although that’s cool too, but there are many other exciting things!

And finally, I would say that knowledge is a weapon! So learn, cultivate yourself! Know where you come from and where you’re headed.