When sneakers are more than just shoes: For Bobissneaker, KangaROOS is pure passion - so much so that he got two iconic models tattooed! In our exclusive interview, he tells us how it all began, why KangaROOS is more than just a brand to him - and what the tattoos mean to him. Plus: a look at his favorite pairs and the collection that makes every collector's heart beat faster. Swipe through, check out the story and discover real sneakerlove!
Can you briefly introduce yourself - who are you, what fascinates you about sneakers in general?
I'm "Bobissneaker" or simply Marco, I live in Switzerland with my family and sneakers have been with me almost my whole life. I'm fascinated by the variety, the limitations and the fact that sneakers simply connect everyone with something. And of course I love the big community!
When did you start collecting sneakers and how did you come to the KangaROOS brand?
It all started when I was 13, when I bought my first pair - which I had been saving up for for a long time. I really got into collecting and hunting again around 2016/2017, which is also when I came across the KangaROOS MIG brand. My first pair that I loved was the "Glacier".
What makes KangaROOS Originals and Made in Germany special for you?
Originals - that's pure childhood for me! School sports with KangaROOS on my feet or vacation jobs in my mother's shoe store, where I was allowed to unpack the KangaROOS sneakers - these memories make the OGs special for me.
Made in Germany (MIG) I only discovered later and was initially amazed that KangaROOS even made something like this. But when I saw the first pictures of the "Glacier" Shout-Out goes out to elzapatillaztio, I was hooked! The attention to detail is simply unique - every MIG tells its own story. Anyone who has ever held a MIG in their hands knows exactly what I mean!
How would you describe the community around KangaROOS?
One of the best communities I've ever had the pleasure of getting to know: caring, open, helpful and people treat each other well! I've met a lot of great people through it.
What makes KangaROOS special for you compared to other brands?
The family atmosphere, the openness, the customer proximity, the love for the product and the appreciation at all levels.
How did the idea of getting KangaROOS sneakers tattooed come about?
I became a father a year ago and wanted a tattoo that was also dedicated to my daughter. When I went to the KangaROOS Community Day shortly after she was born, Julia and the team surprised me with the first KangaROOS sneaker for my daughter. That made me so happy that I came up with the idea of having this very sneaker tattooed.
Can you tell us a bit about the story behind the two tattoos? (Which models, what meaning?)
One tattoo shows my daughter's first sneaker: the KangaROOS "KY-Chummy EV".
The second tattoo is my absolute favorite pair: the KangaROOS x The 6th Floor x WOMFT "F14K3R". I'm a big fan of Kamp and his work. Everything about this sneaker just fits - from the design to the story. And since I'm now part of the WOMFT crew, this shoe means a lot to me.
Did you develop the design together with the tattoo artist?
I photographed the sneakers myself, we used the photos as a template and placed the tattoos perfectly on the arm.
How did those around you react to your KangaROOS tattoos?
It was actually very positive! Everyone knows my passion and even kind of expected something like this (haha). My wife is 100% behind me - that makes me very happy!
What do you feel when you look at your tattoos?
Lots of joy, love, memories and pride. I can't really describe it.
What does sneaker culture in general mean to you?
Friendship, a statement and love for the product - something special for everyone.
What does your KangaROOS collection currently look like?
I'd say I'm almost satisfied! Since moving into the new house, I have my own sneaker room - and the journey continues, wherever it takes me!
Do you have an absolute favorite pair in your collection?
Yes, definitely:
- KangaROOS x The 6th Floor x WOMFT "F14K3R"
- Dandy Diary X KangaROOS Coil R-DD Streaker
- KangaROOS Coil-R1 x Urbanpeople "Glacier"
Is there a KangaROOS model that is still missing from your collection and that you really want to have? Your personal "Holy Grail"?
My absolute Holy Grail is the KangaROOS x Afew Coil R1 "Black Forest". And of course the dream of having my own KangaROOS sneaker!
Is there anything you would like to say to other sneaker fans or the KangaROOS community?
You are one of the greatest communities I have ever had the pleasure of getting to know! It's great to see how more and more people are finding their way back to ROOS. Quality and passion come before hype and business!
Marco, thank you for the interview, one last question: If you had to describe KangaROOS in three words - what would they be?
Quality, community, passion.
LINKS:
www.instagram.com/bobissneaker
www.threads.com/@bobissneaker
