This week John Trottier aka Johnnyskicks is on the podcast. We talk about working with the Sneaker Surgeon. How he almost was a pro in soccer. How he grew up on military bases and how he got a British accent. When did he start designing shoes. Working with several customizers and what he is doing with Yankee Kicks. Where his inspiration for design comes from and much much more!  

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Podcast Linktree: https://linktr.ee/myfirstkicks 

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Music by The DoppleGangaz: https://thedoppelgangaz.bandcamp.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Executive Assistant Role with Shoe Surgeon in 2016

04:56 First Kicks: Iverson Fours and Sneaker Passion

09:42 Company Success: Relying on Others' Strengths and Overcoming Competitiveness

14:23 Graphic Design Journey: Photoshop, Adobe Suites, and Instagram Influence

17:52 Pursuing Art: Concepting, Maker Collaborations, and First Shoe Releases

21:30 Empowering Shoe Makers & Customizers: New Opportunities & Financial Gains

25:15 Personal Taste: Buying Quality Pieces & Examples of Influence

28:42 Lawsuits Impacting Sneaker Sales and Authenticity Concerns

32:37 Peter Moore's Design Legacy: Jordan 1 and Von Grock History

36:13 Von Grock's Original Silhouettes: Basketball, Pickleball, Lifestyle

40:16 Zellerfeld's Goal: Printing New Shoe Designs Daily Using AI

44:04 Footwear Design & Development: Palm Angels Collaboration

47:43 Tiers of Fakes: AAA Version and Quality Insights with Sniderb

51:29 US Manufacturing and Tooling Control for Limited Sneaker Editions

55:18 Acceptance of Fake Sneakers and Retail Reliance ️

58:44 Factory Money and Sneaker Production Insights

01:02:23 Surrounding Self with Successful People and Growth

01:06:32 Complex Con 2023 Content and Podcast Support