In Their Shoes; Hikmet at Solebox

I've been very lucky to meet some great people from all different walks of life linked to the sneaker game over the years, but in this latest instalment of my 'In Their Shoes' interview series I'm delighted to speak to Hikmet, an absolute legend from Germany who founded the iconic Solebox store.

He was kind enough to share his thoughts with me on everything from not keeping shoes on ice, the global love of shoes tying the community together and what's on his feet right now, and I wasn't expecting this answer!

IDYSM: Hey Hikmet, thanks for your time.  First up, please describe Solebox and your role with it.

Hikmet: Hello Lester. You are always welcome. Solebox is a sneakerstore, not more not less. Based on personal passion. I am the founder and co owner of Solebox. Responsible for all creative stuff behind solebox. Designs, PR, etc.

IDYSM: In terms of the world’s elite sneaker stores Solebox rates very highly, what makes it so different to other sneaker stores?

Hikmet: To be true I do not know really. Maybe it is our way of doing business and treating our customers. Every, I mean really EVERY customer is welcome.

IDYSM: The look of the store is pretty amazing, with each pair of shoes given the space to be displayed like art pieces in a museum, so do you see shoes as works of art and how important and influential is sneaker style?

Hikmet: Off course you can see shoes as art, but they are at the end shoes. They are made for wearing. This people sometimes forget. And this is really important to wear your shoes, so everybody can see them in real life.

IDYSM: So where do you stand on how your customers treat their purchases, do you want shoes kept on ice to maintain their look, or to be well worn and well loved?

Hikmet: Well worn and well loved. Same shoe on different people can tell different stories. Wear them let them become your best friend of your feet.

IDYSM: Not only do you sell shoes, but you’ve also been involved with some amazing collab’s over the years.  How important are the collab’s to your business?

Hikmet: The funny thing I never saw it as a part of our business. It is more a dream which became true. Back in the days as a kid I do not had the possibility to get everything moneywise. Today it is a great honor, I can have my personal pairs and other people are wearing them too.

IDYSM: And how important are they to you personally, is sneaker design something you love?

Hikmet: It is my passion and part of my life of course.

IDYSM: Which collab shoe are you proudest of and why?

Hikmet: I am proud of all of them. All are a special timeframe of me and my work.

IDYSM: Have you always been interested in sneaker culture, and to what level, are you a collector?

Hikmet: Yes, started when I was around 11 or 12. I am now 40..  I do not know if you can call me a collector but I have a lot of shoes.

IDYSM: Germany obviously plays a very important part in sneaker history, how influential is the country’s sneaker style in the present day?

Hikmet: I do not think that Germany is really influential in sneaker style. I think we are globally loving trainers. This unites us worldwide. One world, one passion.

IDYSM: What styles and trends are hot on the streets in Berlin right now?

Hikmet: Berlin is loving the 90s runners and some basketball hightop stuff.

IDYSM: What does 2013 hold for Solebox?

Hikmet: 2012/2013 is our 10^th year in business with Solebox. So we are happy and proud about this.

IDYSM: I always like to end my interviews with this question…what’s on your feet right now?

Hikmet: Haha. I am barefoot at the moment ...

104 Miles; Sydney

This sneaker lover chooses his kicks for 2 purposes - everyday wear, and running marathons, so finding a shoe to cover all bases has been tough, but in the 2009 Asics Noosa shoe he has found a kick that has injected some colour into his life by suiting all of his needs.
Originally from Sweden, Matt fell in love with these shoes in a big way, and likes them so much that he bought 10 pairs in 1 go! He has since run the Berlin marathon twice, the Sydney marathon and the New York Marathon (which by my reckoning makes 104 miles) all in a pair of these eye-catching shoes which he also wears for everyday use as well.

Luca; Sydney

Luca is a friend of my son's, and one smartly dressed toddler!
On a recent trip to visit family in Berlin he was faced with a pile of presents from his Auntie who had purchased all manner of cool kicks for her nephew.  Luca picked this great pair of Baby Adidas Rekord sneakers and effortlessly rocks their retro look with great style.

Lady Dada; Sydney

In a post from my London trip in December I suggested that 80's influenced shoes from Reebok could be big in 2010, so it was great to find Sally in Sydney who shares the same view.

Originally from Adelaide, Sally is an artist and she purchased her beloved classic black Freestyle Hi boots while living in Berlin about a year ago to work on collages inspired by the Dada movement.  

Berlin is a fantastic city with a sensational sense of style and you can see the influence of the German underground scene on her stylish look, of which her shoes play a key part.