Every Fluevog Shoe Family has a story and because John is an open sketchbook, he’s happy to tell their tales. Dive deep into the origins of these classic Shoe Families though a few sketches and scribbles we borrowed from the desk of John.
7th Heaven Angels
I designed the angel soles out of a need to produce a more environmentally-friendly sole material — one that would eventually break down and not add to the toxins that we are filling our earth with. I put angels into the sole graphics because back then, the fashion trend was to use footwear to identify oneself as a hater and I wanted to go in the opposite direction. It was also suggested that I make them Satan resistant. This made perfect sense to me as I felt that angels always resist Satan and hate is the stomping ground of Satan. Fortunately for me, others agreed and this sole went on to be the company’s best-selling product of the ’90s.
Enneagrams
I was introduced to the Enneagram through a Jesuit priest named Richard Robe. It’s an ancient personality test that had all but disappeared, dating from before the time of Christ and probably coming from the Sufis or the mystic wise men. The test proved amazingly accurate for my personality. It is a further explanation on how to understand and get along with the different personality types in our world. It helps explain and understand why certain people have “go-to reactions” and, I think at least, leaves us with a greater understanding of ourselves and the people and cultures that surround us.
Wearevers
Giving thanks is a theme in my life as it’s not in fact my go-to emotion. I have to work at being thankful. When I drew this sole and the family, it was really a reminder to myself and hopefully the wearer to give thanks in all things.
