Because of the shared surname, Mr. Bommel is like a running theme throughout my life. On the Van Bommel side of my family, I come across him in various different forms. My most vivid memory is without doubt the animated film ‘Als je begrijpt wat ik bedoel’ (English: ‘The dragon that wasn’t (or was he?)’). I celebrated my 8th birthday party at the cinema watching this film. Almost 40 years later, when dark clouds appear in the sky, I am still afraid a dragon will emerge from the storm. As an expression of support to Mr. Bommel, the proceeds from the sales of the sneakers will go to Toonder Compagnie. That is the company that manages the work of Marten Toonder and keeps it alive.

For the limited edition Ollie B. Bommel sneakers, a new image of Mr. Bommel was developed. And it is also a fairly unique one. Normally, Mr. Bommel is in the middle of reading a story when he is depicted. He therefore hardly ever makes eye contact with the reader. Especially for the sneakers bearing his name, Mr. Bommel has made an exception. He took his time to calmly pose and be immortalised as a fashionable and self-assured gentleman of stature. In the process, he makes direct eye contact with the viewer. Mr. Bommel’s portrait is displayed on the tongue of the sneakers and on the leaflet.

In the spirit of Mr. Bommel, the detailing is subtle and modest. The colour of Mr. Bommel's fur is reflected in the warm cognac-coloured suede. The heel and footbed feature the tartan design from his gown. Floris van Bommel’s signature style is incorporated into the sneakers by means of a bright blue tongue. Under the portrait of Mr. Bommel on the woven label on that tongue, it reads: "Van Bommel sneakers? Bommel sneakers!".