Tony Ferguson: From Street Skater to Footwear Visionary

Tony Ferguson is a name that resonates deeply within the skateboarding community—not just for his smooth style and iconic video parts, but also for his evolution from pro skater to luxury footwear designer. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this Canadian skateboarding legend.

🛹 Early Life and Skateboarding Roots

• Born: May 4, 1973

• Birthplace: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

• Raised in: Ottawa, Ontario

• Started skating: Age 12

• Moved to Vancouver: 1990, at age 17

Tony’s skateboarding journey began in Ottawa, where he developed his skills in a quiet but vibrant local scene. His move to Vancouver exposed him to a more dynamic skate culture, where he met future legends like Rick Howard and Colin McKay. This transition marked a turning point, as Ferguson quickly became immersed in the West Coast skateboarding explosion of the early '90s.

🧨 Rise to Fame and Signature Style

Tony was known for his clean, stylish street skating, often favoring technical tricks with finesse over brute force. He had a knack for making difficult tricks look effortless, and his Backside 360s became a signature move that many skaters admired and tried to emulate.

He was also part of the EMB (Embarcadero) scene in San Francisco, skating alongside some of the most influential street skaters of the time. His style was understated but powerful—never flashy, always smooth.

🤝 Sponsors and Pro Model Decks

• Early sponsors: Real Skateboards, Plan B

• Major sponsor: Girl Skateboards (founding team member)

• Other affiliations: Chocolate Skateboards, Fourstar Clothing

Tony was one of the original members of Girl Skateboards, a company co-founded in 1993 by Rick Howard and Spike Jonze. His pro model decks with Girl were highly sought after, often featuring minimalist graphics that reflected his refined aesthetic.

🎥 Iconic Video Parts

Tony Ferguson’s videography is a time capsule of '90s and early 2000s skateboarding. Some of his most memorable appearances include:

He also appeared in several 411VM issues and Crailtap’s mini DV drawer series, showcasing behind-the-scenes footage and interviews.

👟 Life After Skateboarding

Tony retired from professional skateboarding in 2006 and transitioned into the footwear industry, where he made a significant impact:

• Acquired the global footwear license for Alife, a New York streetwear brand

• Collaborated with Adidas, Timberland, Reebok, and artists like Drake, Nas, and Kanye West

• Founded Rone in 2015—a skate-inspired luxury footwear brand that bridges street culture and high fashion

Rone has been featured in GQ, Forbes, Esquire, and Hypebeast, and has collaborated with The Ace Hotel and New Balance, among others.

🌟 Fun Facts and Legacy

• Tony once played a policeman in Girl Skateboards skits directed by Spike Jonze

• He’s affectionately nicknamed “Rone” in the skate world

• Known for his refined taste, both on and off the board

• Helped shape Vancouver’s skate scene during its golden era

📌 What’s He Up to Now?

Tony Ferguson continues to run Rone, pushing the boundaries of skate-inspired luxury footwear. He’s still deeply connected to skateboarding culture, often reflecting on its evolution and sharing insights through interviews and creative projects.

Tony Ferguson - Mouse - 1996

Tony Ferguson | The Nine Club With Chris Roberts - Episode 144