There’s a reason Craig’s shots hit different – they feel lived-in, honest, and full of character. Whether it’s a clean pair on-foot or a vintage classic in the wild, Craig captures sneakers how we actually wear them. In this edition of Laced Up, we hit him with 15 questions about sneaker culture, his creative process, and the pairs that mean the most to him. Swipe through for the full vibe
The Personal Kicks Story.
SD: Do you remember your first sneaker moment – not just the first pair you loved, but the moment you knew you were a sneakerhead? Please describe it.
CI: Man the moment I knew, that I was a sneaker head was when I camped out for the first time ever in my life for a sneaker. It was the Jordan 11 72-10s back in 2016. I camped outside of a footlocker and stayed up the whole night having sneaker talk with folks. It was a pretty dope experience. I don’t know if I’d camp out like that again but I got home and said to myself literally “wow, I’m really in this shit now” haha!
SD: What was the first pair you really hunted down, and how did that chase go?
CI: The first pair of sneakers I really hunted down for were the Yeezy Zebras when they first ever released… Man I went from store to store in Houston looking for that shoe. Word got out that a Shiekh store in was doing a live raffle so me and my guy Horace got down there and entered the raffle. We waited like a good 45 mins outside just chopping it up just for them to only announce about 7 winners and had to be like a good 200 hundred of us outside. Left empty handed and the hunt was over.
SD: What’s the one pair in your collection that would hurt the most to lose – emotionally, not just resale-wise? And would love to hear why.
CI: Currently it would be the pair of Galaxy Foamposites I received from a store here in Portland. I built a relationship with them before even moving here really and it’s grown just organically to the point where now I’m creating content for them. As a gift they shot me those Galaxy Foamposites for free, when I was gladly trying to just pay retail for them. Its a pair that I’m holding close cause its a symbol of a relationship that I hold with the folks that own the store and its the first pair of kicks I received for the work and content that I do.
Photography Meets Footwear.
SD: How did you get into sneaker photography – was it intentional, or did it evolve out of something else?
CI: Well I’ve always had a thing for cameras. Even growing up I loved to take pictures of any damn thing. So it kind of evolved from that. I started realizing I enjoy taking pictures of my kicks because I got to focus on 2 things that I enjoy at the same time and when SNKRSLiveHeatingUp started, they always asked for people to submit photos of their kicks. So once I started doing that it kind of just also sparked me to learn more about the photography journey and actually learning how to take a good photo.
SD: You’ve got a knack for keeping it real while still shooting super clean. How would you describe your style in three words? And please explain why you choose these words.
CI: Cinematic, Provoking, and Intentional. I chose those 3 words because, whenever I can, I like to tell a story and provoke thoughts about the photo. I also love telling story through my pictures and I enjoy creating those high def cinematic pictures.
SD: What’s your go-to trick when you’re out shooting sneakers in the wild? Any weird habits or rituals when you’re trying to get that shot?
CI: I first look at the sneaker and figure out what message do I want to send. Sometimes I’ll drive and try to find new locations or inspiration from Pinterest even. Shooting out in the wild is hard cause you don’t have a lot of equipment and it’s really about trying to find the perfect environment.
Creators & Community.
SD: Who are some other sneaker creatives – photographers, stylists, writers, whoever – that inspire you right now and why?
CI: Man my biggest inspiration is honestly SneakerPhetish (Kari). I originally enjoyed shooting YouTube content and his videos gave me the confidence to just try and keep going when I first came across his work. mrFOAMERSIMPSON, TonyDiamondsTDC and MikeTheCompass when it comes to video…
Photography wise I have to say ad__sneaks, jordankeyser, JaredAMoody and @RicFlair79. They shoot some amazing work and bring a look to sneakers that resonates with me! There’s others I find inspiring but the waters are a bitt murky between me and them so I won’t drop a name but they stay frosty with the pics. I’ll just say that, I like to give credit where its due.
SD: What’s the most unexpected thing you’ve learned through sneaker photography?
CI: The most unexpected thing I’ve learned was that people actually love my photos enough to hang them in their homes or even use them on their phones! I’ve had people reach out to me and share that they created a canvas of something I did or show a screen saver of a photo I took. Learned that support for your art comes in many forms beyond likes & shares. It’s a dope feeling.
SD: You’ve built a solid presence without chasing clout. What’s your approach to staying authentic while growing your voice in the community?
CI: Man, just remembering that being me is what makes me unique in itself. I know that I’m not gone be everyones cup of tea but I know there’s a level of respect that is received when you stand 10 toes on your principles and who you are as a person. It’s come with good and bad but I want the credit for it all. I really make sure I’m also looking through a different lens and being open minded. Also just have fun man, I think people take themselves to seriously sometimes. Laugh a little.
Culture, Trends & Takes.
SD: What’s one trend in sneakers you’re absolutely here for – and one that makes you want to shut the app? And of course we all wanna know why.
CI: I’ll be honest I don’t really notice any trends at the moment. I’m also just not a trendy guy.
SD: What’s your take on sneaker culture in the US vs the global scene – anything in the US differently (for better or worse)?
CI: Man sneaker culture here in the US is so intense it seems compared to the rest of the world. Not gone lie UK seems like they know how to have a good time when it comes to sneakers. I think in the US we’re losing touch with the essence of what makes sneakers and sneaker community cool.
SD: Would you ever do your own sneaker collab? And if so, what’s the concept or silhouette calling your name?
CI: Oh for sure, it would be a dream come true. Not too sure on the concept but I now it would more than likely be a Jordan 4 or a Jordan 6.
Quickfire Kicks.
SD: Beaters or box-fresh? Which ones do you actually wear the most?
CI: I’m not a big fan of wearing dirty kicks when I don’t have to so Box Fresh, but I do admire the character and aesthetic of a beat Jordan 1 always.
SD: What’s your most unpopular sneaker take? The hill you’re ready to die on.
CI: Probably, that Virgil Abloh @virgil___abloh created the best collaboration ever with Nike.
SD: If you had to give up sneakers but could keep one last pair, what’s making the cut – and why?
CI: I did it already last year actually and the one pair I kept were my Jordan 1 Chicagos… I just think it’s such an iconic pair and I have to keep them in my collection and just for the Journey ahead. Right next to them would be the Jordan Fire Red, I think that’s the best Jordan color blocking ever and 4s are my favorite silhouette.
That’s a wrap on Laced Up Ep. 02 – massive thanks to @Craignoicecube for sharing his world: Cinematic, Provoking, and Intentional. Every shot tells a story, and Craig’s lens makes you stop and think.
Next episode’s loading… same passion, new perspective. Stay laced.
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