Author: admin

Meet Josh – the sneakerhead who brings clarity and nostalgia to your feed. Whether he’s spotlighting iconic Jordans like the Air Jordan 1 “Chicago” or rare drops like the Arts-Rec x Dunk Low SB “For Recreational Use,” his shoe photography stands out—crisp visuals, thoughtful angles, and a love for legendary kicks. He even paused on being “a faceless account” to show more of himself – real vibes from the real sneaker family. The Personal Kicks Story SD: When did you first realize sneakers were more than shoes – a story or a community? JS: I have formed some incredible lifelong friendships due to my passion for sneakers. These friendships exist both in real life and within this online community. The realization that many of these connections were sparked simply by wearing a stylish sneaker highlights that sneakers represent far more than just footwear! SD: Which pair made you go from casual fan to full-blown sneakerhead? JS: I recently expressed my fascination with the Chicago colorway. The reintroduction of the 2015 Jordan 1 Chicago has consistently been my favorite and has significantly contributed to the intense sneaker obsession I possess today. SD: Of all your IG showcases (Chicago AJ1s, Mocha 3s, etc.), which pair has the most personal meaning and why? JS: At this moment, I believe the Off-white Jordan 1 Chicago is the one. This is a pair I have desired for many years, and to be honest, I never imagined I would actually possess it. I remained vigilant and seized the opportunity when it arose! Photography + Visual Approach SD: Your photography is always clean and crisp- what’s your go-to camera setup? JS: Honestly, my existing setup is pretty simple/cheap. The camera I use is my smartphone – Samsung 23 Ultra. I am capturing images inside a 32x32x32 lightbox that I purchased from Amazon. All my editing is performed on my phone utilizing the built-in Samsung editor and the Lightroom mobile application. To be honest, I am still learning and trying to figure it all out. SD: You recently stopped hiding behind the lens how did sharing more of you change your content. JS: Emerging and revealing more of my true self has proven to be more beneficial than I had anticipated. I was taken aback by the warm reception I received, which is incredibly uplifting! Following the reveal, it has enabled me to assist other creators by sharing images of their apparel…etc There is no doubt that putting yourself out there can be a bit intimidating. SD: What’s a shot you’re most proud of, and why did it stand out to you? JS: This shot is the SB Mummy Dunk is one of my favorites. I enjoy trying to be creative with my shots and I created this mummy hand from an old pieces of a Halloween costume. The fact that people asked me if it was AI was a huge compliment. Creators & Community SD: Which fellow sneaker creators (on X or IG) are you most inspired by right now? JS: Clearly, other photographers such as Andy (@ad__sneaks ) serve as significant sources of inspiration for me. Nonetheless, I have been deliberate in my efforts to cultivate my own style and maintain consistency in that regard. I greatly appreciate other creators who stimulate discussions about sneakers and the industry, including Kari (@SneakerPhetish ) and Craig (@Craignoicecube ). I must also acknowledge individuals like Jay (@jayguidos ), who consistently radiate positivity and foster a sense of community within this space! Additionally, I have a deep admiration for the numerous individuals I engage with daily on X and IG. The likes, shares, comments, and the shared passion for our beloved topic, “sneakers!” SD: How does being part of the sneaker community shape your perspective – especially with feedback on your posts? JS: I may not possess a significant following, yet I am experiencing gradual growth. Nevertheless, those who do follow me provide significant encouragement, which is fantastic. I am genuinely thrilled whenever someone appreciates something I have created. In addition to the photographs, I take great pleasure in all sneaker-related content, as well as the discussions, strong opinions, and insights that accompany being part of the community. SD: Has there been a standout community moment collab or event that’s stuck with you? JS: I believe we witnessed a remarkable moment this week when Jay (@jayguidos ) tagged everyone in the post about underappreciated individuals. I can guarantee that dedicating time to such an act brought numerous smiles to people’s faces, which is truly special! Thank you, Jay! Culture, Trends & Takes SD: What sneaker drop or release lately got your heart racing-and one you think is overrated? JS: To be honest, each release that I pursue makes my heart race. However, I am genuinely excited about the Undefeated 4 coming out this week. I am already feeling anxious about securing a pair. The pursuit is an integral part of the enjoyment! As for being overrated, I do not wish to dampen the enthusiasm of those who appreciate a particular shoe. If it brings you joy, then I wholeheartedly support it! SD: How do you feel about the resurgence of early 2000s silhouettes like the Mocha 3 or Denim Dunk? JS: I have a strong passion for acquiring shoes that are rarely seen in public these days. As a dedicated grail chaser, I take great pleasure in possessing items that are not commonly found. I have absolutely fallen in love with the 2006 Denim Dunk! SD: lf you could drop your own collab tomorrow, what silhouette and theme would you choose? JS: This is a challenging decision; however, I believe I would ultimately choose the Jordan 1 High OG. The Jordan 1 features a straightforward, elegant, and timeless silhouette. Quickfire Kicks SD: Box-fresh or beaters- what do you reach for most days? JS: I make every effort to maintain the cleanliness of my sneakers, which involves checking the weather prior to choosing a pair for the day. I will have to opt for a box-fresh pair. For the sake or irony here is one of my favorites! The Nigel Jordan 1 high. SD: Lay your most controversial sneaker take on us what hill are you ready to die on? JS: One does not need to possess an extensive collection of sneakers to identify as a sneakerhead or to hold significance within this community. Life and personal priorities should always take precedence over spending $200 on the upcoming pair being released this week. Loving sneakers is enough! SD: lf you had to keep one pair forever, which one makes the cut- and why? JS: I find myself once again needing to choose the Chicago Jordan 1. This sneaker holds a special place in my heart and will forever be my favorite. a wrap on Laced Up Ep. 04 – big thanks to @Scruggyj for bringing his passion for classics, clean visuals, and honest sneaker talk to the series Next episode? Another creator, another story, same love for the culture. Stay tuned. Stay laced.

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. #LacedUpSeries #SneakerheadCreators

Clean. Intentional. Effortless. Andy Dutton doesn’t just take sneaker photos – he curates moments. His eye for detail and balance has made him one of the most respected visual voices in the sneaker space. We kicked off the Laced Up series by asking him 15 questions about his journey, his style, and the sneakers that shaped it all. The Personal Kicks Story SD: What was the sneaker that started it all for you – the one that made you fall down the rabbit hole and why? AD: It is kind of a 2 part story. The first pair of Jordans that I ever saw in person were the 2000 Laney 5s. That did something to me. It got me hooked on the idea of getting a pair of Jordans, even though I would not get a pair for many years after I saw them. My junior year of high school, I was able to walk into a Foot Locker and get my first ever Jordan signature model, the Air Jordan 2 in the Black Chrome colorway. That was the moment my affinity for collecting sneakers began. SD: If we opened the vault: which pair in your collection has the most sentimental value, and why? AD: Last year, I was able to find a pair of 2000 Laney 5s and get the midsole swapped on them. That was such a nostalgic moment for me, bringing my sneaker journey full circle to where it all began. SD: You seem to gravitate toward clean and timeless aesthetics. Has your taste in sneakers evolved over the years? AD: It definitely has. Early on, I was all about Jordans and Nike basketball shoes. It gradually shifted to Air Maxes and SBs, and within the last 3 to 4 years, I have grown to love brands like Saucony, Asics, and New Balance. The Photographer’s Eye SD: Your photography has a signature style – minimal, moody, and super detailed. How did you develop that look? AD: It started in my apartment, taping sneakers to the wall and using natural light through the window to mimic a studio look. I have always been drawn to that clean, polished aesthetic, how it makes a sneaker look elevated and refined. Even with limited gear, I tried to bring out the shape, texture, and small details that tell the story. Over time, I like to think my skills have grown and I continue to have fun with it. I have also been inspired by a lot of talented sneaker photographers whose work pushed me to keep refining my own approach while staying true to what feels natural to me. SD: What’s your go-to camera setup when shooting sneakers, and do you have a favorite background or lighting trick? AD: I keep things pretty consistent with the setup, and I try to let the background complement the sneaker. I am still trying to figure out and experiment with lighting, which I feel is an endless pursuit, but a fun one. Though my favorite lighting technique now is illuminating mesh shoes from the inside, it gives them a cool look. SD: Ever had a photoshoot that totally flopped? What happened and what did you learn? AD: I cannot think of a shoot that totally flopped in my eyes. There have been moments where I have learned things or had to adjust on the fly, but I never really see them as failures. Maybe some posts did not perform well by social media standards, but that is never why I shoot. It is always been about having fun, experimenting, and finding new ways to express myself creatively. Every shoot, good or bad, has helped shape my style. Culture, Community & Collabs SD: What’s your take on today’s sneaker collabs – do they still feel special, or are we in oversaturation mode? AD: I think we are definitely in a bit of an oversaturation era. Collabs used to feel like events, something rare that brought a new story or perspective to a sneaker. Now, it feels like there is a new one every week, and not all of them seem to have a clear purpose. That said, there are still collabs that cut through. When the storytelling is strong and the design feels intentional, they still hit. I just think the bar is higher now because we have seen so much. The ones that stick with me are the ones that feel personal or push boundaries in a meaningful way, not just a color swap with a logo. SD: You’ve been part of the sneaker community for years. What’s one thing that’s improved, and one thing you wish would go back to how it was? AD: One thing that has definitely improved is accessibility. More people are into sneakers now, and there is more visibility for different voices, styles, and stories. That diversity has made the culture richer in a lot of ways. But one thing I miss is how organic it used to feel. Before everything was tied to resale value or content, it felt more about passion. People wore what they loved, not just what was popular. I would love to see more of that energy come back, where it is less about flexing and more about connecting. SD: Are there any underground brands or independent creators in the sneaker space you think more people should know about? AD: Yeah, there are definitely some independent creators and brands that deserve more attention. John Geiger (red.@JohnGeiger_ ) has been doing dope stuff for a while now. He really carved out his own lane with design and quality. You can tell there is intention behind what he creates. In the hoop shoe space, EQLz has been making waves. They are building something from the ground up with performance and culture in mind, which is rare. It is exciting to see independent brands take risks and bring fresh ideas to the table, especially when so much of the market feels repetitive. Sneaker Futures & Hot Takes SD: What’s one upcoming sneaker trend you’re excited about – and one you wish would die out? AD: A trend that has me excited is the upward tick in performance basketball shoes being worn off the court again. That was a big thing when I was a kid and it came back strong in the 2010s. It is just dope to see it return. There is something cool about seeing shoes made for function being styled in everyday fits. It brings back that mix of sport and street that made me fall in love with sneakers in the first place. One trend I would not be mad to see fade out is hypebeast culture. The obsession with chasing whatever is hot just because it is limited or resells well has taken a lot of the fun out of it. When people wear what they genuinely like, not just what is worth the most money, individual taste and self expression win. SD: How do you feel about the intersection of sneakers and Web3/digital wearables – gimmick or the next wave? AD: I think there is potential there, but a lot of it still feels like a gimmick right now. Some of the digital sneaker stuff looks cool and it is interesting to see brands experiment, but most of it does not feel fully connected to sneaker culture yet. It is more about tech buzz than real storytelling or design. That said, I am not against it. If someone figures out how to blend digital wearables with real world experiences in a meaningful way, that could be the next wave. But for me, sneakers are still about the physical product. How they feel, how they age, how they are worn. SD: If you could design a sneaker collab from scratch, what brand would you choose and what would the concept be? AD: This one is tough because honestly I would be happy working with any brand that would have me. Just having the opportunity to tell a story through my own shoe would be special. I have a few ideas I would love to bring to life, something that ties into my experience as a teacher with design choices and materials that reflect that journey. It would be personal but also relatable to anyone who values creativity, hard work, and purpose in what they wear. Quickfire Round SD: Laces: tucked in, flopping out, or deadstock knot? AD: Laces loose, more comfy that way. And wear your kicks. Do not let them sit on a shelf. SD: Sneaker hill you’ll die on – what’s your most unpopular sneaker opinion? AD: One sneaker hill I will die on is that not every great shoe needs hype behind it. Some of the best pairs sit on shelves or hit outlets and that does not make them any less special. I care more about storytelling, materials, and how a shoe makes you feel than how limited it is. SD: You wake up and can only wear one pair for the rest of your life. Which one is it? AD: This question is always a good one because it makes me think about what I would want to wear when I am older and my body is not as limber as it was when I was younger. So I would go with something comfortable that still has personality. Probably one of the Action Bronson New Balance 990v6 pairs or the Water Be the Guide Salehe Bembury 2002R. Both have great comfort, unique design, and enough style to feel good wearing them no matter what age I am. That’s a wrap on Laced Up Ep. 01 – huge thanks to Andy Dutton – @ad_sneaks for kicking things off with calm precision, clean shots, and thoughtful answers Next up: another sneaker storyteller with a sharp eye and a different vibe. Stay tuned. Stay laced. Let me know who you would like to be featured! #LacedUpSeries #SneakerheadCreators