In this edition of Crep Connects, we sit down with Raziq, a retired street photographer whose shift to sneaker photography has made waves across Malaysia’s sneaker community.
What started as a lockdown hobby has grown into a creative outlet that blends style, culture, and storytelling through every shot.
Read the full interview below:
Crep Protect: Hey Raziq, thanks for taking time out of your day to chat with us. I want to kick off this interview by asking how you are doing.
Raziq: I’m doing absolutely great, buddy! Been a lil caught up with work lately, is all, nothing too crazy
CP: For people unfamiliar with yourself and your work, could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
R: I’m a retired street photographer who found love in taking photos of my sneakers, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic hit. Of course, this is mainly a hobby I do whenever I have some time for myself, other than drowning in work
CP: As cliché as it sounds, when did you first discover you had a love for sneakers/street-style photography?
R: Well, as I mentioned before, when the pandemic hit, street photography was very challenging as I couldn't roam around freely. So I had a quick look around the stuff in my house, and decided to give sneaker photography a go. Never expected it to be a long-term thing, but hey, it's pretty fun, I guess.
Asics Skyhand OG Sneakerlah x Mamee Monster photographed by Raziq
CP: We must say that your photography is impressive. Could you take us through the meaning of some of these shoots and how they reflect the sneaker culture in Malaysia?
R: Appreciate it, Aim! Well, I’ve always tried to incorporate objects that are somehow related to the main subject of my photos, in this instance, my sneakers. For example, I will try to find any other items that are related to the sneaker brand or the brand that they have collaborated with, but if that's to no avail, I would try to find anything colour-related in order to complement the subject.
I would also try to insert some local elements into the frame as an attempt to personalise the outcome. At first, I never thought that this genre was actually pretty huge and comes with a big support from the sneaker community. As mentioned before, to me, this was the quick and temporary substitute for street photography. But hey, who am I to deny fate.
CP: Following on from the individuality of Asian sneaker culture, how do you feel that it is different in comparison to more Westernised cultures like the UK & US?
R: To me, Asia sneaker culture is unique. We’re influenced by Western cultures and the latest trends, but we managed to put a twist on it. Mixing streetwear, techwear, and many other genres and somehow able to make it work. Not to mention the huge wave of established and also emerging Asian brands like Bathing Ape, WTAPS, CDG, Wacko Maria, Visvim, and many more.
Malaysia is also not far behind with our local brands. OPT, ASAS, AgainstLab, PMC, FutureMade, and SVG are paving the way for local streetwear brands to break out of the domestic cocoon and to explore the international market.
CP: What’s your top 3 favourite sneakers of all time?
R: Of all time? Has to be the Nike SB Dunk Paris, Air Yeezy Red Octobers, Nike SB Dunk Diamond ‘Canary’. Fortunately, I managed to get my hands on a pair of Nike SB Dunk Diamond ‘Canary’ in my size, which is nearly impossible, to be frank.
CP: At Crep Protect, our priority is to ensure every sneaker is an investment and that they are protected, revitalised, and always looking fresh. Take us through how you protect your sneaker collection.
R: Initially, when my collection was merely 10 - 15 pairs, I was able to keep them in proper condition. However, after the collection grew to God knows how many, I only keep the ones that are most valuable both literally and sentimentally in their designated glass box, while the rest I try to put them in my daily rotation.
Spray them down with a layer of Crep Protect spray and wear them out without any worry. Even if it's scraped or gets dirty, I’m at the point where I’m okay with that.
"After all, that's what it's meant to do, to be worn and enjoyed."
CP: How do you think the sneaker space in Malaysia will evolve/change in the next 5 years?
R: 2024 has witnessed the decline in the sneaker hype, Jordans sitting in stores, collabs ending up in premium outlets, and for me, this decline will eventually stabilise and settle down, and what's left of the sneaker scene would be a chill community with quite a large following, but nothing crazy. Resell prices will drop, and more people will be able to buy their dream pairs without having to haggle their way down from a steep price tag.
CP: Are there any upcoming projects in 2025 that you can share with the Crep Protect Family?
R: Nothing too crazy for now, just excited with what the local scene has to offer, and by the looks of it, it seems very promising.
CP: Thank you for the interview, Raziq. It’s been great to get to know a little bit more about yourself! To sign off this interview, are there any last words you would like to share with the Crep community?
R: Thanks so much for this amazing opportunity! Never thought I’d be in contact with THE CREP PROTECT haha. Hope to see more products that will help us sneakerheads preserve our precious pairs, and maybe pop round to Malaysia and join our local sneaker events!
Thanks!
More from Crep Connects: Check out our interview with sneaker conceptualist Ahmad
