Jason Matthew Lim - Filipino Hobbyist Photographer Interview

What was the moment you first got drawn to sneakers, and which pair of sneakers triggered your passion?

I was in high school when I loved playing basketball. I wasn't really into sneakers at the time; I just wore whatever, regardless of comfort; as long as it was cheap, it worked for me.

At one moment, a friend of mine introduced me to a Facebook group that buys and sells sneakers which, after a short while, triggered an addiction to searching up sneaker reviews about the latest basketball shoes in the market.

The pair that started it all for me was the Lebron 11 King's Pride colorway, which I saved up for a long time but was well worth the purchase.

What’s one moment or trend in the history of sneaker culture that resonates with you?

It was pretty much when boost technology was popping off, when Yeezys and Ultraboosts were the hottest sneakers.

This might sound cliché because of how hyped it was, but it's pretty much how it started for me. I just loved how design and comfort could go so well in a shoe, which still matters to me a lot to this day.

Please describe how it feels to you when you get and wear a new pair of kicks?

It feels surreal every time because I'm so used to buying used and beat-up pairs; that it feels refreshing but illegal at the same time to purchase brand-new ones. Basically, I feel like a kid in a candy store but with diabetes.

What are some of your favorite creators/designers or brands and why?

One of my favorite brands recently is Balenciaga! There's something about their aesthetic that I dig so much, and how versatile the brand can be.

What is one sneaker collaboration that doesn’t exist, but you wish/think should exist?

It feels illegal to say this, but I would like to see what Nike and Adidas would come up with if they collaborated on a shoe.

On a serious note, Ambush and Salomon collaboration is what I wish to see one day.

What are some of the current pairs of sneakers in your rotation?

I've gone through a lot of hyped sneakers but grew tired of temporary trends and expensive pairs, so I downsized my collection and kept what I would wear on a regular basis.

Some of these are Adidas OG Samba, Jordan 1 Yin Yang, Air Force 1s, Salomon XT-6, New Balance 550, Doc Marten Adrian loafers, and some Nike Blazers.

What is your ultimate holy grail sneaker that you have not managed to acquire so far?

My ultimate holy grail would be the Jordan 1 High OG Chicago 1985, the pair goes for crazy amounts, and I'm not willing to spend an insane amount of money.

Other than kicks, what are some of your daily essentials or treasured items?

I take a lot of photos, so I bring my film camera and my MoMA cap to cover up a bad hair day that happens on most days. I also wear the same shorts daily paired with Yeezy slides which pretty much sums up to be my daily uniform.

Where can people find you on social media?  

Instagram: @macheyolim

TikTok: @macheyolim