Nike Dunk has become an icon among sneaker enthusiasts since its introduction in 1985, becoming part of music, fashion, and athletic culture - and becoming popularized by icons like Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh.
Made in collaboration with graffiti artist Futura, these "FLOM" Dunks feature an upper composed of tiles covered in currency denominations from across the world. First available at London sneaker exhibition before landing at Foot Patrol for limited sale run.
Origins
Nike first unveiled their Dunk sneaker in 1985 as part of their College Color High collection; an innovative basketball shoe featuring bold colorways to promote fan support for particular college teams. Since then, this style has become one of Nike's signature items.
Skaters quickly adopted this shoe model, viewing its sleek lines and flexible rubber sole as an upgrade from traditional leviathan skate shoes of its era. Their ease of maneuverability was especially appreciated on rough surfaces like skate parks.
Nike Dunk quickly become an iconic shoe among skateboarders after its creation as a basketball shoe. To help launch it, Nike recruited four top skaters - Danny Supa, Gino Ianucci, Richard Mulder and Reese Forbes - as ambassadors. Each skater had their own signature colorway of Dunk sneakers for this campaign known as 'Be True to Your School.
Today, the Nike Dunk is one of the most highly desired sneakers of our time, loved by a whole new generation of sneakerheads. From iconic colorways like Michigan and UNLV to fiery hues such as Sour Apple and Teal Zeal from limited drops by brands like Jeff Staple and Virgil Abloh; its place at the center of sneaker culture has been secured once more.
Styles
Nike Dunks have become increasingly fashionable as sneakers become an integral part of fashion culture, becoming an essential piece for any sneakerhead's wardrobe. Pairing these stylish sneaks with anything from denim jeans and sweatpants, to casual hoodies or even bucket hats add effortless cool.
For a more elegant look, pair your Nike Dunks with dark colored pants such as black or grey. Cargo trousers add street wear flair while white t-shirts with mismatched socks make the outfit pop! For an eye-catching effect, pair darker hues of Nike Dunks with light colored pants like grey. If going with darker tones of Dunks try pairing with some lighter colored socks as this will really set off the outfit!
If you want something truly distinctive, consider wearing a Nike Dunk High with a college theme. Nike used to strike deals with Michigan, UNLV, Kentucky and Syracuse teams so their Dunks matched their uniform colors perfectly. Locate a trendy and comprehensive lineup of Nike Dunk.
For a streetwear inspired take on your shoe, consider selecting one designed by a skater. Danny Supasirirat's New York Knicks-referencing Dunks from 2002 are still some of the model's finest colorways to this day; or try StrangeLove Skateboards collaboration featuring red, pink and white upper with clear pink outsole.
Colorways
Colorways of the Dunk have a rich and longstanding history. Although Nike had initially had difficulty connecting with skate culture, when they finally succeeded it was a game-changer - the late Sandy Bodecker visited skate shops, spoke to store owners and skaters before crafting a sneaker that perfectly met skater needs and launched its long and vibrant life as an icon in this sport. That is when its popularity truly took hold.
Early skate groups such as the Z-Boys quickly adopted Nike's sneaker. When word spread of its growing popularity among Tom Cruise and Marc Jacobs admirers alike, other brands quickly followed suit and started producing pairs in bolder hues than before. Nike responded swiftly by producing new pairs in unimaginably bright hues.
Though these colors might have been overproduced or lacking inspiration, some of their most iconic colorways remain iconic today. From Wu-Tang Dunks to Stussy x Nike SB Dunk collaborations like those sold through Resell Markets; such pairs still fetch staggering prices when sold again on secondhand markets.
Though not as eccentric, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "atmos Elephant" may not stand out among other quirky pairs, it still makes an excellent addition to any collector. Made of gray suede for added texture and featuring an embroidered pigeon logo on its heel for a unique and subtle design; plus, it honors one of Japan's iconic retailers! Check it out now at GOAT.
Collaborations
Nike SB took a unique approach by engaging the community by recruiting skater-friendly brands to redesign the Dunk. These partnerships created demand for this sneaker within subcultures and helped cement it within popular culture.
Stussy was the first external collaborator, providing three high-top and one low-top Dunk Pro models featuring chocolate, strawberry and vanilla hues inspired by Neapolitan ice cream flavors - creating an iconic shoe which still resonates today.
Nike's "Be True to Your School" campaign unveiled 12 colorways of the Dunk Low that represented different college basketball teams. These striking hues stood out against an otherwise neutral sneaker landscape filled with predominantly white palettes.
In 2020, the Dunk would experience a renewed surge in interest thanks to collaborations and custom NikeiD options - most notably this pair created by graffiti artist Josh Franklin (aka Stash). It features a paint drip motif on its lateral panels as well as an outline of River Thames on the heel.
Nike made headlines in 2021 for its multitude of new releases and collaborations, from re-releases such as the Ugly Duckling pack to college-themed pairs and collaborations featuring artists like Virgil Abloh, Off-White, and Jeff Staple repositioning the Dunk as an esteemed sneaker choice among both veteran collectors as well as those just entering the market. These efforts repositioned it as a desirable sneaker choice among both old-school collectors as well as those just entering the scene alike. These efforts also helped reposition it as covetable sneaker option among old school collectors as well as newcomers alike!
Comments