Back to basics. Now popular with skaters, basketball players, and the fashionable alike, the first ever production of the Nike Dunk shoe was in 1985. Before the Nike Air Jordan I, the Nike Dunk, which later influenced the Jordan I, was the team basketball shoe of choice. It was available in high and low versions in a variety of team colorways to match an uniform, and it came with a matching box and two sets of different color laces. The original Dunk is a highly sought-after collectors item and due to consumer demand, the Nike Dunk line was reissued in 1998 and numerous colorways have been made available on a regular basis since then. Nike released the skate Dunk in 1999 featuring a padded tongue and ankle collar. In 2002, they collaborated withe the Supreme Skate brand to produce the Supreme Dunks, and in 2004, Nike released the new, never-before-seen Nike Dunk Mid. Other special and limited editions include holiday models for Valentine's Day and Christmas, Laser Dunks that feature laser-engraved artwork, Harris Tweed Dunks with famous British tweed fabric, and The Inside Out Dunks. Technologically, the Nike Dunk line of shoes has the most basic of technologies, but its simplicity and wide variety of colors leaves this line of 80’s retro basketball shoes compatible with many styles and make them perfect for casual wear.
About Nike Dunks
Early years:
Originally released in 1985, the Nike Dunk was an alternative basketball sneaker that had lighter weight and provided comfort to enhance your game. The Dunk launched Nike’s “College Colors” program. This program signed selected universities to an exclusive Dunk sponsorship deal. The “College Colors” program was successful and universities like Michigan, St John’s, and Syracuse all wore two-tone Nike Dunks that mimicked their team colors.
The comeback:
After years of cease production of the Dunk model, Nike decided to re-release them in 1998. This decision has proven to be very successful. Nike first started with classic colors in both Dunk High and Dunk Low models. After these caught the eyes of a new generation Nike took it a step further. They commissioned popular street artists, designers, companies, and athletes to help collaborative with them on limited-edition models. This created a frenzy that has yet to cool off. The collaborators have included Haze, Danny Supa, Supreme, Zoo York, Reese Forbes, and Staple.
Nike Dunk SB
To align with the resurgence of skateboarding in the early 2000’s Nike introduced the Dunk SB. The Dunk SB model features a “Zoom Air” insole and a extra padded tongue. These modifications provide added comfort/durability and were specifically designed for skateboarders. Yet, since many of the SB models are limited they are also extremely popular among sneaker collectors. Dunk SB model releases have caused people to camp out for days, pay extreme prices, and use every “hook up” possible just to get a pair.
