Nike Dunk

The Nike Dunk is a sneaker originally designed for basketball by Peter Moore for the North American sportswear company, NIKE, Inc. Debuted in 1985, the model has enjoyed newfound mainstream attention since 2017 thanks in large part to co-signs from Travis Scott and the late Virgil Abloh.

Initially named the “College Color High,” the shoe was originally sketched as a mash-up of various sneakers – including the Air Force 1 from 1982 and Air Jordan 1, which debuted just months before it. Although the Oregon-based company had amassed a formidable roster of hoops-ready sneakers by the mid 1980s, it was determined to capitalize on the off-court appeal basketball footwear had begun enjoying thanks to fashion trends, music-driven subcultures and film. The creative minds behind the Nike Dunk landed on said name because the final product was created on the same shoe last used to make what was widely considered as the best-fitting basketball shoes of the time: the Nike Legend.

Aware of network television's role in expanding college basketball's reach throughout the '80s, the Swoosh (as Nike is also referred to because of its iconic check logo designed by Carolyn Davidson) stylized its new design after 12 key schools so that fans could support their favorite teams from head to toe. Nike introduced the “College Colors” program via print advertising using the tagline “Be True to Your School,” with the original eight colorways drawing inspiration from the University of Kentucky, Iowa State, Syracuse University and University of Nevada, Las Vegas, among others. The Nike Dunk High was introduced in August of 1985 with color-coordinated apparel and bags.

Over the last 37 years, Moore's original design has been offered in a variety of trims, with Nike SB – the brand's skateboaring-focused category – utilizing the High, Mid and Low iterations interchangeably. Although the Swoosh didn't officially recognize the Nike Dunk as a skate shoe until March 2002, the month during which the late Sandy Bodecker took over the SB team after a failed first launch in the 1990s, countless skaters gravitated towards the basketball silhouette in the years following its debut: all the characteristics that made it a progressive option on the hardwood – lateral support, Air cushioning, pivot-oriented traction – helped Moore's design become a staple within the skateboarding scene.

Nike Dunk

Nike Engulfs The Dunk Low In Flames With “Hoops Fireball”

The Nike Dunk Low, maybe more than any Nike silhouette, has proved to be a canvas where designers’ ideas can run wild. We’ve seen every...

By Matt Varga March 21, 2024
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Where To Buy The Nike Dunk Low “Plum”

The Nike Dunk Low “Plum” releases on March 21st for a retail price of $115. The shoes will arrive in an extended sizing run, from...

By Matt Varga March 20, 2024
3178

Mismatched Swoosh Logos Carry The Nike Dunk Low In “Dusty Cactus/Thunder Blue”

Nike continues to pump out vibrant lifestyle shoes ahead of the spring/summer season, now touching down with a new Nike Dunk Low colorway in both...

By Andrew Rizzo February 29, 2024
930

Nike Dunk Low “Red Mesh” Rebuilt With 90s Branding

As the Nike Dunk Low has become a “for the family proposition,” easily attainable if you aren’t picky about the colorway, the widening scope of...

By Matt Varga February 28, 2024
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The Joker Takes Over The Nike Dunk Low

The Joker makes a habit out of popping up in unexpected places, now gracing the design of an upcoming Nike Dunk Low. While there hasn’t...

By Andrew Rizzo February 27, 2024
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Cobblestone Leather Takes Over The Nike Dunk Low PRM “Dark Stucco”

While the Nike Dunk Low has gained a reputation as one of the more reliable Nike sneakers, a few choice releases get different branding and...

By Matt Varga February 21, 2024
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Between Mocha & Reverse Panda Is The Nike Dunk Low Next Nature “Velvet Brown”

As the Nike Dunk Low continues its transition into a pretty readily available sneaker, that shift has opened up a lane for the shoe to...

By Matt Varga February 20, 2024
1723

The Nike Dunk Low Sports A Multi-Colored Hemp Base

Hemp sneaker treatments are often associated with tan, natural color palettes, but that gets thrown out the window with news of an upcoming Nike Dunk...

By Andrew Rizzo February 19, 2024
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The Nike SB Dunk Low Joins Upcoming “University Red” Orange Label Offerings

Nike SB completes its trifecta of seasonal Orange Label offerings with news of an upcoming Dunk Low in “University Red” coloring, joining recently surfaced Janoski...

By Andrew Rizzo February 19, 2024
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