Jovani Hernandez Albino & Preto’s Nike SB Dunk Low introduced countless people to the world of high-quality jiu-jitsu apparel. Although neither party has revealed the complete backstory to their first-time collaboration, a sample pair recently surfaced, delivering an idea of what could’ve been.
The final version of the thematic Nike Dunk featured a “Fossil”-colored heavy gauge canvas across the upper. Non-standard stitch lines helped incorporate “A&P” lettering into the mix in a similar fashion as it’s featured on traditional sparring garb; the upper’s off white makeover further bridged two seemingly different, but equally competitive sports. By comparison, the newly-surfaced sample by Nike SB features a number of materials throughout its top-half, as well as shades of “White,” “Black,” and red in addition to the aforementioned “Fossil.”
Albino & Preto’s retail pair of the iconic Nike silhouette opted for a tear-away construction revealed vibrant panels underneath the initial layer of canvas (the sample reversed the setup). This design choice not only promoted wearers to actually skate their shoes, but was also a clever way to nod to all the different belt ranks found in jiu-jitsu. Additional lace sets also worked towards the latter goal, but samples proudly boasted vibrant blue, red, and purple across the toe box, profile swooshes, and laces, respectively. Underfoot, the sole unit opts for a simple two-tone color scheme that coincides with the final product.
Enjoy a closer look at the pair ahead, as you wait to see if another Albino & Preto SB project hits Nike SNKRS in the new year.
For more sneaker news, check out the Air Jordan 4 “Bred Reimagined” retro scheduled for February 2024.
