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

Quartersnacks Brings Zebra Prints To The Nike SB Dunk Low

NYC-based skate blog Quartersnacks, which was founded during the era of dial-up internet, is no stranger to Nike SB. In 2014 and again in 2018,...

By Michael Le June 24, 2021
2921

Undefeated And Nike Expand The “Dunk vs. AF-1” Pack With This Blacked Out Dunk Low

This past week, Undefeated offered the first installment of their “Dunk vs. AF-1” pack. And, as we all expected, that was but a drop in...

By Michael Le June 20, 2021
32443

Errolson Hugh Offers Close-Up Look At ACRONYM x Nike BLUNK Sample

With his very first Nike collaboration back in 2015, Errolson Hugh easily shifted the paradigm, adding much more to the Air Force 1 than a...

By Michael Le June 15, 2021
2247

Supreme x Nike Dunk High Sample Revealed

Due to their penchant for selecting silhouettes leaning towards obscurity on the spectrum oof modern relevance, Supreme’s recent run of Nike collaborations haven’t quite lived...

By Sneaker News June 15, 2021
11407

The AMBUSH x Nike Dunk High “Deep Royal Blue” Releases Tomorrow

Known for eclectic pieces inspired by Tokyo streetwear, AMBUSH has been able to bring new life to the Nike Dunk High. The exaggerated side Swooshes...

By Jasmine Tang June 14, 2021
6511

Where To Buy The UNDEFEATED x Nike Dunk vs. AF-1

A “story of competitive collaboration” in Undefeated‘s words, the upcoming Dunk vs. AF-1 pack is soon to offer its very first installment. Effectively a retelling...

By Michael Le June 14, 2021
42449

All 50 Off-White x Nike Dunks Revealed

It’s official: Virgil Abloh is releasing 50 pairs of the Off-White x Nike Dunk Low before 2021 ends. Dubbed the “Dear Summer” collection by the...

By Jovani Hernandez June 14, 2021
412990

Gundam Unicorn Celebrates 15th Anniversary With Incredible Set Of Nike SB Dunk High Collaborations

Near 4 decades strong and counting, the Gundam franchise is one of the most influential properties to ever exist, leaving a strong impression on both...

By Michael Le June 7, 2021
41817

Off-White x Nike Dunk Low Revealed In White And Silver

With Virgil Abloh taking steps to slowly reveal his upcoming 50-pair Off-White Nike Dunk assortment, we’re seeing even more on the unofficial side of things...

By Sneaker News June 3, 2021
16747