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

“Royal” Swooshes Animate This Kid’s Nike Dunk High

Although the Nike Dunk High has enjoyed multiple moments in the spotlight since debuting in 1985, recent history has seen Peter Moore’s silhouette win over...

By Jovani Hernandez December 20, 2023
236

Nike CO.JP’s Dunk Low “Reverse Curry” Releases On January 12th

The Nike Dunk Low “Dark Curry” aka “Reverse Curry” is confirmed to release on January 12th on Nike SNKRS and select retailers. Below article originally...

By Jovani Hernandez December 18, 2023
5569

The Kids Receive An “Obsidian/White” Nike Dunk High

Three years removed from its “Be True to Your School” collection and the Nike Dunk High continues to be informed by the silhouette’s original 1985...

By Jared Ebanks December 15, 2023
1105

First Look: Nike Dunk Low Remastered “Year Of The Dragon”

Nike’s “Year of the Dragon” collection for 2024 is ramping up to be one of the biggest yet. Over the past few months, several styles...

By Jovani Hernandez December 13, 2023
17141

Official Images: Nike SB Dunk Low Orange Label “Navy/Gum”

Updated December 20th, 2023: Official images have been updated. A release is expected in Spring 2024. Returning to the highly rgarded Orange Label series in...

By Jared Ebanks December 9, 2023
19300

“Be True To Her School” With This Nike Dunk High

Introduced as the brand’s first college team shoe in 1985, the Nike Dunk High’s “Be True To Your School” collection has remained timeless by nature...

By Jared Ebanks December 7, 2023
908

Available Now: “Green Shock” And TPU Swooshes Share This Nike Dunk Low

Despite a slight drop off in terms of its once overwhelming popularity, the Nike Dunk Low continues to explore a fanciful amount of compositions as...

By Jared Ebanks December 6, 2023
1311

Official Images Of The Nike SB Dunk Low “Pastoral Print”

Nike SB continues to churn out compelling styles celebrated by both skaters and casual folks alike. Although 2023 isn’t over yet, the Swoosh’s skate-obsessed cohort...

By Jovani Hernandez December 6, 2023
10726

Nike’s Dunk Low Twist Is Sweet Like Honey

Following a wildly successful revitalization in 2019, Nike has expanded Dunk Low’s original 1985 construction on a number of occasions. Crafting a women’s exclusive effort...

By Jared Ebanks November 26, 2023
4817