The Nike Dunk and the Nike SB Dunk lines are two different sneakers for two varying lifestyles.
The small tweaks to the SB’s design meant very little to the casual wearer. To the skateboarder, it was everything. These differences didn't stop both the original Dunk and SB Dunk from absolutely killing the sneaker market and culture together, with both having made an enormous resurgence in the modern day. A report from StockX revealed that Nike's SB Dunk became the new silhouette to break resale records on the marketplace recently, with its value increasing by more than 300%. Let’s take a look at the best releases of 2023.
April Skateboards SB Dunk Low
April Skateboards is a skateboarding company known for its unique approach to blending art and skate culture. Making the SB dunk a perfect muse for a new Nike SB collaboration with the Australian brand. April Skateboards has redefined the conventional Dunk with a distinctive and breathable twist. Departing from the typical all-leather construction, the April Skateboards version features a refreshing 'White' mesh base, providing a breathable foundation for skaters. The 'Racer Blue suede overlays add a layer of upper quality, drawing immediate comparisons, especially for seasoned trainer enthusiasts, to a certain Air Jordan 1 High OG from 2019, the Turbo Green colourway. The attention to detail is evident in the “April” branding stitched across the back and heel, while a dazzling chromed-out Swoosh glides boldly through the lateral and medial sidewalls. Function meets style as the SB Dunk rests atop a Zoom Air-infused midsole, ensuring optimal comfort and cushioning for skaters navigating half pipes. The design is rounded off with an icy rubber outsole, housing a distinctive rose graphic which is a signature touch from April Skateboards that adds a unique flair to this reimagined Dunk silhouette.
Yuto Horigome x Nike SB Dunk
Crafted atop an immaculate all-white leather foundation, Horigome's interpretation of the widely admired skate shoe maintains a distinctly neutral aesthetic. Light grey overlays and rich, chocolatey brown suede contribute to the understated design.
A cement grey Swoosh seamlessly adorns the lateral and medial sidewalls, plemented by Nike branding intricately stitched onto the tongue tag and heel badge.
Towards the back, Horigome's distinctive cross-feather logo is skillfully embroidered. The custom graphics on the insoles showcase a myriad of pink cherry blossom petals, paying homage to Japan's national flower. The entire ensemble is perched atop a luscious Zoom Air midsole, a favoured cushioning technology among both skateboarders and enthusiasts, offering comfort to those who navigate the board and even those who simply appreciate the aesthetic appeal.
Jarritos x Nike SB Dunk
Nike SB is no stranger to collaborating with popular food and beverage companies.
In May 2020, Nike SB and popular ice cream brand Ben & Jerry’s teamed up. The shoe features a colourful and eye-catching design inspired by Ben & Jerry's "Chunky Monkey" ice cream flavour. The upper is designed to resemble the iconic ice cream pint container, with faux cowhide overlays, vibrant tie-dye patterns, and melting Swoosh logos that resemble melting ice cream. The outsole is a mix of blue, green, and white to match the rest of the design.
The Collaborative touches on the latest pair come in the form of Jarritos’ signature green shade appearing as the Swooshes, co-branding and rubber outsole. Jarritos’ other signature mandarin colour similarly lands on branding elements, a small portion of the outsole and is used as contrast stitching at the midsole. Branding notes begin with a Jarritos jug pouring out its classic Mandarin flavour towards the heel.
This collab’s main party trick however is that the hemp overlays are tear away, revealing a completely new orange and green colourway underneath.
Born x Raised SB Dunk
This exclusive Nike SB Dunk Low boasts a predominantly white premium leather upper, contrasting with blue nubuck overlays. Notable features encompass Born x Raised's well-known motto, "One Block At A Time," intricately embroidered on both the forefoot and tongue tags, alongside eye-catching holographic Swooshes and heel tabs. Additionally, you'll find distinctive "On The Turf" 3D text on the heel of the midsole and inner tongues.
The collaborative spirit extends to co-branded elements on the insoles, tongue tags, heels, and outsoles. Furthermore, the phrase "In Loving Memory" has been heat-pressed onto the laces, coupled with Born x Raised-branded lace tips. A white leather inner lining, intricate patterns adorning the toe perforations and upper eyelets, and an embroidered motif on the lateral ankles contribute to the overall aesthetics of this Born x Raised x Nike SB Dunk Low which is arguably one of the best sneakers of the year.
TIGHTBOOTH x Nike SB Dunk
Founded in Japan, TIGHTBOOTH's journey began with a passion for skateboarding and a desire to create a space where like-minded individuals could converge. What sets TIGHTBOOTH apart is its commitment to authenticity and a keen understanding of the culture it represents. The brand seamlessly fuses Japanese design sensibilities with the raw urban energy of skateboarding, resulting in products that not only perform on the streets but also make a bold fashion statement.
The design of the TIGHTBOOTH x Nike SB Dunk Low features a crisp and adaptable colour scheme of White and Black. Noteworthy design elements include a Black hairy suede upper complemented by White leather overlays adorned with debossed scratch-like graphics. Additionally, the Black tumbled leather Swooshes are adorned with a TIGHTBOOTH label tag on the lateral side. Co-branded details can be spotted on the tongues, as well as special lace dubraes. The overall aesthetic is rounded off with a Black midsole and White rubber outsole. The package will also include extra sets of laces and custom packaging.
