Nike Dunk

Nike Dunk: A true sneaker phenomenon

Nike Dunks were first introduced in 1985 as a basketball shoe. They were designed to give players the support and cushioning they needed on the court. The Dunk was created by Nike designer Peter Moore, who also designed the iconic Air Jordan 1. However, unlike the Air Jordan 1, the Nike Dunk did not gain immediate popularity.

At the time, the Dunk was overshadowed by other Nike models like the Air Force 1 and Air Jordan 1. It was considered a plain and simple shoe that lacked the flashy design of its competitors. However, this did not stop Nike from continuing to release new colorways and designs of the shoe.

In 1986, the brand released the first Dunk Lows. This version was designed for everyday wear rather than basketball. It was marketed as a comfortable and stylish shoe that could be worn outside of the basketball court. The strategy was successful, and Nike Dunks began to gain popularity among a wider audience.

The First Nike Dunk Release

The first releases of Nike Dunks were from the "Be True to Your School" collection, which was introduced in 1985. The collection featured sneakers in colorways inspired by various college basketball teams, such as the University of Kentucky, the University of Michigan, and the University of Iowa. The Nike shoes were designed to appeal to college basketball fans, and they quickly became popular among players and fashion enthusiasts alike.

The successful collection was followed by other Nike Dunk releases, including the "Pro B" collection in 1986 and the "College Colors" collection in 1987. These Nike Dunk releases featured similar designs, with colors inspired by different schools and basketball teams.

Despite the popularity of these early releases, the Nike Dunk model was still not as popular as other Nike models. It wasn't until the shoe was embraced by another subculture that it began to gain greater recognition.

Nike Dunk, the rise of skating culture

In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Dunk found a new audience in the skateboarding community. Skaters were attracted to the Nike Dunk's sturdy construction and cushioned sole, and the Nike Dunk Low in particular was ideal for skating, as it offered good ankle mobility.

Nike began releasing special colorways of Dunks designed specifically for skaters. These shoes were often in collaboration with professional skaters or skateboarding brands, and they featured unique designs and materials suited to the style. Some of the most popular skateboarding collaborations of all time include brands HUF, Supreme, and Stüssy (one of the most popular Nike Dunk Lows ever). The brand also has a specific line of Dunks tailored for skating called ''Nike SB''.

The hype in skateboarding culture helped establish the Nike Dunk's status as a cultural icon. It also helped fuel the sneaker collecting craze, as skaters and collectors alike began to seek out rare and exclusive drops.

Nike Dunk Today: Big Progress

In recent years, the Nike Dunk has seen a resurgence in popularity. You can hardly walk through town without spotting a pair of Panda Dunks or two. This is due in part to the growing interest in collecting sneakers, and the retro and vintage fashion comeback.

Nike has capitalized on this trend by releasing new Dunk Colorways and by re-releasing classic designs from the past.

In Denmark, it has clearly been the low version that has made a splash - and if you're going to get a pair yourself, the Nike Dunk runs a bit small.

These popular drops have caught the attention of sneaker collectors and enthusiasts alike, helping to keep the Nike Dunk relevant. The shoe's legendary status has also been cemented by its appearances in pop culture, such as the film "Do the Right Thing" and the TV series "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."

Are there any rare Nike Dunk shoes?

As the Nike Dunk model has grown in popularity, certain releases and collaborations have become highly sought after by collectors and sneakerheads. The value of these rare models on the resale market can easily exceed thousands of dollars.

One of the most valuable Nike Dunk releases is the "What the Dunk" collaboration with designer Jeff Staple. Released in 2007, this shoe featured a mix of different colorways and designs from previous Nike Dunk releases. Today, the Nike Dunk Low ''What The Dunk'' is considered an extremely coveted Grail, selling for between $10,000-$40,000 depending on size.

Other rare and expensive releases include Nike's "Paris" Dunk, "Futura" Dunk, and "Heineken" Dunk. These shoes are highly prized by collectors due to their unique design and limited edition Nike.

If you need more inspiration for street style, check out Vogue's article about street style trends among men.