First brought to market in March 2002, the Nike SB Dunk has been around for 17 years. In this post we trace the history of the shoe and list 5 of its most iconic colorways.
Nike SBs and the Dunks specifically are integral to every sneakerhead’s DNA. To this day, if you consider yourself a sneakerhead, then you know that no collection is complete without having a few Dunks in rotation. The skateboarding silhouette was popular for the collaboration and creativity it brought to the sneaker community. Experimenting with various materials, packaging and rollouts made the Dunks standout in an era where sneakers were being oversaturated.
Down below is a list of what I consider the most iconic colorways of Nike’s SB Dunks. Before I start, let me get this out the way by saying I don’t expect everyone to agree with this list. If you agree or disagree let me know. Let’s get started!
5. “Freddy Krueger” Nike Dunk Low SB
Release Date: NA
Color: Taupe/Chrome
Style Code: 313170 301
Killed before its retail release because of copyright issues with its horror movie inspiration, the “Freddy Krueger” Nike SB Dunk Low now exists only in rarely seen sample pairs. This bloody colorway featuring Freddy’s signature green and red striped sweater is one of the most sought-after Dunks ever.
4. Nike Dunk Low SB Pushead “Pushead”
Release Date: 2005
Color: Black/Black-Black
Style Code: 313233 001
Released in 2005, this all-time classic colorway of the Nike SB Dunk Low was designed by artist Pushead, known for his artwork within the skateboarding and heavy metal scenes.
3. Supreme x Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Black Cement”
Release Date: 2002
Color: Black/Black-Cement Grey
Style Code: 304292 131
Only 500 pairs released, which were available in both Supreme’s New York and Tokyo locations. Supreme’s version of the Nike SB Dunk Low features a Black leather upper with elephant print overlays accented with Red on the ankle collar trim. A White midsole atop a Black rubber outsole completes the design.
2. Diamond Supply Co. x Nike SB Dunk Low “Tiffany”
Release Date: 2005
Color: Aqua/Chrome
Style Code: 304292 402
Released in 2005, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro “Tiffany” by Diamond Supply Co. is one of the most legendary editions of the shoe. The luxurious look features crocodile-textured black leather, smooth turquoise leather, and metallic silver accents. The Diamond x Nike SB Dunk Low “Tiffany” is an important piece of sneaker history that has inspired countless pieces from every reach of the culture. Now harder to find than ever, the Tiffany Dunks are a true and precious gem.
1. Staple x Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “NYC Pidgeon”
Release Date: 2005-03-01
Color: Medium Grey/White-Dark Grey
Style Code: 304292-011
The Nike Dunk SB Low Pigeon released apart of the White City Dunk Series, and hands down was the most publicized release. When the Nike Dunk SB Pigeons released, you could only purchase in New York and only 202 pairs dropped. 30 of the Pigeons where numbered and released at Staple. Each person that actually bought a pair was escorted out the back door with a taxi waiting. Riots and stick up kids waited at each corner.
Honorable Mention: Nike SB Dunk Low “Red Lobster”
Release Date: 2008
Color: Sport Red/Pink Clay
Style Code: 313170-661
Nicknamed after “Lobsters” this Nike SB Dunk Low was a collaboration with Massachusetts-based shop Concepts, which definitely live up to the name. This release came dressed in a Sport Red and Pink Clay color scheme. It features a Red throughout its upper with a Black Swoosh logo, mild speckled detailing and even includes a Purple rubber band around the toe as a nod to the bands used on lobster claws to protect them from each other as well as yourself.