Before a full-fledged category became a thought for the Beaverton-based company, Nike – more specifically the Blazer and the Air Jordan 1 – were already staples within skate culture. From backyard pools to pro-am contests, there was a burgeoning street scene where skaters wore the Swoosh and even used its silhouettes as a reference for their own signature sneakers.
Nike’s skateboarding efforts tapped into the culture twice but was met with failure. It wouldn’t be until 2002 when the company would enter the world again though this time through a simple “SB” moniker. Starting off with the Dunk Low, the line quickly gained steamed with iconic colorways from legacy team riders, Gino Iannucci and Danny Supa, and arguably one of its most coveted collabs from Supreme. Through the years, different Dunk iterations graced the market each having its own distinct identity and lore, but the flame that once captivated sneakerheads and skaters wavered.
Within the past year, Nike SB has shown signs of a resurgence, as Jeff Staple and Black Sheep have been tapped to usher in a new era for the brand. We teamed up with GOAT to provide a list of some of the most iconic colorways.
Jeff Staple x Dunk Low Pro SB "Panda Pigeon"
Release Date: January 01, 2019
Lowest Price: $240 USD
It’s hard to talk about Nike SB without considering the impact of Jeff Staple’s relation with the imprint. Forever marked in infamy, the designer’s vision created mass chaos with the launch of his first collab — garnishing a bit of attention with the news. Years have passed since the release, but the essence of the time still lives on with his latest release, the “Panda Pigeon.” Alluding to the pandemonium (hold the pun) and serving as a homage to his heritage, Staple created a new moment without all the rioting.
Diamond Supply Co. x Dunk Low Pro SB
Release Date: January 01, 2019
Lowest Price: $150 USD
Nicky Diamond was one of the lucky few to get in on the Team Manager series back in 2005. Utilizing his namesake Diamond Supply Co. venture, he created the “Tiffany” Dunk, featuring a luxe construction complementing the opulence of its name. Diamond’s creation would garner much praise and fanfare, not to mention a few legal issues, but would also cement his standing within the annals of Nike SB history. Revisiting the design a second time, Diamonds opted for three shoes that told one story. The Yellow, White and Black Diamond Dunks all feature a Swoosh that is removable to show Aqua underneath.
Concepts x Dunk Low SB "Purple Lobster" & "Green Lobster"
Release Date: December 14, 2019 & December 19, 2019
Lowest Price: $250 USD & $440 USD
The Boston-based boutique has been a Nike SB proponent from the beginning. Originally, marketing alongside a select number releases stoked the flames for the referential New England drops. The return of the Lobster Dunk, teased by Celtics athlete Kyrie Irving, reprises the storyline but now sees a tonal drenching in purple and green.
Dunk Low SB "What The Dunk"
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Lowest Price: $3495 USD
Nothing But the Truth marked Nike SB’s foray into skate videos. With a plethora of money to spend on the film’s budget and a host of talent, including the late Lewis Marnell, the flick set a historic moment. Even more notable, promotion for the venture included the noteworthy Frankenstein-eque creation known as “What The Dunk.” Comprised out of 31 different Dunks, each part of the shoe pulled distinct aspects from its source material. The precedent-setting design would go on to be used as the inspiration for other shoes to come.
Futura x UNKLE x Dunk High Pro SB
Release Date: September 01, 2004
Lowest Price: $230 USD
Futura’s work within graffiti, even in its foundations, holds somewhat of a mythical air. Bringing the same attention to artistry witnessed in his own pieces, the Pink Box era selection birthed a monumental release. In the same breath, he even incorporated the experimental Mo’ Wax outfit — UNKLE — into the mix as a nod to their relevance in the community. This colorway recently made its own come back, though this time, with the help of Houston rapper Travis Scott.
Supreme x Dunk Low Pro SB "White Cement"
Release Date: September 01, 2002
Lowest Price: $1,180 USD
Supreme’s drops with Nike SB have been quite recognized within the community, and being a cultural pillar for skateboarding made more sense for its first collaboration in 2002. The AJ3 seem to provide a bit of influence for this one, as a similar palette choice and elephant print brings the basketball inspiration from the court to the streets.
Dunk High SB "Sea Crystal"
Release Date: January 01, 2004
Lowest Price: $300 USD
It goes saying that SB, unequivocally, wouldn’t be where it is without the help of Sandy Bodecker. The creative took the Dunk as the constructive basis for the team’s first shoe offering. In 2004, after establishing Nike SB within the skate community, Sandy was tasked with bringing his imaginative skill set to fashion his own Dunk inspiration. The “Sea Crystal” is inspired by the tender moments from his youth collecting sea glass on the beaches of Connecticut, setting the tone for the sneaker’s color and natural essence.
Black Sheep x Dunk High SB "Black Hornet"
Release Date: February 23, 2019
Lowest Price: $190 USD
Nike SB teams up with North Carolina-based Black Sheep Skate Shop for the Black Hornet sneaker. As host for the NBA All-Star Game in 2019, Charlotte influences can be seen with its hornet’s nest and leather cage inspiration.The shoe dons the team’s colors in a luminous purple and dark turquoise hues. Most notably, the elephant print used on the classic Air Jordan 3 is also incorporated into the model’s toe and heel panels.
To see these and all the different colorways from Nike SB and more, check out this link.
Click here to view full gallery at HYPEBEAST