Nike Dunk Low

Nike Dunk Low, colorful sneakers

In your face! If on the NBA floor, the dunk is a gesture that gets the crowd on their feet, it is also the name of an equally spectacular pair of sneakers . Today, an emblematic model for the American firm, the Nike Dunk has crossed the ages and trends to become a best-seller and an absolute reference in sneaker culture . Focus on the Nike Dunk Low .

From parquet floors to skate parks

Offered on the market in the mid-80s in a High version, the Dunk is a basketball shoe inspired by the Air Force 1 and Terminator models. On the courts of university campuses, athletes and fans can proudly wear their team colors even on their sneakers. This is one of the first marketing moves of the swoosh brand which is launching its BTTYS “Be True to your school” campaign.

Little by little eclipsed by the Air Jordan , more technically innovative, the Dunk made its return to the skateboard scene at the beginning of the 90s. The bet is not won in advance, because if Nike wishes to enter a booming market , skaters do not look favorably on the appropriation of their culture by a big company. However, the Dunk Low naturally stands out thanks to its redesigned style with a shorter upper and comfort and safety advantages which make it the best shoe for riding.

NIKE SB reinvents the Nike Dunk Low

March 2002, the swoosh brand created its NIKE SB skateboard division and naturally based itself on the Dunk, a proven model, and launched the Dunk Low Pro SB. Slightly redesigned and still designed for the practice of sport, it adopts a more lifestyle design and establishes itself as an integral element of urban culture.

At this time, Nike also began its first partnerships with professional skaters. This strategy of targeted collaborations and controlled distribution (the pairs can be found exclusively in certain skateshops) has allowed the American giant to fuel incredible hype around the Dunk Low. Gradually, the Dunk Low is meeting a new audience: sneaker lovers.

Cross culture/Cross generation

The story does not end there. After a slump, it has made a resounding return since the end of the 2010s, propelled to the forefront through various inspired collabs with influential personalities, luxury houses or iconic pop culture brands. Let us cite the high-end Italian streetwear label Off-white ( Dunk Low Off-White The 50) or the American ice cream parlor Ben and Jerry ( Dunk Low SB Ben and Jerry's Chunky Dunky ). In 2017, Texan rapper Travis Scott ( SB Dunk Low Travis Scott ) offered a model in beige suede and bandana print that has now become a must-have collector's item.

Nike Dunk Low: exclusive pairs for men and women