2020’s Top Nike SB Dunk Releases – Skate Shoes

In the grand tapestry of sneaker culture, 2020 marked a chapter where Nike SB, the subdivision that once dictated the narrative of the early-2000s with the iconic Dunk silhouette, rekindled its reign. Unsurprisingly, Nike SB was at the forefront of this contemporary renaissance, setting the stage for a year filled with sought-after releases and groundbreaking designs.

While the Dunks from Nike’s main line captured attention, it was the skateboarding cohort under Nike SB that truly rewrote the playbook on hype in 2020. SB Dunks, without a doubt, were the flavor of the year, drawing inspiration from a diverse array of sources, ranging from sweet treats to Thanksgiving favorites. Let’s take a comprehensive look back at the tastiest of the bunch, presented in no particular order, each release telling a unique story of style and creativity.

StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk Low
February witnessed the release that struck the sneakersphere with the force of Cupid’s arrow—the StrangeLove x Nike SB Dunk Low. A true SB Grail, this release, inspired by StrangeLove founder Sean Cliver’s deep connection with skateboarding, featured an uber-plush colorway. The details were undeniably alluring, but it was the deluxe packaging that added a premium exclamation point, leaving the secondary market with love-heart eyes.

Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low
Mere weeks later, the scene was set ablaze with Travis Scott’s bandana-clad creation. Arguably the highest Dunk in the room in 2020, this release resulted in pandemonium across the sneakersphere. From taking Ls to pairs being jacked, it was just the beginning of Travis‘ collaborative journey with Nike SB.

Nike SB Dunk High 420 ‘Reverse Skunk’
A correction is due: this was undoubtedly the ‚highest‘ Dunk of the year. Nike SB, known for hyped drops on 4/20, set the sneakersphere ablaze yet again with the Dunk High ‘Reverse Skunk’. Limited to just 420 pairs, it took the unmistakable green and purple tones of the OG ‘Skunk’ colorway, synthesizing them into a gnarly new strain.

Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Safari’
The reception for the ‚Elephant‘ colorway may have been mixed, but the ‚Safari‘ rendition did more than enough to rekindle the sneakersphere’s affections for Japanese retailer atmos. While not an official collaboration, the colorway made use of the classic ‘Safari’ print, which debuted in 2003 on atmos’ Air Max 1, adding a wild touch to the Dunk lineage.

Nike SB Dunk Low ‘ACG’
The global rollout for the ACG Air Terra/Nike SB Dunk mashup faced severe impacts due to COVID-19. However, those who managed to cop a pair will undoubtedly agree that this fusion of ACG and Dunk elements was well worth the wait, standing out even in a challenging year.

Grateful Dead x Nike Dunk SB Dunk Lows
These furry Dunks, inspired by Grateful Dead’s ‘Dancing Bear’ iconography, sparked division within the community but didn’t hinder their instant sell-out status. Not the easiest joints to style, all three variations, including the debut ‘Orange Bear’, are known to fetch a pretty penny, establishing themselves as head honchos of the collection.

Atlas x Nike SB Dunk High ‘Lost at Sea’
Drawing inspiration from the ‚Great Shoe Spill of 1990‘, the famed San Francisco skate store, Atlas, presented a design that paid homage to a storm-battered cargo ship. This modern-day release’s tongue branding nodded to the Nike Air Flight pairs that washed up on the shores of San Fran.

Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High ‘TurDUNKen’
Deon Point’s Boston boutique, Concepts, continued its long-standing partnership with Nike SB, serving up the ‚TurDUNKen‘. Honoring the trifecta between food, football, and friendship, this release included a Nike Dri-FIT chicken foot sock stuffed inside the duck-inspired Dunk, complete with turkey wrapping paper. Boxed in wild oven-inspired packaging, the design featured all your favorite holiday leftovers.

Civilist x Nike SB Dunk Low
Crossing the Atlantic to Europe, Nike SB joined forces with Berlin skate spot Civilist to deliver one of the collaborative highlights of 2020. Manufactured with heat-activated uppers, the Civilist x Nike SB Dunk Low revealed a multicolored design when exposed to heat, and monochrome black when exposed to the cold—a truly innovative addition to the Dunk lineage.

Instant Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low
The Land of the Rising Sun always takes center stage in the world of sneakers. The Instant Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low, celebrating the cult Japanese skate shop’s 25th anniversary, came through with icy cold colors, a 3M reflective toe box, and a signature crossbones motif near the heel. Sugoi!

Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Chicago’
Love for the iconic ‚Chicago‘ scheme hit fever pitch in 2020 with the release of The Last Dance. Unsurprisingly, this Dunk Low from Nike SB’s J-Pack line became one of the hottest commodities. Borrowing the Varsity Red/White/Black combo from MJ’s famed Air Jordan 1, the colorway was universally loved among OGs and hypefiends alike.

Ben & Jerry’s x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Chunky Dunky’
The sheer randomness of this collaboration perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Dunk’s 2020 comeback. If it wasn’t the most hyped release of the year, the Ben & Jerry’s x Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Chunky Dunky’ was undeniably the sweetest! Dropping in limited numbers worldwide, the rollout left many with a figurative brain freeze. Safe to say, most of us screamed for this ice cream-inspired delight.

In the tapestry of sneaker releases, 2020’s Nike SB Dunks weren’t just footwear; they were storytellers, each pair narrating a unique chapter in the ongoing saga of sneaker culture. As we look back, the contemporary renaissance of the Dunk is not just a revival but a reinvention. Each release contributed to the Dunk’s resurgence, solidifying its place at the forefront of the ever-evolving world of sneaker enthusiasts. The legacy of 2020’s Nike SB Dunk releases is not merely about shoes; it’s a cultural phenomenon that resonates beyond fashion and style, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of sneakerheads worldwide.