Top Nike SB Dunks Ever – Ultimate GOAT Part 1 | Nike

The Nike SB Dunk, originally a basketball silhouette from 1985, underwent a remarkable transformation, particularly in the world of skateboarding. In the 80s, skaters adopted the Dunk, leading Nike to reengineer it specifically for skateboarding in 2002. This redesign included a thicker tongue, a Zoom Air bag in the heel, and a plethora of new colorways and collaborations, solidifying the Dunk as a beloved classic among skaters and sneaker enthusiasts alike.

As we fast forward almost two decades, the Dunk is poised to be more significant than ever, with upcoming releases from Supreme and Virgil Abloh promising to add new layers to its storied legacy. Now is the perfect time to reflect on some standout Nike SB Dunks that have left an indelible mark on sneaker culture over the years.

The Origins: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Danny Supa‘ (2002)

The ‚Supas‘ marked the birth of Nike SB in 2002, paying tribute to the four initial team riders: Richard Mulder, Danny Supasirirat, Reese Forbes, and Gino Iannucci. Each rider received a unique colorway, with Supa’s Dunk Low standing out with its clean orange, blue, and white execution. This release set the standard for collaborative excellence, showcasing Nike’s commitment to merging performance with distinctive aesthetics.

Denim Elevated: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Reese Forbes Denim‘ (2002)

Reese Forbes‘ journey into the SB Dunk world continued with the ‚Reese Forbes Denim.‘ This release elevated denim to new heights, featuring two shades, contrasting yellow stitches, frayed edges, and bold red accents. It demonstrated that skate style could seamlessly merge with high fashion influences, creating a Dunk that remains a timeless representation of skateboarding culture.

Supreme’s Inaugural Brilliance: Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low (2002, 2012)

Supreme’s first collaboration with Nike SB in 2002 remains an enduring pinnacle in sneaker history. Drawing inspiration from the Air Jordan 3’s elephant print and ‚Cement‘ grey, Supreme crafted a design that stood the test of time. A decade later, the iconic collaboration was revisited with a celebratory red version in 2012, solidifying Supreme’s influence in the sneaker world.

Sci-Fi Hoops Tribute: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Rayguns‘ (2005)

In 2005, Nike SB paid tribute to the fictional Roswell Rayguns basketball team with the ‚Rayguns‘ Dunk Low. Featuring a premium leather build, a distinctive Rayguns logo, and vibrant orange and golden yellow highlights, this release became an instant classic. The black version gained popularity, and a white iteration surfaced later, even influencing a special edition of the Kyrie 3.

Pigeon Pandemonium: Staple x Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Pigeon‘ (2005)

Jeff Staple’s ‚Pigeon‘ Dunk Low caused such a frenzy that it led to a riot on the streets of New York City. Despite subsequent releases in black and ‚Panda‘ colorways, the original ‚Pigeon‘ remains unparalleled in its cultural impact. It stands as a symbol of sneaker hype, showcasing how a well-designed Dunk can transcend its functional purpose to become a cultural phenomenon.

Boca Juniors‘ Blue Elegance: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Boca Juniors‘ (2005)

While not an official collaboration with the Buenos Aires football club, the ‚Boca Juniors‘ Dunk Low paid a vibrant tribute. Dressed in bright blue leather with tasteful yellow accents, these gum-soled Dunks showcased a nod to the Argentinian squad’s colors. In 2017, they made a comeback with subtle suede paneling and Ishod Wair’s unique touch.

Tiffany’s Timeless Elegance: Diamond Supply Co. x Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Tiffany‘ (2005)

Diamond Supply Co.’s ‚Tiffany‘ Dunk Low from 2005 added a touch of opulence to the SB Dunk line. Featuring crocodile-embossed leather panels, chrome Swooshes, and a striking Tiffany-inspired blue, these Dunks ushered in a new era of sneaker hype. The release prompted long lines and campouts, setting a standard for future collaborations.

Concepts‘ Lobster Legacy: Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Lobster‘ (2008, 2009, 2018)

Concepts elevated collaboration with their ‚Lobster‘ Dunks in 2008. The original release included speckled leather detailing, checkered lining, and even a wooden crate, showcasing unparalleled attention to detail. Subsequent releases in 2009 and 2018, including purple and green colorways, solidified the ‚Lobster‘ as a timeless and coveted design.

Newcastle’s Ale-inspired Artistry: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Newcastle‘ (2008)

The ‚Newcastle‘ Dunk Low from 2008 pays homage to both beer and impeccable color-blocking. With gold, brown, ‚Atlantic Blue,‘ and hints of red and white, these Dunks unofficially celebrated Newcastle Brown Ale. Beyond beer inspiration, this release showcased Nike’s knack for combining diverse elements into a cohesive and stylish sneaker.

Skunk’s 4/20 Tribute: Nike SB Dunk High ‚Skunk‘ (2010)

Nike SB embraced cannabis culture with the ‚Skunk‘ Dunk High, released on 4/20 in 2010. Featuring a fuzzy suede upper, special insole graphics, and a Forest/Vintage Purple colorway, the ‚Skunk‘ paid homage to the beloved strain. This release exemplified Nike’s willingness to experiment with themes, resulting in a unique and memorable sneaker.

In this nostalgic journey through the early years of Nike SB Dunks, we’ve only scratched the surface of the incredible designs that have defined an era. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll continue to explore the ever-evolving legacy of the Nike SB Dunk. The Dunk may have started on the basketball court, but its impact on skateboarding and street culture is truly legendary, and its story continues to unfold.

The Evolution of Iconic Collaborations

The Nike SB Dunk Low has been a canvas for captivating collaborations, cementing its status as a cultural phenomenon. Exploring these partnerships unveils the creativity and significance embedded in each release.

Futuristic Odes: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Space Jam‘ (2011)

The ‚Space Jam‘ Dunk Low emerged in 2011, taking inspiration from the beloved movie. This release captivated sneaker enthusiasts with its patent leather construction, reminiscent of the iconic Air Jordan 11. The blue-black colorway paid homage to the space-centric theme, becoming a sought-after addition to any sneakerhead’s collection.

Skatepark Chronicles: Nike SB Dunk Low ‚Paris‘ (2003)

The ‚Paris‘ Dunk Low from 2003, designed by French skate shop Colette, stood out with its unique color scheme. Featuring an eye-catching combination of gray, blue, and red, this collaboration celebrated Parisian style. Limited to just 202 pairs, it remains one of the most coveted and elusive SB Dunk releases.

Subtle Sophistication: Nike SB Dunk High ‚FLOM‘ (2005)

The ‚For Love or Money‘ Dunk High, released in 2005, was