The well-known Nike SB Dunk has a rich history. The first SB Dunk came out in 2002. That is now fifteen years ago. This means it is time to look back at the early years of the iconic model.
To look back at the history of the Nike SB Dunk, we look at five old colorways. The early years of the skate brand were decisive for where they are today. We start with one of the first SB Dunk's that came out.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Gino' | 304292-401
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Gino' was part of the 'Colors By' series from Nike SB. In this series, skaters of the Nike skate team got to design their own shoe. This sneaker was designed by Gino Iannucci.
Gino liked dark colours on sneakers and wanted the sole to be the same colour as the upper. Nike took that into consideration in the design process of this Nike SB Dunk. The base became perforated leather and on top of that came suede overlays. A unique shoe with a simple colour scheme.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Gino' was released in March of 2002. Click on the image to view the model on StockX.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Supreme' | 304292-131
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Supreme' became the first collaboration between these two brands on this model. The upper of the sneaker was made of nubuck leather. This is very supple leather. The overlays had an elephant print that was known from the Jordan 3.
This colorway is part of a pack. The other colorway had a white base instead of black and a blue lining instead of red.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Supreme' was released in June of 2002. Click on the image to view the model on StockX.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Reese Denim' | 304292-441
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Reese Denim' is one of the most famous and sought-after releases. In the early days of the Dunk, Nike SB used inspiration from different skaters. The graphics that were on their boards came up, but also the clothes they wore. Skater Reese Forbes released his own jeans with weathered details.
Reese was allowed to use the weathered denim details on the Dunk Low. The entire upper is denim. The more you skated with this colorway, the more the denim weathered.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Reese Denim' was released in December of 2002. Click on the image to view the model on StockX.
Nike SB Dunk High Pro 'Sea Crystal' | 305050-301
Sandy Bodecker, a former Nike employee, looked at the season's colour palette and saw a striking colour. This colour made Bodecker think of glass washed up on the beach. This thought led to the Nike SB Dunk High Pro 'Sea Crystal'.
Pigskin suede was used for the first time on the upper of the 'Sea Crystal', making the blue colours stand out even more.
The Nike SB Dunk High Pro 'Sea Crystal' was released in April 2004. Click on the image to view the model on StockX.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Cali' | 304292-211
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Cali' put the spotlight on California. Several SB employees, including Chris Reed, wanted to put this state on the skate map. Therefore, the flag of California was projected on the model. The colours green, red, white and brown are used on the upper and on the sole.
The upper is made of leather with a small amount of suede and the middle panel representing the bear from the California flag is made of suede.
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro 'Cali' was released in July of 2004. Click on the image to view the model on StockX.
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