Arguably one of the best mecha manga/animes of all time, Gundam is incredibly popular not only in Japan, but throughout the rest of the world too. Created by Yoshiyuki Tomino and premiering in 1979, Mobile Suit Gundam spawned many sequels and spin-offs throughout the years, and even a whole industry of plastic model kits called Gunpla (Gundam Plastic Model).
If you’re not familiar with the story, the basic plot of Mobile Suit Gundam is giant robot suits used by the military to fight their enemies in a futuristic war.
While some of the following series followed the groundwork laid in place, others went off into their own alternate universes, the only recognisable connections to the original being certain tropes, aesthetics or the appearance of at least one Gundam robot.
In fact, most of us might be more familiar with the 90s show Gundam Wing that aired on Cartoon Network’s Toonami, which takes place in a separate timeline and features a totally different plot, and the follow up movie ‘Endless Waltz’ that aired in 1997.
Confusing? Maybe, but there is one thing we can all agree on; Gundam rocks and we’re hyped for these Gundam x Nike SB Dunk High sneakers.
The model comes in two versions, the white based off the original ‘RX-0 Unicorn’ prototype suit, and the black off the ‘RX-0 Unicorn Banshee Norn’ suit.
Gundam x Nike SB Dunk High ‘White RX-0 Unicorn’ | DH7717-100
The ‘Unicorn White’ colorway makes use of a clean white base and leather upper to make all the little references to the Gundam suit really pop. The red highlights of the robot are seen in the piping, laces and stitching, with the unicorn logo in the same colour on the heel. The black aesthetic on the toe-box is mecha-like, with black on the tongue, eyelet and rear of the ankle collar to compliment.
A nice little touch is the green of the eyes of the mecha can be seen in the Nike logo on the tongue patch.
But without a doubt it’s the redesigned jagged Swoosh on the side in yellow that really makes the sneaker something special. In an obvious reference to the Unicorn Gundam suit’s V-shaped antenna, the Swooshes are interchangeable, so you can switch between yellow and gold.
A white midsole with red stitching and a black rubber outsole round off the whole look, and as a bonus, the sneakers come with a sheet of decals that mimic the customising elements you get with Gunpla model kits.
Luckily we don't have long to wait for these (in my opinion) beauties, as they release on 24 September 2021. Click the button below to see the list of retailers where you can buy this pair!
Gundam x Nike SB Dunk High ‘Thunder Blue RX-0 Unicorn Banshee Norn’
The ‘Black Banshee’ colorway is a complete contrast to the bright looking ‘Unicorn White’, presenting a black base overlayed with dark blue leather panels and edged with red and orange. Yellow and gold details can also be seen through the sneaker, and the interchangeable Swoosh comes in gold or copper this time as a reflection of the suit’s V antenna.
We're not sure that the 'Thunder Blue' colorway will be releasing in Europe yet, but as always stay tuned to our release calendar or Instagram to ensure you get the latest news!
Limited edition figurines and keychains
To add to the excitement, toy artist TOUMA has designed two corresponding figurines to release alongside the sneakers, with the mechanical feet replaced by their own Nike SB Dunks! Both figures measure 20cm high.
Alongside the ‘Thunder Blue’ you get the QMSV RX-0 Unicorn Gundam 02 Banshee [Destroy Mode] Ver.NIKE SB model, and with the ‘White’ you get the QMSV RX-0 Unicorn Gundam [Destroy Mode] Ver.NIKE SB model.
Priced at ¥799 CNY (about €105), the challenging part will be obtaining these toys, as they will only be available for pre-order in Mainland China at Gundam retailers in September 2021 and won’t be received until January 2022. As a bonus for pre-orders however, customers will receive a commemorative keychain as well.
Anime x Sneaker Collabs
There have been some amazing anime and sneaker hook-ups in the past, and although these are all only available on reseller platforms now, some of the prices aren't as bad as you might think (while others really are!)
