The world of sneaker collaborations is a breeding ground for creativity, history, and culture, and only a few pieces have managed to carve their name out, like the Nike Dunk. The shoes were intended for B-ball but have since transcended their original purpose, becoming a symbol of fashion and art.
Through the years, the brand has partnered with several designers and brands to produce some of the most coveted collaborations ever. These collaborations have redefined the sneaker culture altogether, as with each new one comes a new story. The hype around such pairs leaves fans desperate, as some camp out for days or even shell out thousands on resale markets to grab a pair.
In this list, we're looking at some of the best Nike Dunk collaborations ever.
Note: This article reflects the writer’s opinion. Reader's discretion is advised. Comment below with your suggestions to let us know which other items deserve to make the list.
Read on to find out the best Nike Dunk Collaborations of all time
1) Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Cement
This may arguably be one of the best collaborations in Dunk (if not Sneaker) history. Supreme and Nike, two dominating brands in their own right, joined forces to produce these sneakers. Only 500 pairs were initially created, inspired by the Air Jordan 3.
It had black leather encompassing most of the canvas, coupled with some Elephant print and red accents to add a touch of flair to the kicks. The sneakers bear similarities to its inspiration, the AJ3. Notably, this was also the first time Supreme produced kicks.
2) Nike SB Dunk Low Paris
This posthumous collaboration hit the shelves in 2003 and was drawn from the artwork of the late French artist Bernard Buffet. Segments of his work were incorporated into the shoe's canvas, culminating in these standout kicks.
These limited-edition kicks were also a major part of the White Dunk City Series, which embodied elements of various cities worldwide; this one was just a hint of the acclaimed Parisian aesthetics. The shoes were only sold in small drops at select Nike outlets, and currently, they retail for about $80,000.
3) Jeff Staple x Dunk Low Pro SB ‘Pigeon’
Who knew something so common and insignificant as a mere pigeon would turn into something so coveted? Notably, the designer, Jeff Staple, was merely fooling about on IG when he posted an early sample of the kicks in three different "test" colors. However, according to the official website, fans began "begging for the shoe to become a reality."
It's the intricate detailing of the bird on the heel of the shoes that, albeit relatively minute, makes the kicks stand out, pun intended. Only about one hundred and fifty pairs were produced, skyrocketing anticipations at the time. According to StockX, the crowds were so massive and chaotic that the NYPD had to step in and keep things organized.
4) Nike StrangeLove x Dunk Low SB ‘Valentines Day'
These beautiful pink sneakers were the brainchild of StrangeLove Skateboards and Nike, one that had a beautiful suede canvas, along with some velvet. Its colorway blends several shades of soft pink and gym reds, and the StrangeLove emblem embedded on the heel kicks things up to another level.
As if the whole thing wasn't enough, StrangeLove also put a ton of love into making the sole, with some heart illustrations strewn about. The pair is one of the relatively newer collaborations to break the sneaker world, having come out in February 2020.
5) Nike Union LA x Dunk Low ‘Passport Pack Argon’
The brand has proven its tenacity when it comes to drawing up the most beautiful pieces with every collaboration, as seen in these Passport Pack Argon kicks. According to the website, Chris Gibbs and his team went back in time and drew from some "Japan-exclusive footwear in the '90s."
These shoes are a nod to three cities they've set foot in while journeying the world for inspiration: New York City, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. With some vibrant orange stitching set against the pastel blues, these shoes take the cake for their simplicity yet their ability to look aesthetic. Also, it's got a Union Jack stamp on the heel.
6) Travis Scott x Dunk Low Premium QS SB ‘Cactus Jack’
These shoes feature distinctive bandanna-inspired suede upper, plaid overlays, and paisley canvas. The shoes were the first official product of a collaboration with the artist and only came out in a few drops at select Nike SB outlets.
It's got some text embroidered into the collar, along with races that look like ropes. The La Flame’s Cactus Jack logo nestled on the puffy tongues serves as the finishing touches, making these sneakers one of the most noteworthy musician collaborations of all time.
7) Nike Grateful Dead x Dunk Low SB ‘Green Bear’
These beautiful, half-furry, half-suede, vibrant green kicks were produced by the Grateful Dead, infamous for their trippy music and iconography. Their signature graphic marks, the Steal Your Face Skull, and colorful dancing bears appear on the kicks alongside an abstract version of the well-known Nike swoosh.
The band put a ton of effort into making these kicks, as evidenced by the mountain of intricate detailing, such as aglets that feature lightning bolts and the brand's name in an atypical font on the back of the heel. Some texts are inside the tongues, akin to a secret between an enslaved person and their master.
While these kicks may have dominated the sneaker world in its heyday, only time will tell what future collaborations are waiting.
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