The Nike Dunk Low continues to gain the interest of sneakerheads. From Virgil Abloh’s Off-White imprint and Japanese pro skater Yuto Horigome’s shoe shop Yuto Horigome’s Yuto Horigome Skate Shop releasing limited edition drops, 2023 has witnessed numerous limited edition drops.
Significance: Eric Haze is an NYC-born graffiti artist known for his signature style of graffiti art on Nike Dunk Lows, such as this pair mash-up with his unique flair clearly shown by their lateral panels and heel tab.
1. Nike x Matty Boy University Red
Nike revolutionized college basketball sneaker culture when they unveiled the Dunk in 1985 by turning them into symbols of school spirit. Their classic colorways honored top schools like Kentucky, Michigan, UNLV Syracuse St John’s Iowa Villanova. Furthermore, its design became a blank canvas for artistic interpretation by skateboarders.
Matt Digiacomo (commonly known as “Matty Boy”) of Chrome Hearts Art and Design Studio created these limited edition University Red Dunk Low kicks. Commissioned directly out of their innovative studio, these custom kicks boast intricate cartoon-like details such as star graphics and checkered black and white squares that add depth and dimension.
The Market x Swarovski x Nike Dunk Low “Pure Platinum” brings luxurious accents to classic sneaker silhouette. Every element features resplendent Swarovski crystals adorning detachable double lace flaps and the Swoosh. Furthermore, it comes complete with premium walnut wood box packaging, extra laces, and an eye-catching T-shirt accessory!
2. Nike x Stash
Nike’s iconic sneaker silhouette has long been used as the canvas for artists’ masterpieces, with Stash of NYC graffiti fame being no exception. Hanging alongside Keith Haring and Jean-Michael Basquiat among his peers, Stash has applied his signature style to Nike sneakers since at least 2001; one such sneaker being this Dunk Pro High.
Released as part of a collection celebrating Native culture, this pair features a stunning maple wood-inspired print on the outsole. This motif symbolizes both its importance to Navajo and Dine traditions as well as skateboarding culture.
This Low Dunk takes inspiration from Lau’s skateboarding comic book “Gardener.” The sneaker features a dark wood-printed upper that emulates its style while the lateral side heel tab displays drill-hole designs reminiscent of wooden skate decks. They come packaged in an exquisite wood box complete with hangtags featuring Lau’s cartoon character to further blur the line between sneakers and art.
3. Nike x StrangeLove
Nike’s Dunk is one of its more accessible sneaker offerings, popular with skaters and casual consumers. But over the course of 2023, Nike made an effort to generate new demand with limited edition releases and collaborations with rappers, ice cream shops, and even veteran rockers to produce Dunks that appealed to a broad spectrum of consumers. Get more info Sneakerzone
Sean Cliver’s Strangelove skate brand released this Valentine’s Day-inspired release as an excellent example of its fresh approach to skate shoe silhouette. Covered in vibrant hues of pink and red, these footwear combine soft crushed velvet and premium suede materials for a luxurious take on the classic Dunk silhouette – complete with an embroidered Heart Skull logo on the lateral heel and pink rubber outsole for an eye-catching finish.
4. Nike x Cheech & Chong
The Nike Dunk has become an immensely popular silhouette among skaters and sneakerheads alike, marking an early milestone of hype culture as we know it today. Reworked versions by Supreme and Nike SB have caused similar hysteria among their respective fan bases, but one particularly memorable pair was created by artist and fellow skater Reese Forbes; it features blood-splattered Freddy Krueger-inspired design in Frayed Denim material and was meant to be released as part of a series – alas legal issues prevented its completion!
The mismatched pair is inspired by Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong’s outfits from the film. Polka dot mudguards feature patterns from their blue shirt and bandana, with car decals and license plates printed onto velvet shoe lining to demonstrate their free-love mindset. Paisley fabric and corduroy on the heels represent Chong’s vest while Cheech has her beanie; napkin cloth inserts reading “Ain’t That Peach!” are inspired by one of their magic routines.
Todd Bratrud created these Dunk Lows as part of his “Weed Series”. Varying shades of green cover their hairy suede overlays and Swooshes while purple accents appear on their tongue branding.
5. Nike x Stussy
Stussy and Nike enjoy an exceptional collaborative partnership that’s resulted in many sought-after sneakers and apparel items. Recently, the two released a pack of four Nike Sky Force 88 Mids featuring cotton and canvas construction with a distinctive Stussy “SS” link logo on their tongues – as well as letterman jackets and tees bearing this partnership name!
In 2002, they returned to the court with an updated Blazer Mid sneaker that quickly became popular among skateboarders. Equipped with an eye-catching pink Swoosh and dark blue upper, it quickly became a go-to skater shoe.
Stussy Chapter stores and its official e-commerce site sold windbreakers made of nylon with tonal fossil and rattan hues; an NRG cotton sweatpant/hoodie combo was included for good measure; plus bucket hats to complete this collection! A limited-run tan version of Nike Air Huarache Light also made an appearance, which remains one of the rarest sneaker releases ever!
