FEATURED: A Complete History of Nike SB Dunks
Nike SB Dunk Available Now
Nike SB Dunk Past Releases
History of Nike SB Dunk
The Nike SB Dunk first released in 2002 as a skateboarding-specific version of the classic Nike Dunk, which originally debuted as a basketball shoe in 1985. Nike sought to enter the skateboarding market with a shoe that offered the durability and performance skateboarders needed, leading to the creation of the Nike SB (Skateboarding) line. With padded tongues, Zoom Air insoles, and reinforced construction, the SB Dunk quickly gained popularity among skaters.
Early versions of the Nike SB Dunk were embraced by professional skateboarders like Paul Rodriguez and Reese Forbes, whose signature colorways helped build its reputation. What truly skyrocketed the SB Dunk’s status was Nike’s strategy of collaborating with streetwear brands, artists, and boutiques. Iconic releases like the Supreme collaboration in 2003 and the “Tiffany” Dunk from Diamond Supply Co. in 2005 created massive hype and attracted collectors beyond the skateboarding community.
As sneaker culture grew, the SB Dunk became a fashion statement, with limited-edition releases and unique designs driving high demand. In the 2020s, the SB Dunk experienced a major resurgence, with collaborations from artists like Travis Scott and Skateboarder Yuto Horigome, cementing its place as both a skateboarding staple and a streetwear icon.
