{"id":340044,"date":"2013-10-15T13:27:19","date_gmt":"2013-10-15T18:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/?p=340044"},"modified":"2022-09-13T01:49:35","modified_gmt":"2022-09-13T06:49:35","slug":"a-history-of-nike-what-the-sneakers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.snkrsday.com\/a-history-of-nike-what-the-sneakers\/","title":{"rendered":"A History of Nike “What the” Sneakers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Differentiation is more important than ever in modern culture, and there aren’t many sneakers that stand out like one of Nike’s “What the”<\/strong> models. The collage of colors and chaos of patterns that make up each of the style codes create eye-catching designs that are unlike any other construction. Originating on an SB and transitioning to basketball signatures, the loony layouts have consistently been unpredictable. After recent news of the Nike Kobe 8 “What The Kobe”<\/strong>, we take a look back at the entire history of Nike’s “What The” sneakers.<\/p>\n

Jump through the pages to see a full recap of the Nike “What The” Series<\/strong>. Let us know which pair is your favorite in the comment section at the bottom of the page, and keep Snkrs Day<\/strong> bookmarked for everything sneakers.<\/p>\n

Nike SB Dunk Low “What the Dunk”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike SB Dunk Low “What The Dunk”
\nStyle Code:<\/strong> 318403-141
\nReleased:<\/strong> 2007<\/p>\n

The original “What The” Nike had nothing to do with basketball. Originating on a Nike SB Dunk Low<\/strong>, the colorful collection was created on a classic. As one of the Swoosh’s most remixed models, the Dunk Low has played the canvas for countless revamps and renditions. In 2007 the “What The Dunks”<\/strong> mashed up many of the model’s most popular designs, and the offbeat trend was born.<\/p>\n

Images via EU Kicks<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom Kobe VII “What the Kobe”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike Zoom Kobe VII “What The Kobe”
\nStyle Code:<\/strong> 488371-200
\nReleased:<\/strong> 2012<\/p>\n

Although the concept is unique for any setting, if a sneaker with a collage of colors without any type of structure would be normal, it would be at a skate park. But five years after the chaotic composition originated, Nike’s “What The”<\/strong> design returned on the basketball court. Slightly more subtle than its Dunk inspiration, the Nike Kobe VII “What The Kobe”<\/strong> had somewhat of a consistent base. Even with differing patterns, the same two tones of brown made up a majority of the upper on both shoes. This “What The Kobe”<\/strong> wasn’t the originator of the outline, but it lit the fire to the basketball signature trend that now appears to be a mainstay.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike Zoom KD IV “What the KD”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike Zoom KD IV “What The KD”
\nReleased:<\/strong> Unreleased<\/p>\n

The most exclusive member of Nike’s “What the”<\/strong> series is the unreleased Nike KD IV “What the KD”<\/strong>. Kevin Durant has the only seen pair of these gems, which he labeled the “All In One”<\/strong> on his Instagram<\/a>. Combining all of the most popular models together to create a KD IV mashup, this “What the” never saw the light of day (unless you count custom versions). For all we know, KD has the only official pair in existence.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike LeBron 9 “What The LeBron”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike LeBron 9 “What The LeBron”
\nReleased:<\/strong> Unreleased<\/p>\n

Just like Kevin Durant’s KD IV, King James’ LeBron 9 was never released to the public. Specifically, they never saw the light of day outside of LBJ’s inner circle of family and friends. Unlike the KDs, these LeBrons weren’t specifically pulling from previously released colorways, but rather donned a new design full of vibrant hues.<\/p>\n

Images via Croatian Style<\/a>
\n<\/p>\n

Nike Sportswear \u201cWhat The Max\u201d Pack<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike Sportswear “What The Max” Pack
\nReleased:<\/strong> 2012<\/p>\n

The Nike “What The Max” Pack<\/strong> is the most overlooked member of the colorful fraternity, making a random appearance when the trend returned in 2012. This under the radar release featured three different models: the Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse<\/strong>, Air Max 95+ BB<\/strong>, and Air Max 2012<\/strong>. None of the elements of the pack are a mashup or composition of previously released models, instead opting for bright color combinations to offer “What the” flavor.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike KD V Premium “What The KD”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike KD V Premium “What The KD”
\nStyle Code:<\/strong> 598601-400
\nReleased:<\/strong> 2013<\/p>\n

Proving that the “What The”<\/strong> trend is becoming more popular, Kevin Durant received his first mashup model with the Nike KD V “What The KD”<\/strong>. Following in the footsteps of the original “What The Dunk”, this Kevin Durant collage features two different uppers. Digi-designs compose the base of each shoe, but consistency is hard to find across the board. Releasing in very limited numbers in Nike stores only, the “What The KDs”<\/strong> are arguably the most underrated member of the exclusive group.<\/p>\n Image via @Rmbwilliams<\/a>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike LeBron X Premium “What the MVP”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike LeBron X Premium “What The MVP”
\nStyle Code:<\/strong> 618217-300
\nReleased:<\/strong> 2013<\/p>\n

As the only “What The”<\/strong> design to lack the same nickname as its model name, the Nike LeBron X “What The MVP”<\/strong> payed tribute to King James’ fourth NBA Most Valuable Player award. Unlike previous designs, these LeBron 10s weren’t a mashup of different colorways, but rather used new prints and hues to create the most colorful “What The”<\/strong> to date. With almost zero consistency between the left and right shoes, these LBJs are arguably the most sought after “What The” release.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike Kobe 8 “What the Kobe”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike Zoom Kobe 8 “What The Kobe”
\nReleased:<\/strong> To be determined<\/p>\n

The signature series that started the “What the”<\/strong> basketball trend is the latest to receive a new edition. Kobe Bryant’s Nike Kobe 8 “What The Kobe”<\/strong> features two completely contrasting shoes, each with opposing ingredients. The right shoe uses a red base and green accents, and the left utilizes a light blue base with red contrast. This mashup KB does incorporate elements seen on previously release colorways of the Kobe 8<\/strong>, including the large medial Nike branding from the “Mambacurials”. Release information is nonexistent at this point, but expect the release of this “What the Kobe” to be as exclusive as the other previous “What the”<\/strong> renditions.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike Air Trainer Max ’94 “What the Trainer”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike Air Trainer Max ’94 “What the Trainer”
\nReleased:<\/strong> March 19, 2014<\/p>\n

Out of left field, this classic Nike Trainer took on the “What the” design and released quietly, adding differentiating depth to the roster leading up to the KD and LeBron heavy hitters.
\n<\/p>\n

Nike KD VI “What the KD”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike KD VI “What the KD”
\nRelease:<\/strong> June 7, 2014<\/p>\n

2014’s “What the KD” features 35 different prints and patterns from all of the previously released colorways, all mashed up into one silhouette that truly tells Kevin Durant’s story. From Peanut Butter & Jelly<\/em> and Maryland Blue Crab<\/em>, to Aunt Pearl<\/em> and Seat Pleasant<\/em>, Durant’s entire life is represented in the latest rendition of his Nike KD VI<\/a>.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Nike LeBron 11 “What the LeBron”<\/h2>\n

Model:<\/strong> Nike LeBron 11 “What the LeBron”
\nReleased:<\/strong> September 13, 2014<\/p>\n

Kobe Bryant’s signature started the “What the” trend in Nike’s basketball department, but LeBron James<\/strong>‘ silhouettes have taken it to another level. The latest King James mashup makeup features eight structural parts from previous models and 20 different graphics and colors from some of LBJ’s most notable designs to create a compilation LeBron 11<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Images via Kenlu<\/a><\/p>\n

Additional information from Flight Club NY<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Differentiation is more important than ever in modern culture, and there aren’t many sneakers that stand out like one of…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4655,"featured_media":340137,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[618,1224791,1225493,1225454],"tags":[],"cultivate_rss":[],"class_list":{"2":"type-post"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nA History of Nike "What the" Sneakers | Snkrs Day<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Where to buy A History of Nike "What the" Sneakers shoes. 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