The History of the Nike SB Dunk
Despite their incredible popularity today, the Nike SB Dunk was not well received in the skating community upon their first release.
While the Air Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk had already been adopted by skaters due to the Jordan’s receptive Air sole and the Dunk’s hard-wearing leather upper, they saw Nike as a big, corporate company that didn’t fit into underground culture at all. Attempts by Nike to enter the skate scene were rejected.
Things started to change when in 2001, Nike appointed Sandy Bodecker as the head of Nike Skateboarding. Through a new approach, he managed to breathe new life into the Dunk series. SB Dunks would now be released in small quantities in skate shops rather than in large sports shops.
Bodecker re-engineered the Dunk for skateboarding by adding a thicker, padded tongue and collar (for protection), Zoom Air cushioning in the insole (for impact support) and a grippier outsole for better board feel.
The very first SB Dunk models were released in 2002 - the Shark, Flash, Loden and Wheat Hi.
Under Sandy Bodecker’s leadership, the brand's popularity grew and to this day the shoe remains an important part of the skate community.
Nike SB Dunk Collabs
The first notable popularity was seen after Nike entered into several collaborations.
One of the most influential and popular collabs of all time was the 2005 Nike SB Dunk Low 'Staple NYC Pigeon'. When news of a collab between Nike SB and Jeff Staple broke, queues quickly formed in front of Reed Space, Jeff Staple's Lower East Side shop.
In fact, on the day of the release, the turnout had grown so large that the police had to come to keep order and make sure buyers got home safely. As a result, the Pigeon Dunk even ended up on the front page of the New York Daily News the next day!
Another 2005 collab was seen between Nike and Diamond Supply Co. The Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Tiffany’ remains one of the most hyped sneaker releases ever. The shoe featured the jewellery brand’s iconic aqua blue colour on the leather upper, with black crocodile overlays. It’s still a grail to many people today.
From then, you’d think things would only get better for Nike SB … but the opposite happened. The Dunk, once so popular, fell into oblivion. The shoes sold with difficulty and remained on shelves for a long time.
Many years later, around 2020, the hype around the SB Dunk revived, largely due to the Travis Scott x Nike SB Dunk Low and Ben & Jerry's X Nike SB Dunk Low 'Chunky Dunky'. Even though these were some of the toughest cops that year, they brought new life to the Dunk. Moreover, Nike reached a new generation with them.
With many more successful collabs with brands like Parra, StrangeLove Skateboards, Supreme, Yuto Horigome and Grateful Dead, Nike SB managed to continue the hype and Nike Dunks are currently one of the most coveted models on the sneaker market.
Nike SB Dunk Variations
Over the years, the classic design of the Nike SB Dunk has been joined by a number of special variations and different versions.
Nike SB Dunk Low
The SB Dunk Low is the most common and iconic version of the SB Dunk. It features a padded tongue, Zoom Air insoles, and extra padding around the ankle for skateboarding support.
It has received the most and best collaborations and is a highly regarded model.
Nike SB Dunk High
The SB Dunk High has the same features as the Low, but comes with a higher ankle collar for extra support.
It provides less flexibility and freedom of movement, but offers ankle protection and stability instead.
Nike SB Dunk Mid
The SB Dunk Mid is the perfect middle ground between the High and the Low - its mid-cut design with ankle collar offers more support than lows, but less restriction than highs.
The velcro strap is added for additional lockdown, preventing heel slippage.
Nike SB Dunk Elite
The SB Dunk Elite is a modernised version of the SB Dunk with a lighter, sleeker build. It features full-length Zoom Air cushioning for improved impact protection, and a sock-like fit for a snug feel.
The outsole is thinner, designed to provide better board feel and more flexibility.
Nike SB Dunk Pro Low & High
The SB Dunk Pro model features more advanced technology for skating. Zoom Air insoles are the norm, and the upper typically used reinforced materials like suede, leather or canvas. The tongue and collar often come with extra padding.
The Pro is marketed towards more performance-oriented skaters.
Nike SB Dunk: Answering Your Questions
When was the first SB Dunk released?
2002 saw the first Nike SB Dunk release. Sandy Bodecker was then employed to head the department and under his leadership, the iconic SB Dunk made its debut. The first models were the Shark, Flash, Loden and Wheat Hi.
What does SB mean on Nike SB?
'SB' means Skateboarding, but it's a nice coincidence that the saviour of the Nike SB Dunk, Sandy Bodecker, also has these initials!
How does the Nike SB Dunk fit?
The SB Dunk does not have the same fit as the Dunk. The SB Dunk has been adapted for skating and is therefore tighter. The adjustment is noticeable by a thicker built-in padding in the tongue, forefoot and heel of the shoe.
The Nike SB Dunk falls true to size, but runs a little narrow. Do you have wide feet? Then choose half a size bigger.
How do you tie the Nike SB Dunk?
For guidance on tying your SB Dunk laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
What is the difference between Nike SB Dunk and Nike Dunk?
The SB Dunk has a thicker tongue and padding, an SB Dunk logo and thicker laces. The outsoles and insoles are also different. The outsole of the SB Dunk has finer rings that provide more grip and flexibility. The insoles are also more comfortable and include a Zoom Air pod on the heel.
Why are SB Dunks so popular?
SB Dunks have become especially popular in recent years due to Nike's various successful collaborations. Through collabs with Off-White, Ben & Jerry's, Travis Scott, Parra, Supreme, StrangeLove, and Grateful Dead, among others, Nike has been able to reach different generations and audiences and create hypes.
When was SB Dunk's first collaboration?
The SB Dunk collection's first collaboration was with members of Nike's skate team. In a tribute to Nike's skateboarders, Danny Supa, Gino Iannucci, Reese Forbes and Richard Mulder were all allowed to put their own spin on the SB Dunk. Some of these models have become the most famous shoes ever.
How to tell if Nike SB Dunks are fake?
You don't recognise fake SB Dunks by one fixed indicator. In fact, it is a combination of indicators that vary from pair to pair. However, you can use these indicators to virtually determine whether a pair of Nike SB Dunks are genuine:
Material and colour, stitching, smell (fakes might have a strong chemical odour), weight (fakes tend to be lighter than the real thing), placement of the Swoosh, shape of the heel, discrepancies on the tongue, nose, insole and outsole, errors on the size label, incorrect product code (SKU), flimsy or faded packaging, lack of or discrepancies in accessories and, finally, judging prices and sellers.
How do you clean Nike SB Dunks?
An SB Dunk should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy Nike SB Dunks?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Nike SB Dunk at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on SB Dunk restocks and new releases!
Popular Nike SB Colorways
Nike have released many successful colorways on the SB Dunk, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Heineken' | 304292-302
The Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Heineken’, released in 2003, is one of the most sought-after SB Dunks of all time. Inspired by the signature colours of Heineken beer, it features a green suede upper, white leather panels, and a familiar red star on the heel.
While not an official collaboration with the Heineken, the connection is unmistakable. This led to legal trouble between the brand and Nike, and the sneaker was eventually pulled from production, adding to its notoriety and hype.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Raygun' | 304292-803
The ‘Raygun’ is another legendary SB Dunk release, dropped in 2005 as part of Nike SB’s 'Roswell Rayguns' pack.
The sneaker was inspired by a fictional ABA basketball team which was featured in a Nike Basketball campaign starring Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, and Jermaine O’Neal, among others. Its unique story-telling made it a fan favourite.
Nike SB Dunk High 'Strawberry Cough' | CW7093-600
The ‘Strawberry Cough’ is a unique release that is inspired by the cannabis strain of the same name. Originally intended to be part of Nike SB's 2020 4/20 collection, it was delayed to October 2021.
The design was created by Todd Bratrud, the same artist behind the legendary Skunk Dunks released in 2010.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Night of Mischief' | BQ6817-006
This special Halloween release in 2019 was popular for its eclectic combination of materials, colours, and special effects.
A black nubuck upper served as a base for a bright orange toe box (featuring a Jack-o'-lantern face) and Swoosh, purple spiderweb embroidery on the side panels, and a glow-in-the-dark outsole. 'Trick' and 'Treat' are embroidered on the heels for an extra spooky touch on the 'Night of Mischief'.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Orange Lobster' | FD8776-800
In collaboration with Boston-based boutique Concepts, the Lobster SB Dunk series began in 2008 with the 'Red Lobster', followed by multiple colorways representing different lobster species. The 'Orange Lobster' added another pair to the collection in 2022.
Also available are the 'Blue Lobster', 'Purple Lobster' and 'Green Lobster'. The 'Yellow Lobster' was never released to the public, and only 34 pairs are rumoured to exist.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Chicago' - J-Pack | BQ6817-600
The Nike SB Dunk Low J-Pack (short for Jordan Pack) is a collection of SB Dunks inspired by iconic Air Jordan 1 colorways, reflecting their classic colour blocking. The first release of the series was in 2005 with the 'Royal', and the 'Shadow', 'Bred' and 'Pine Green' followed.
The popular 'Chicago' colorway, released in 2020, pays homage with a red, white, and black leather upper.
Nike SB Dunk Low 'Bart Simpson' | BQ6817-602
This vibrant sneaker is not an official collab with The Simpsons, but is clearly inspired by 'Bart Simpson' with a bright yellow base, red overlays, and baby blue lining and outsole.
The sneaker slotted into the line up of previously released Simpsons Nike SB Dunks; the High 'Marge Simpson' and the Low 'Homer Simpson'.
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