SB Dunk
The Nike SB Dunk is the skate version of the Nike Dunk and one of the most collected sneakers in the world. Nike adapted the basketball shoe for skateboarding in 2002, with extra cushioning and a thick, padded tongue. Thanks to countless collaborations with skate shops, artists and brands, the SB Dunk grew into a streetwear staple.
The history of the Nike SB Dunk
Skaters had been wearing the regular Dunk for years because of its flat sole and sturdy leather. In 2002 Nike launched its skate line Nike SB under Sandy Bodecker, with the Dunk as its first model. The first versions were made with pro skaters Reese Forbes, Danny Supa, Gino Iannucci and Richard Mulder.
Collaborations with skate shops and designers soon followed. Jeff Staple’s ‘Pigeon’ Dunk caused such a crowd in New York in 2005 that the police got involved. Later, Travis Scott, Ben & Jerry’s and Parra, among others, brought releases that sold out in no time.
Design and technology
At first glance the SB Dunk looks like a regular Dunk, but it is adapted for skating. The tongue is thickly padded, the insole contains Zoom Air for impact protection and the upper is often suede or nubuck, which stands up better to grip tape. The sole has the familiar circular pattern for grip on your board.
Popular SB Dunk colorways
These SB Dunks are currently the most viewed on WOOVIN:
- SB Dunk Low ‘White Gum’ – white with black details and a light brown rubber sole.
- SB Dunk Low ‘Nardwuar’ – a collaboration with Canadian interviewer Nardwuar, in red, black, yellow and blue.
- SB Dunk Low ‘Black Gum’ – black with white details and the same light brown sole.
What is the difference between the SB Dunk and the regular Dunk?
The regular Dunk has a flat, thin tongue and a standard insole. The SB Dunk has a thick, padded tongue, Zoom Air in the insole and often sturdier materials. That makes it look fuller and feel softer. Other models got an SB version too, such as the Air Jordan 4 in collaboration with Nike SB.
How does the Nike SB Dunk fit?
The Nike SB Dunk fits true to size, but the thick tongue and extra padding make it feel a little fuller than a regular Dunk. With regular feet, order your own size. If you have wide feet, or prefer a roomier fit, go half a size up.
Buy the Nike SB Dunk at WOOVIN
On WOOVIN you will find the SB Dunk Low and High, from simple versions for the skatepark to sought-after collabs for your collection. If you are actually going to skate in them, choose suede in a calm colour. For rare collaborations, the stock comes from verified stores that confirm for each pair that it is original.
