The Nike Dunk sneaker has an illustrious history dating back to the 1980s. But it was the introduction of the Nike SB Dunk in 2002 that cemented this shoe’s legendary status in sneaker culture.
Let’s take a journey through the evolution of the Nike SB Dunk over the past 20+ years.
Origins of the Iconic Nike Dunk Model in the Mid ’80s Basketball Scene
Long before the Nike Dunk became synonymous with skateboarding culture, it started out as a revolutionary new basketball shoe.
In 1985, Nike released the Dunk as part of its college basketball series. The name “Dunk” was a reference to the shoe’s ability to provide the lockdown and stability needed for basketball players to dunk the ball.
Some key features that set early Nike Dunk models apart were:
- Cradle design for excellent stability and cushioning
- Full-grain leather upper for comfort and durability
- Biomechanical outsole inspired by sports stadium architecture for multi-directional traction
The unique color schemes with coordinating university team colors also made the Dunk stand out from other basketball shoes.
Growing Popularity in Skating Circles in the Late ’90s
After nearly 15 years as a basketball shoe, the Nike Dunk began gaining traction within the global skateboarding community in the late 1990s.
Skaters took a liking to several signature features of the Dunk:
- Flexible and padded tongue and collar for comfort when gripping the board
- Zoom air technology in the heel to absorb shock
- Grippy, durable outsoles held up well to wear and tear
Skaters also appreciated the way they could customize their looks by swapping out Dunk laces, swooshes, heels, and fabrics.
This growing sneaker trend was chronicled in the iconic 1999 skate film “The Dunk Video.” To this day it remains a cult favorite sneaker promo video.
Entry into the SB Dunk with the 2002 Debut
Seeing skaters’ affinity for the Dunk, Nike launched Nike SB (short for Nike Skateboarding) in 2002.
They dropped the first Nike SB Dunk lows and highs in several OG color schemes inspired by classic 1980s and 90s skate shoes. These inaugural SB Dunk collaborations included:
- Reese Forbes “Denim” Dunk Low
- Danny Supa “Orange” Dunk Low
- Richard Mulder “Supa” Dunk High
This first Nike SB Dunk series release in 2002 marked the official crossover of the Dunk into global skate culture.
Evolution into a Coveted Collab Sneaker with Top Skaters and Streetwear Brands
Since breaking onto the skate scene in 2002, the SB Dunk has become one of the most prolific collaborative sneakers ever.
Top skaters who have collaborated with Nike over the years on unique SB Dunk designs include:
- Paul Rodriguez
- Stefan Janoski
- Eric Koston
- Grant Taylor
- Ishod Wair
- Kevin Bradley
The SB Dunk has also been a favorite for streetwear brands and boutiques looking to apply their own colorful creative twists:
- Supreme
- Concepts
- UNDEFEATED
- CLOT
- FTC Skateshop
- Uprise Skateshop
- and countless others
Some especially popular and valuable SB Dunk collabs have included Travis Scott editions and the “Pigeon” series designed by Jeff Staples of Reed Space shop.
Recent Comeback Fueled by Dunk Renaissance
While the SB Dunk cooled off for a few years in the early 2010s, the model came surging back over the past 5 years.
Some factors driving this new wave of Dunkmania:
- Chunky Shoe Trend – The bold, thick Dunk silhouette aligns perfectly with the recent demand for dad shoes and chunky sneakers.
- ’80s/’90s Nostalgia – Millennials and Gen Z cling to retro models like the Dunk that bring back the style of their childhood.
- Customization Culture – The Dunk canvas lends itself incredibly well to artistic reimaginings.
- Scarcity Marketing – Limited collab drops have fueled hype beast hysteria around SB Dunks.
So as much as the Nike Dunk stays rooted in skate heritage, it has also become a staple of sneaker culture, street fashion, and creative expression beyond skating alone.
The SB Dunk Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Even after 20+ years, the ever-evolving Nike SB Dunk seems to be at the peak of its popularity thanks to an endless parade of new colorways and hyped collaborations.
As skating itself continues to grow globally and sneaker culture only expands further into the mainstream, the iconic Dunk silhouette is guaranteed to remain a coveted staple for years to come.