One of the most popular line of sneakers within the Nike brand is called the Nike Dunk, these shoes were introduced to the market back in 1985, they were available in many colors and styles as well, they featured a high top or low top and were for the most part intended to be used by college and university basketball players.
As time went by the Nike Dunk went through an evolution stage and became more than a basketball sneaker, he became a subcultural icon which is now used to make a fashion statement. Even though the Nike dunk became more of a cultural and fashion accessory the design of this shoe clearly shows that it was intended to be used during high intensity basketball games, the soul of the shoe is a lot wider and closer to the ground, these modifications decrease the weight of the shoe and effectively improve the performance of basketball players. The paneling structure was also revised in order to be more effective during blocking and pivoting.
The Nike Dunks was basically used to promote and launch Nike's College colors program in which the company sponsored many average basketball teams and provided them with this new line of shoe which were modified in order to match the colors of the basketball team uniform.
Some of the colleges and universities which participated in this "basketball sneaker revolution" were: the
Unlike the Air Jordan's, the Dunks have been produced in mass in order to accommodate and adapt to the growing demand, ironically enough special editions of Nike Dunks often fetch very high prices in the online market, if you are an online buyer who visits auction sites you may have noticed the some of shoes in this sneakers line called "What the dunks" may be sold for as much as $1800, which is the highest price recorded in an auction site which relates to a sports shoe, in this case Nike Dunks.
Probably the reason for popularity of one of the most diverse footwear ranges presented by Nike, Nike dunks that are available in a variety of designs and colors is due to an unintended reason. Let us put it this way, the brand was planned to lead what Nike termed as "College Colors" program where they signed up a few typical college basketball teams and made Nike Dunks match their uniforms. This is perhaps most unlikely of Nike to have started much lower in the ladder than they would do in any normal situation.
Today, as it stands, it is one of the high kick fad sneakers any youngster would like in his wardrobe not withstanding his or her allegiance to a particular sport. Looking at this, it appears that the low key launch was definitely not an unintentional one going by the hype it created in the minds of young things from the day one. Check the success recipe for yourself. Nike Dunks are very rarely made with only a couple of colors. They are also a hit for their low profile outer soles and lightweight, tailor made to serve specific basketball moves like blocking and pivoting.
It is nothing new that Nike Dunks are really selling pretty hot right now; and ever since it was reintroduced ten years ago, both Nike Dunk and Nike Dunk Sb have gone on to change the face of the rustic notion of basketball shoes into sorts of cultural icons, certainly nothing short of creating inspiration for fashion. Like Nike Dunks, Nike Dunk Sb also has a lower outer sole profile compared with all other shoes of its genre.
In fact, Nike Dunk SB was specially created for skateboarders with their specific requirements in mind. Again, as if to create hoopla, Nike Dunk SB was produced in semi-limited quantities and viola, they have had a great appeal with 'trendy' teens. All in all, the crux of the matter that remains is that the Nike Dunks' mesmerizing color ways, breathtaking designs, technological exuberance and historical significance within sneaker culture have led it to the hearts and heads among sneaker lovers.
Nike Dunks' second run from 1998 to 2000 was the most critical stretch for both itself and Nike Dunk SB in terms of proving their ability in regaining market positions. Their different versions released in two reversed colors of their original selves. This was in addition to the revolutionary nylon tongue and arch supports, distinctive from today's releases. This often led to hardships to the manufacturer that found it extremely difficult to meet production targets, thanks to the ever increasing demand.
Success for anything, Nike Dunks and Nike Dunk SBs in the case, comes from many corners when they come. Nike Dunks, the basketball line became a rage in the skateboarding circuit given its technicalities; and no one needs an introduction to their famed style preferences.
A long way for Nike Dunks that weigh just three ounces of leather plus six ounces of rubber! Way to go!
Nike's most popular skateboarding shoe, Nike Dunk SBs have all the the high quality design features that Nike offers. Nike Dunk SBs have been available for over 3 years now, and come in over 65 different color variations and styles. No other skateboarding shoe has so much variety. I really enjoyed testing these shoes out - I used the Nike Dunk Low Pro SBs. They were just thin enough to give great feedback, but also strong enough to not wear through during testing.
Nike Dunks Pro SB Features
Nike Dunk Pro SBs are well made, and deceptively simple feeling skateboarding shoes. All are double stitched, action leather and suede. From there, each of the Nike Dunks has its own style. Like I said, there are over 65 different styles of Nike Dunks available at this moment - some are high tops, like the Dunk High Pro SB, with the stylish old school solid profile sole. Others have a more sporty look, like the Dunk Low Pro SB with stitched sole and a multi purpose design. Nike even has Baby Dunk SBs that only come in baby sizes.
Nike Dunk Pro SBs are most definitely skatable. The thin Zoom Air soles give great board feedback while still maintaining cushion. The only problem here is that the uppers are fairly thin - you will wear out your Nike Dunks pretty quick if you do a lot of flip tricks. But this thin-ness is what allows for better control. It's a trade off.
Nike Dunk Pro SBs are also more long and narrow than most other skateboarding shoes. If you have wide feet (like me), you might want to get a half size larger shoe than you usually would. You also might want to stop by a show and try them out before you buy them, just to make sure you get the right size.
Nike Making Skate Shoes
Only a few years ago Nike decided to enter the skateboard shoe market. One of their first shoes was the Nike Dunk. Dunks were originally basketball shoes (thus the name "Dunk") back in the 80s, but the shoe worked fairly well for skateboarding too, having a flat sole that allowed for good board feel. Since the Dunk's evolution into a skateboarding shoe, the letters "SB" have been added to signify their link to Skateboarding. Nike Dunks now feature the Zoom Air sole, suede toe caps for better board grip, and nice puffy tongues.
However, since the start Nike has had the stigma of a big company coming into skateboarding just to make some money. I was apprehensive at first about Nike skate shoes, but I like the way they've gone about it. Instead of making cheap crap skateboarding shoes and trying to undercut the skate shoe market, Nike has taken the high road. Nike Dunks have their own unique style, and while some of their shoes look like a pack of crayons left on a stove burner, some of them look pretty cool. And all of them are well made. Whatever your take on Nike being in the skate market, it is nice that they actually took the time to make skateboarding shoes that work well.
The Bottom Line
Like everything with skateboarding, you should do what you want, and express yourself. If you like the look and feel of Nike Dunk Pro SBs, go for 'em. I like the strong response and board feel that Nike Dunk SBs give, and some of the colors are sick. It's also ice to have a pair of skate shoes that can double for other sports - most large puffy skate shoes don't work that well for other sports. And, to top all of this off, the Nike skate team is very strong with guys like X Games gold medalist Paul Rodriguez.
Nike Dunk Pro SBs work great for skateboarding, are comfortable, and there are so many out there that even your grandma could find a pair that she likes. Not many skate shoes last for three years on the market, but Nike Dunk Pro SBs are still going strong. There's a reason for that - Nike spent some time on these, and is dedicated to making sure Nike Dunk SBs work well for skateboarding. I really enjoyed testing these shoes out. They get scuffed up fast, and I can see that they will wear out sooner than puffy moonboot skate shoes, but the responsiveness and feel are perfect. I would prefer if they were a little wider, but that's only if I'm looking for something to whine about.
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