Nike SB Dunk Low in new “Brazil” Colour way set to drop in May.
By Michael Barbara | May 19, 2020In the realm of streetwear, the culture of hype beasts and sneaker fanatics the Nike Dunks reign as one of the most sought – after and elusive pair of shoes. These cult sneakers come in limited drops at staggered stages yearly and often are the subject of nike’s most exciting collaborations such as Off-White and Strange Love as well as the unconventional forthcoming collaboration with Ben&Jerry’s. Often being gone before completing an entire hour from their release re-sellers will often flip a pair of dunks for over 4 times the price, the overwhelming demand for them now however, hasn’t always been the case.
Nike Skateboarding known as Nike SB is the Nike brand for all skateboarding clothes, sneakers and equipment. The brand first ventured into the realm of skateboarding in 1997 when the first line of skateboarding sneakers were produced. The sneakers however did not filter down into the market as retailers at the time would favour bigger, much more established skateboarding brands such as Vans, DC and Globe a lineup in which Nike was the odd one out, and didn’t receive the necessary support.
By 2002 the SB brand is fully formulated under which the first version of the much loved nike SB Dunk low was released performing mediocre sales. By 2004 Paul Rodriguez is signed as figurehead of the brand and went on to recruit Lewis Marnell, a professional Australian skateboarder as the sole team rider in order to drive sales. A collection of Dunks was then released in the hands of Californian skate boarders and featured a renewed design such as extra padding and triple stitching, a staple of skate shoes. In 2007 Nike, and their now fully formed SB team released their video “Nothing But The Truth” which would go on to become a global success.
As the SB team continued to grow nike invested in lucrative collaborations with big names such as Supreme, their city series (Paris, Tokyo, London, and Pigeon) remain as one of the most coveted SB gems of all-time. By the tail end of the 2000’s the Nike SB brand and their signature sneakers had become the ones to own. Eventually more attention would be payed to the hype generated around a new Dunk drop, using intricate storytelling techniques and smart marketing. The shoes eventually became much more than just something to skate in, collect or wear; they became a commodity for the cool and niche, much like today.
The forthcoming “Brazil” SB Dunk low is the first of three colour ways included in the “Team Tones” pack and is set to drop on the 21st of May. “Brazil” revisits a colour way almost forgotten from the 2000’s showcasing Brazil’s signature national colours using the vibrant Varsity Maize for the unders and the complementing Pine Green for the overlays. Thin mesh tongues make for a sleek upper look in the same maize shade. The sneaker comes with white laces and the nike air insignia in green to round off the entire look.
Set your reminders in order to cop this remastered classic for yourself, dropping on the 21st of May at £85.
Researcher: Milo Gall, @ Milog_Gall