Labelled as one of Nike's greatest inventions, the Nike Dunk has been positioned in mainstream consciousness, becoming a fan favourite for not only conventional sneakerheads but also those invested in the thrifty lifestyle market.
From hitting the hardwoods in the mid-'80s to making its well-deserved resurgence in the 2020s, its arguably simplistic build has become a canvas for designers and cultural tastemakers throughout the years.
At Crep, we want to celebrate this iconography by selecting our top 10 Dunks. Stay tuned as this is going to be one heated lineup.
1. Nike x Supreme SB Dunk ‘Cement Grey’ (2002)
The collab that started it all. When Nike linked up with Supreme on the Nike SB Dunk Low it became one of those pinch-me moments for sneaker purists across the globe.
This goated crossover drew inspiration from the elephant-printed design featured on Tinker Hatfield’s Air Jordan 3 model and came in sparse quantities, with the fit being limited to an alleged 500 pairs.
2. Nike SB Dunk High ‘Skunk Dunk’ (2010)
For all the fellow green smokers out there - this one is for you. 4/20 marks an Indigenous holiday for all the cannabis lovers out there and in 2010, Nike paid ode to this annual celebration through their iconic Skunk Dunk.
Todd Braturd’s masterpiece came kitted out in a napped green suede to resemble the marijuana plant, complete with notes of purple that embellish the Swoosh, breaking up the earthy arrangement up top. Undoubtedly a true icon in our eyes.
3. Nike SB Dunk Low ‘What the Dunk’ (2007)
Legendary in its namesake, the Nike 'What the Dunk' Low Pro SB stands as a coveted masterpiece by James Arizumi. Crafted from 31 distinct Nike SB Dunks, including Paris, London, and an unreleased eBay Dunk, it's a collector's dream weaving a tale of sneaker excellence.
4. Nike Dunk High Pro SB ‘Flom’ (2004)
A gem amongst friends and family drops, the Nike Dunk High Pro SB 'Flom' was a graffiti-inspired masterpiece by Futura. Just 3 of 24 pairs reached the public, and in 2020, it dominated the Sotheby's 'Cult Canvas' auction as the top-selling Nike Dunk.
5. Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Paris’ ( 2003)
Nike added some je ne sais quoi into your strides with the release of the Nike SB Dunk ‘Paris’. Forming as part of the lauded ‘City Pack’, the sneaker included the lively artwork of French artist Bernard Buffet and was limited to 202 pairs.
6. Nike SB Dunk Low Pigeon (2005)
Serving amongst many grails that have come out of the SB collection, the Nike Dunk Low SB ‘Pigeon’ put designer Jeff Staples on the map, with his eclectic pigeon design mimicking the muse of New York City life. This sneaker was later featured in the New York leg of the White Dunk Exhibition.
7. Nike x Ben Jerry’s Chunky Dunky (2020)
Let’s get the inside scoop on the Nike SB Dunk x Ben & Jerry’s ‘Chunky Dunky’. This whacky, fun-filled friends and family sneaker debuted in 2020, drawing inspiration from the lively packaging gracing many of Ben & Jerry’s products.
8. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro ‘ London’ (2004)
Despite its cancelled debut at the White Dunk: Evolution of Icon Exhibition, the OG Nike SB Dunk Low ‘London’ became extremely popular with sneaker purists across the globe. Only 202 pairs were made and exclusively stocked by London-based retailer Footpatrol.
9. Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Freddy Krueger’ (2007)
The Nike SB Dunk Low ‘Freddy Krueger’ was the nightmare before Halloween. After a cease and desist notice was put out by New Line Cinema about the Kruegers meant that its official release was cancelled, however, its pre-released 28 pairs made it one of the most sought-after sneakers to date.
10. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro ‘Diamond Supply Co.Tiffany’ (2005)
In 2005, Nike gave Diamond Supply Co. owner Nick Tershay the reins to revamp the SB Dunk Low. With crocodile leather and vibrant turquoise uppers added into the mix, this limited 4,000-pair edition became the holy grail in skate shops worldwide.
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