First introduced to the world in 2002, Nike’s skateboarding division set out to craft the best possible shoes for skateboarders, using iconic Nike silhouettes as inspiration. The first model that was adapted for purpose by Nike SB was none other than the Nike Dunk Low, an iconic basketball shoe that debuted back in 1985. Cut from hard wearing fabrics and offered with increased cushioning, the Dunk was an instant success and continues to prove popular even today.
Along with its newfound popularity within the skateboarding scene, the SB Dunk also picked up momentum within the sneakerhead community, with footwear fans keen on the bulky silhouette. The model was quickly used as the blank canvas for a multitude of collaborations, leading to some game-changing efforts that remain lusted after by sneaker fans today. So without further ado, let’s check out 10 of the greatest Nike SB Dunk Lows ever!
Nike SB Dunk Low "Rayguns" (2005)
Launched in 2005, the Nike SB Dunk Low “Rayguns” was based upon the Roswell Rayguns, an imaginary basketball team dreamt up by Nike during the 1970s. Featuring a blacked-out colour scheme that’s brought to life by hits of orange and red, the kicks boast an embroidered alien on the heel counter and were even honoured with a re-release in the form of 2019’s Nike SB Dunk Low “Tie-Dye Rayguns”.
Stüssy x Nike SB Dunk Low "Cherry" (2005)
2005 was seemingly a great year for the SB camp, with the label joining forces with Stüssy to debut a pair of Dunks based on neapolitan ice cream. Crafted from premium leather and boasting a pink, brown and white upper, the kicks are a fine example of Nike SB’s golden age and even come complete with cherry branding on the tongue tabs. Would you expect anything less from Stüssy though?
Ben & Jerry's x Nike SB Dunk Low "Chunky Dunky" (2020)
Nike SB most definitely embraces the weird and wonderful when it comes to collaborative efforts, such as this eye-catching pair launched in collaboration with Ben & Jerry’s. Yes, you heard us right, this is indeed a pair of ice cream-themed Dunks. Launched in highly-limited numbers, this pair sent sneakerheads into a frenzy when they launched during the peak of COVID-19 lockdowns. There was even an F&F pair that came complete in an oversized ice cream tub!
Nike SB Dunk Low "Heineken" (2003)
Launched by the Swoosh brand to pay homage to everyone’s favourite Dutch lager, the “Heineken” Dunks weren’t ever actually an official collaboration with the brewery, meaning that Nike SB landed itself a cease and desist pretty fast. Only 4,000 pairs made it through the production line before the process was halted, meaning these are some of the rarest SB’s in existence!
StrangeLove Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low (2020)
With Sean Cliver and Todd Bratrud behind the creative team over at StrangeLove Skateboards, it was no surprise that this effort from the American boarding brand was going to be a hit. Boasting velvet-like uppers and hear embroidery upon the heel counter, this pair ranks up with the greatest and is still lusted after by sneakerheads around the world today.
Why So Sad? x Nike SB Dunk Low (2022)
Founded by John Rattray, Why So Sad? is a charity-driven organisation that aims to tackle mental health stigma through skateboarding. Joining forces with Nike SB in 2022, the label offered up a navy-blue hued pair of Dunk Lows that displayed signature “Predatory Bird” details embroidered onto the heels. Combined with a very wearable colourway, the kicks make for a must-have for any serious Dunk fan!
The Grateful Dead x Nike SB Dunk Low "Opti Yellow" (2020)
Another wild colourway courtesy of Nike SB graces our list and this time it’s in the form of 2020’s collaboration with San Francisco alternative rock band The Grateful Dead. Inspired by the band’s legendary mascots, the sneakers also launched in both green and orange variations, with different regions around the globe receiving different colourways. If you’re searching for a real head-turner then look no further.
Nike SB Dunk Low "Paris" (2003)
Inspired by one of Europe’s many great cities, the Nike SB Dunk Low “Paris” launched in miniscule amounts back in 2003, with rumours stating that only 150 to 200 pairs were ever breathed into existence. Featuring artwork by French painter Bernard Buffet, no two pairs of these sneakers are identical, which makes them even more desirable!
Diamond Supply Co. x Nike SB Dunk Low "Tiffany" (2005)
Well before the days of Nike’s official collaboration with Tiffany & Co., Nike SB and Diamond Supply Co. offered up this pale-blue hued pair of SB Dunk Lows, inspired by the Manhattan-based luxury jewellers. Now considered one of the greatest SB Dunks of all time, the two brands launched a follow-up pair of high-tops back in 2014.
Nike SB Dunk Low "Freddy Krueger" (2007)
Back in 2007, Nike SB was gearing up to launch the Nike SB Dunk Low “Freddy Krueger” as part of the “Horror Stories” pack. Dedicated to the iconic movie slasher, the pair featured stripes inspired by the character’s sweater as well as blood spots for a gruesome look. However, as the colourway was never an official collaboration, New Line Cinema issued Nike with a cease and desist, meaning that the sneakers were never released. However, a select few made it out onto the market, with some pairs even featuring oil stains across the uppers (Nike employees were ordered to burn remaining pairs, although a number of pairs mysteriously disappeared).
