Nike

Though Nike and MEDICOM TOY began their partnership in 2002, the first sneaker collaboration between the Japanese collectibles brand and Nike SB was released in 2004. 

Medicom, best known for its BE@RBRICK collectible toys, has built a huge following through its collaborative efforts with brands, individuals and fictional characters. The first of the brand’s many sneaker collaborations with Nike, the Nike SB Dunk Low 'Medicom 1' features a clean white leather upper with blue and orange accents. The BE@RBRICK logo is embroidered onto the lateral heel, while a double layered Swoosh makes the style especially distinctive: this shoe marks Nike SB’s first use of the technique, and the contrast of the blue Swoosh atop the orange below makes these grails instantly recognisable. 

Adding to the hype, the shoe was released exclusively to registered members of Medicom’s Japanese website. Speaking about the collaboration, Nike SB’s Senior Creative Director Jesse Leyva said, “Medicom is just part of the fabric of Harajuku. When you look at Harajuku culture, there's streetwear. Then within streetwear, there's art, music, sneakers and toys. It all goes hand-in-hand.”