Since debuting in 1985, Nike Dunks have become among the most iconic sneaker styles of all time. Originally conceived as a basketball shoe, the Dunk quickly became a cult favorite in the skate community. The connection was cemented in 2002 with the creation of the Nike SB Dunk. Since then, Nike SB has become known for its unbridled creativity and experimental limited run SB Dunks. Our Streetwear and Modern Collectibles team specializes in selecting the best of the best: exciting collaborations, exclusive releases and other rare Nike SB Dunk Lows that live up to the hype.
1. Nike SB Dunk Low Premium Blue Lobster
The Nike SB Blue Lobster was designed in collaboration with New England streetwear retailer Concepts. Released in 2009, these Blue Lobster Dunks boast a colorway inspired by the ultra-rare crustacean of the same name. Speckled slate and nightshade uppers are topped with a gingham “tablecloth” liner. Included with the Blue Lobster Dunks are two blue rubber bands, which originally would have been wrapped around the toe box of the Nike SB Blue Lobster, in a nod to the traditional method of securing lobster claws.
2. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Shanghai 2
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "Shanghai 2" pays homage to the culture of Shanghai. As the second iteration of the Shanghai Dunk, this pair is influenced by the city’s cuisine, rather than the architectural influences behind the original 2004 Shanghai Dunk. This unique Nike SB Dunk Low Pro is modeled off traditional bamboo dumpling steamers. The distressed caramel leather creates a patina effect and the textured side panels mimic a woven bamboo basket. The tongue label replaces the classic Nike SB tag with the subtle outline of a bowl and chopsticks.
3. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Parra Friends & Family
The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Parra “Friends & Family” was released in 2021 and is another iteration in the collaborative relationship between Dutch artist Piet Parra and Nike. This release was limited to family and friends of the artist and followed behind the general release of Parra’s Nike SB Dunk Low “Abstract Art,” which also uses a multi-hued color scheme. This pair of Friends and Family Dunks use asymmetrical color blocking which gives each shoe a unique feel. Both shoes share a white leather toe box, collar and quarter panels, and a black Nike Swoosh with a shorter tail than usual. The right Parra Friends and Family SB utilizes a cool color palette of blue, green and red, while the left Friends and Family Dunk uses warmer tones of pink, orange and red. These Parra Friends and Family SB Dunks are decorated with both Nike and Parra branding, with his logo located on the mudguard and heel tab.
4. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Reese Forbes Denim
Released in 2002, the Nike SB Dunk Reese Forbes is considered among the most sought-after pairs of its era. The second ever SB Dunks from skateboarding legend Reese Forbes, the iconic Dunk Low Pros were designed in partnership with fellow skater Natas Kaupas. The Reese Forbes Dunk stands out for its pioneering use of material and color. Two shades of Indigo denim with frayed detailing sit atop a contrasting red outsole, channeling the quintessential American aesthetic. A true original, the Nike SB Dunk Reese Forbes has earned its place in the sneaker canon, serving as inspiration for a new generation of designs. The influence of the Reese Forbes Dunk can be seen not only in the Nike SB Dunk High of 2017, but in countless other pairs to introduce frayed denim on their uppers.
5. Nike SB Dunk Low Michael Lau Gardener Wood Friends and Family
Michael Lau, known as the “godfather of designer toys,” is an important figure in the worldwide collectibles scene. Originating from Hong Kong, Lau is famous largely due to his talents in illustration and toy design. The Nike SB Dunk Low Michael Lau Gardener Wood, released in 2006 in a very limited production run, is based on Lau’s skateboarding comic strip, Gardener. This SB Dunk Friends and Family shoe pays homage to Gardener through the dark brown wood-like printed upper and the four “drill holes” on the ankles, representative of the holes found on a deck. The SB Dunk Friends and Family edition features a unique wood grain midsole, different from the official release. These Michael Lau Nike SB sneakers come in a beautifully finished walnut wood box with extra pair of laces and special mini accessories, including a mini wooden hang tag and mini T-shirt shoe charms. Most notably, it's presented with a custom vinyl toy, something no Michael Lau Nike SB collab would be complete without. The wooden box also has laser incisions made on the corner, and opens differently than the box from the pair’s retail release.
