Originally released in 1985, Nike launched the Nike Dunk as the ultimate college basketball sneaker, revolutionizing the game. These iconic Nike sneakers were not just footwear; they were a representation of school spirit, with colorways paying homage to successful college basketball programs across the country. Kentucky, Michigan, UNLV, Syracuse, St. John’s, Villanova, and Iowa each had their unique signature Dunk.
Fast forward to today, and Nike Dunks have evolved into a timeless sneaker classic that serves as a blank canvas for endless design possibilities. Notably, the skateboarding community embraced this style, resulting in some of the most sought-after Nike sneakers, such as the Nike Dunk High SB ‘FLOM,’ the Nike Dunk Low SB ‘Paris,’ and more.
At Sotheby's Streetwear & Modern Collectibles, our team of experts specializes in curating the finest sneaker collections. From sought-after sneaker collaborations to legendary classics, we present the top five rare Dunk Lows for sale now on our online Sneaker Shop.
Nike Dunk Lows Available Now
1. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Diamond Supply Co. Tiffany
In 2005, Nike SB partnered with Nick Tershay, also known as Nicky Diamonds from Diamond Supply Co., for the "Team Manager" series. Diamond Supply was already a prominent name in skate and lifestyle fashion. Tershay was commissioned to design an SB Dunk Low, resulting in an iconic pair often considered one of the most stunning Nike SB Low Dunk of all time.
Crafted in crocodile-embossed leather with striking Tiffany Blue-esque accents, Tershay's SB Dunk garnered immense hype and luxury appeal. Complementing the black crocodile texture and blue panels is a sleek metallic silver Swoosh, while the tongue tag proudly showcases the Diamond Supply Co. diamond logo. This collaboration left such a mark that Nike SB continued the partnership with Tershay, releasing a high-top Tiffany Dunk in 2013 and another Dunk SB collaboration in 2018, featuring three new colorways with the same distinctive elements.
2. Nike Dunk Low Stash with Signed Box
As part of Stash's renowned "Tools Of The Trade" traveling exhibitions, he unveiled 50 pairs of limited edition Nike Low Dunk sneakers at the prestigious Colette concept store in Paris. At the heart of the opening event was Stash's Nike Dunk, which took center stage. In addition to the Nike Dunk Lows, Stash presented and offered for sale other exclusive items born from his artistic collaborations with brands such as Nike, BAPE, and Medicom.
Each Low Dunk was meticulously numbered by the artist, with this specific pair proudly bearing the marking 41/50. Stash personally customized the shoebox, adorning the exterior lid and side label with his distinctive graffiti tag. The Dunk Lows themselves feature Stash's graffiti tags printed on the lateral side of the heel and are adorned with a paint drip motif on the quarter panels, further exemplifying the fusion of street art and footwear design.
3. Nike Dunk Low Matty Boy University Red
Introducing the Nike x Matty Boy University Red Dunk Low, a creative masterpiece from artist and Chrome Hearts creative director Matt Digiacomo, affectionately known as "Matty Boy." These unique Nike Low Dunks were commissioned and meticulously designed within Matty Boy's innovative Chrome Hearts art and design studio. They bear the hallmark of hand-painted craftsmanship, featuring whimsical, cartoon-inspired details that catch the eye. Among these distinctive elements are a star graphic, checkered black and white squares, and intriguing text reading "BRAIN" on the Dunk Low's right medial heel.
4. Nike SB Dunk Low Michael Lau Gardener Wood
Michael Lau, known as the "godfather of designer toys," is a Hong Kong-based luminary in collectibles and toy culture. His mastery in illustration and toy design has left an enduring impact on art, toys, and street culture worldwide. In 1993, he marked history with his debut solo exhibition at Hong Kong Arts Centre's Pao Galleries.
This 2006 Nike SB release, limited to 200 pairs, draws inspiration from Lau's iconic skateboarding comic, "Gardener." These Low Dunks pay tribute to the comic with a dark wood-printed upper mirroring its style and symbolic "drill holes" on the ankles resembling skateboard decks. Encased in a meticulously crafted walnut wood box, these collectible Dunk Lows exude sophistication. They come with extra laces, a signed wooden skate deck hangtag, and a stylish t-shirt accessory for a complete collector's package.
5. Nike Dunk Low Cactus Plant Flea Market Pure Platinum
The Market x Swarovski x Nike Dunk Low "Pure Platinum" reimagines the timeless Nike Dunk silhouette. This remarkable Low Dunk blankets every inch of the suede upper in resplendent Swarovski crystals, including the detachable double lace flaps and luxuriously padded tongue. The oversized Swoosh, a nod to CPFM's previous Nike Blazer collaboration in 2019, adds a bold and distinctive touch to this opulent Dunk Low's design.
