Nike SB Dunk High Pro ‘D.U.N.K.L.E’ | US 10

Released in 2004, the Nike SB Dunk High Pro "D.U.N.K.L.E." was a groundbreaking collaboration between the experimental hip-hop group U.N.K.L.E. and New York City graffiti artist Futura. With its limited production rumored to be fewer than 1,000 pairs, this release also introduced the now-iconic pink SB Dunk box for the first time.

Conceived as a fusion of classic court aesthetics adapted for street skating, the Nike SB Dunk has evolved into a symbol of collaborative creativity. Mirroring the eclectic approach of the musical ensemble, the D.U.N.K.L.E. juxtaposed colours, materials, and characters against the Dunk's iconic silhouette. The shoe features a black leather upper with pink overlays to provide contrast. The entire upper uses graphics by the artist Futura, with distinguishable characters on the mid-lateral panel, found under a white Nike swoosh. The shoe sits on a black midsole with a cream outsole and features Mo’Wax-branded insoles.

James Lavelle, the visionary force behind U.N.K.L.E., remains active in music and fashion circles. Collaborating with a wide array of musical talents, including Thom Yorke, Richard Ashcroft, Brian Eno, and Josh Homme, Lavelle continues to shape the landscape of contemporary music. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to streetwear culture through partnerships with iconic brands like Supreme, Undercover, and Hysteric Glamour. His influence extends beyond music and fashion, having curated prestigious events like the Meltdown festival and providing the soundtrack for Virgil Abloh's final Off-White runway show. Lavelle's enduring impact underscores the interconnectedness of music, art, and fashion in contemporary society.

The Nike SB Dunk made its formal debut in 2002 when Nike officially reappropriated the famed Dunk basketball sneaker originally designed in the 1980s with upgrades suited for the skateboarding community. The man behind it, former Nike executive Sandy Bodecker, is credited with building one of Nike’s most beloved subdivisions in the early 2000s with the Nike SB line.