2024.04.23

The Popular 'NIKE DUNK' Developed for Skaters – Defining the Appeal of 'NIKE SB'

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Reigning supreme as the king of sneakers, 'NIKE' developed the sneaker line for skaters, known as 'NIKE Skateboarding', abbreviated as 'NIKE SB'. Popular models, including the 'DUNK', have evolved for skateboarding and attracted new fans. Katsushige Kamamoto, the representative of 'Sneaker Shop SKIT', shared the history, evolution, and appeal of 'NIKE SB'.

The Journey Began with Skaters Digging 'DUNK' out of Clearance Sales

The unprecedented sneaker boom from the 1990s to the early 2000s saw the 'NIKE DUNK' adorned in the colors of top NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) teams gaining popularity in the USA.

It seems the sales were quite good, but eventually, due to the large volume of distribution, some shoes were sold at clearance sales. It was the skaters who spotted these sneakers. Kamamoto explained the origins of 'NIKE SB'.

The first collaboration model between the apparel brand 'STUSSY' and 'NIKE SB'. This design, created by Stussy's brand manager Robby Jeffers, featured a cherry on the shoe tongue – a nod to his favorite dessert, hence the nickname 'Cherry DUNK'

"As the popularity of the NCAA waned and 'NIKE DUNK' and other sneakers appeared in clearance sales, it was natural for skaters to take notice. For skaters, sneakers are consumables. DUNK utilized durable leather for the upper and added reinforcing parts in areas that are prone to damage from tricks and require support.