NIKE” is a mega sports brand that continues to be loved by people all over the world. It reigns as a popular brand that is constantly evolving, with a lineup of many sneakers equipped with high-spec functions in addition to high design quality. This time, we focus on the “NIKE SB DUNK,” the skateboarding line of the “NIKE DUNK,” which is known for its vivid colors and playful designs. From NIKE’s history to the comparison with the regular DUNK model, and the introduction of the development type, it is thoroughly explained!
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History of NIKE
NIKE was founded in 1972 by Phil Knight. The company name is said to be derived from ” Nike, ” the Greek goddess of victory. Phil Knight, a middle-distance runner at the University of Oregon, teamed up with Bill Bowerman, a track and field coach, to establish Blue Ribbon Sports, the predecessor of Nike, in 1964. The company imported products from Japan’s Tiger Corporation (ASICS), but later began to develop and design its own products, giving birth to Nike as we know it today. Nike became a famous brand when athletes wore Nike shoes at the Munich Olympics. In addition to its high functionality, Nike has developed a lineup of sophisticatedly designed sneakers and has become an indispensable brand not only in the world of sports, but also in the fashion scene.
Nike’s most famous model ” DUNK
Nike has created many masterpieces, and the “NIKE DUNK,” the model on which the “NIKE SB DUNK” is based, is one of the most popular models representing the brand. The Dunk debuted in 1985 as part of the “College Color Program,” a promotion for the NCAA’s men’s basketball tournament. At the time, most bash shoes were based on black or white, but the Dunk’s vivid colors, which boldly reflected the school colors of the participating schools, attracted attention, and the sneaker quickly became a popular model. In fact, there is a backstory to this promotion: Nike was planning to increase sales by adding more color variations.
How “NIKE SB DUNK” was born?
The “SB” in Nike SB Dunk stands for “skateboarding. The Nike SB Dunk was originally released as a bash, but skaters began to like it because of its high grip, support for lateral movement, durability of the upper and sole, and fashionable look. At the time, some skaters even exchanged one foot with a partner who had a different dominant foot, wearing dunks in different colors on both sides, creating a unique culture. Nike entered the skateboarding category in 2002. In 2002, Nike entered the skateboarding category with a new line of skater shoes with a new design and functionality: “NIKE SB” for short. The release of the “DUNK LOW PRO SB,” a sneaker with a shock-absorbing “Zoom Air” insole system, brought the brand to the attention of professional skaters around the world.
Difference between ” NIKE DUNK ” and ” NIKE SB DUNK
What is the difference between the regular Dunk and the SB Dunk? The features of the Dunk SB are explained while comparing it with the Dunk.
The feature of “Nike SB Dunk” (1) “Highly resilient sole with Zoom Air
The Nike SB Dunk features ” Zoom Air “, which is a high-pressure air-filled midsole that is not included in the regular Dunk model. It is extremely elastic and provides high cushioning and softness that cannot be felt in regular sneakers. In addition, by setting the outsole flat, the ground contact area is increased, which also improves friction and stability. This highly resilient cushioning and stable sole is what keeps skaters on their feet.
Feature of Nike SB Dunk (2) “Adoption of materials to improve durability
Skateboarding, which involves more friction with the deck and ground than other models, also damages shoes more quickly than other sports. Therefore, the Nike SB Dunk is made of highly durable materials. By constructing the upper with friction-resistant materials such as suede and nubuck, durability is greatly improved. It is also an attractive point that gives the shoe a modern and sophisticated look.
Feature of Nike SB Dunk (3) “Thick shoe tongue for good foot comfort”.
Skaters who perform a variety of tricks place great importance on the feel of the sneaker on their feet. The Nike SB Dunk has a thicker shoe tongue than the Dunk. It is thick enough to be visible, and supports skaters’ feet with a soft feel. It is less likely to cause shoe soreness even under load, leading to a comfortable fit. The SB letters are also printed on the shoe tongue, a design detail that makes it easy to tell that the shoes are from the SB series.
Feature of Nike SB Dunk ④ “Long-lasting oval laces
The SB model uses the usual oval laces. The oval laces are durable and will last for a long time, even when skateboarding, where the board is in direct contact with the foot and the laces are subjected to friction. The advantage is that they are flexible and easy to tighten, making them an excellent shoe lace for skateboarding.
Feature of Nike SB Dunk ⑤ “Many collaboration models with skater culture and famous skaters
As a skateboarding-specific line, the Nike SB Dunk also features many collaborative models with skater culture and famous skaters. Every time a new model is released, it attracts a lot of attention from the skater community, including sneaker freaks. The lineup features a wide variety of items with playful and diverse designs, such as vivid colors typical of Dunk and combinations of different material patterns. The high quality of the designs is attracting attention not only in the skate scene but also in the street scene. The shoe boxes are also stylishly finished to reflect the brand’s attention to detail, and many enthusiasts display them as part of their collections.
