The Complete History and Buyer's Guide of the Iconic Nike Dunk Low Sneaker

The Iconic Nike Dunk Low

The Nike Dunk Low has become one of the most iconic sneakers ever created. Originally designed as a basketball shoe in the 1980s, the Dunk Low has evolved into a coveted lifestyle shoe that has stood the test of time. Let's take a closer look at what makes the Nike Dunk Low such a legendary kick.

Origins on the Basketball Court

Nike released the first Dunk shoes in 1985 as a leather basketball sneaker. The name "Dunk" came from the shoe being designed to provide extra stability and support for basketball players when slam dunking. The original colors and designs took inspiration from college basketball teams.

The Dunk Low featured a lower cut collar compared to the standard Dunk, allowing for more ankle mobility on the court. While initially popular amongst basketball players, once production ceased in 1998, the Dunk faded from prominence as a performance shoe. But this opened the door for its eventual resurgence in streetwear and sneaker culture.

Transition to Streetwear Icon

In the early 2000s, Nike relaunched the Dunk to appeal to sneakerheads and streetwear enthusiasts. New vibrant color schemes with premium leather and suede fabrics transformed the classic basketball design into a fashion statement.

Collaborations with recognizable brands and artists like Supreme and Travis Scott introduced the Dunk Low to a new generation of hypebeasts. Special edition Dunks in limited quantities created collectability and scarcity, driving up demand.

Anatomy of the Nike Dunk Low

A few key elements of the Nike Dunk Low's design contribute to its continued popularity decades after its debut:

• Distinctive silhouette - The low-profile look provides flexibility while maintaining the Dunk's signature shape.
• Vibrant color blocking - Contrasting pops of color on premium material updates attract modern hypebeasts.
• Stylized Swoosh logo - The iconic Nike branding on the side adds recognition.
• Thick, padded tongue - More cushioning brings comfort along with the vintage basketball aesthetic.
• Textured sole - The visible air pockets and tread pattern give a retro sporty vibe.

These days the Nike Dunk Low comes in virtually endless colorway options to match anyone's personal style.

Cultural Impact on Sneaker Community

Along with its trendsetting design, much of the Dunk Low's continuing prestige comes from its cultural impact as a cornerstone sneaker:

• Influenced modern sneaker fashion - Ushered in an era of louder statement shoes led by Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas, and others.
• Inspired sneaker conventions - Events like Sneaker Con directly trace back to the waves the Dunk made in collector culture.
• Represents sneaker customization - Both Nike SB and independent artists have used the Dunk blank canvas to showcase creativity.
• Unified casual and athletic styles - The Dunk blurred lines between sportswear and street fashion now common in the sneaker world.

For sneaker lovers young and old, the Nike Dunk Low represents decades of history through its ups and downs and everchanging influence.

Where to Buy the Nike Dunk Low

The popularity boom in recent years has made scoring a pair of Dunk Lows more competitive. But Nike still churns out new releases that sell out fast. Outside of launch days, here are the best places to buy Nike Dunk Low shoes:

Nike SNKRS App

Nike's SNKRS app offers early and exclusive access to the most coveted new Dunk colorways like the latest Syracuse and Kentucky schemes. You'll have to be quick to beat the bots and competition on release mornings.

Nike.com

In addition to launches on SNKRS, Nike sells Dunk Low stock on their website with an expansive selection. General release color options tend to be widely available if you miss limited pairs on release days.

Select Retailers & Skate Shops

Boutiques like Kith and Social Status carry unique Dunk Low makeups you won't find elsewhere. Nike SB accounts like Premier add limited distribution while supporting skate culture. Entries are still raffled off quickly.

Resale Market

If you took an L on Dunks at retail, resale sites like StockX and GOAT offer past releases. But expect to pay well over face value, especially for collaboration models or rare designs.

Consistency entering raffles both online and in-person will eventually score you a W for retail over time.

Maintaining Your Nike Dunk Lows

Taking proper care of your Dunk Lows helps keep them fresh while retaining value as sought-after kicks. Here’s a quick guide to maintaining your pair over years of wear:

Cleaning

Use gentle cleaners and brushes to wipe away dirt and stains from leather, suede or textile uppers. Just mix in a small amount of mild soap and water. Let them fully air dry afterwards.

Storage

Keep Dunk Lows stored properly in breathable containers away from extreme heat or moisture that can damage materials quicker. Adding cedar shoe trees helps wick away odor and maintains the shape.

Repairs

Don't try any DIY fixes like ironing cracked leather or re-stitching soles. Trust professional sneaker restoration specialists for subtle touch ups that retain collectability for rare pairs.

With some TLC, even well-loved Dunk Lows will hold up for the long run.

The Future of the Nike Dunk Low

After going dormant then rediscovering its niche, the Dunk Low shows no signs of slowing down. As vintage designs inspire modern interpretations, Nike will undoubtedly keep the sneaker relevant for decades more to come through relentless innovation.

With budding sneakerheads growing up watching the Dunk achieve icon status early on, its living legacy continues to be passed down representing over 35 years of sneaker history.

FAQs

Why are Nike Dunks so popular?

Nike Dunks have become hugely popular among sneakerheads due to their iconic style going back to the 1980s, limited collaboration releases, and adoption by celebrities/influencers driving up demand.

What is the difference between SB Dunks and standard Dunks?

Nike SB (skateboarding) Dunks feature a thicker padded tongue and Zoom Air insoles for more comfort and impact protection. Standard Dunk shoes maintain a classic basketball look without the extra cushioning.

Where can I buy vintage Dunk colorways?

Online resale sites like eBay, StockX, and GOAT allow you to search for specific retro or limited edition Dunk releases. But expect to pay higher than original prices for the most in-demand OG designs.

How much do Dunk SB collaborations resell for?

Some of the most coveted collaboration Dunks like the Diamond Supply Co Tiffany’s or Ben & Jerry’s can resale for $1,000+ above their ~$100 retail pricing if preserved in new condition long term.