After first debuting in 1985 as basketball shoe, the Nike Dunk has since become a streetwear staple. According to StockX, the demand and value for Dunks soared in 2020—the average pair can resell for $500. The good news is that the sneaker market has not slowed down in 2021.
With everyone from Travis Scott, The Grateful Dead, and Ben & Jerry’s releasing their own Nike Dunk collaborations, sneakerheads are enjoying more releases than ever before. If you’re thinking of adding some Dunks to your collection, here are some releases to consider.
NIKE SB PARRA DUNKS
Designed by Dutch artist Piet Parra — who also happens to be Nike’s official designer for the Olympic skateboarding team — the Nike SB Parra Dunks feature the artist’s signature graphic motif. In recognition of the 2021 Olympics’ host country, Japan, these shoes have been rendered with touches of Japanese art and a smaller signature Swoosh.
PRICE $110
ARE THEY WORTH BUYING Considering that Parra’s past Nike collabs have been some of the most well-received, copping a pair may be tricky. If you can get your hands on a pair, though, you’ll be bringing home functional art that will have a high resale value.
SOCIAL STATUS X NIKE DUNK
Inspired by the milk cartons from free summertime lunches, the Social Status x Nike Dunk collection will include two colorways of the Nike Dunk Low and Nike Dunk Mid. Also called the “Free Lunch” collection, these shoes will come in Strawberry and Chocolate iterations. To complete the summer school nostalgia, the shoes feature an enlarged jewel Swoosh, buttery velour, and premium leather overlays.
PRICE TBA
ARE THEY WORTH BUYING? If you’re a fan of pastel colorways, then you won’t regret buying one—or both—of the shoes in this release. What’s more, the specially designed shoe boxes made to resemble cereal boxes will certainly stand out in your collection. If you belong to a family of sneakerheads, Nike is also releasing these pairs in full-family sizing.
NIKE SB DUNK X QUARTERSNACKS
Another collaboration between Nike and the renowned skater magazine Quartersnacks, their 2021 release celebrates skateboarding’s first Olympic appearance. The Nike SB Dunk x Quartersnacks 2021 release is full of subtle nuances that skaters will appreciate. The bold zebra pattern on the toe box and mid-panel allude to Little Debbie’s Zebra cakes—a classic skater snack—and the heel logo is a remixed version of the company’s NYC logo. As opposed to the usual thicker SB tongues, this pair features a thinner regular styled Dunk tongue.
PRICE TBA
ARE THEY WORTH BUYING Since many aficionados say that the SB Dunks were actually responsible for this line’s mainstream popularity, then it may be a good investment to get this pair. Especially, since it’s in collaboration with one of the skating world’s most trusted names, Quartersnacks.
NIKE SB X BANDAI DUNK HIGH
Who says that toys are just for kids? The Nike SB x Bandai Dunk Highs pay homage to one of Japan’s most iconic toys, Gundam. Fans of the series will notice that the toe box resembles armor from the original run, and the Gundam Unicorn insignia can be seen on the heel. Although a release date and price is yet to be released, sneakerheads can expect this release this summer.
PRICE TBA
ARE THEY WORTH BUYING Considering that these are made in honor of a beloved franchise and the Olympics, we think this pair is definitely a collectable. Available in two colorways, these shoes even come with interchangeable Swooshes so you can make it your own.
For more on the latest releases—with honest reviews—from Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and other footwear brands, check out our Kicks section.
