Nike Dunk's Development Process

In 1985, the Nike Dunks was introduced as a technical basketball sneaker. They were designed with "paneling" and a lower profile enabling you to have more control during basketball moves. But, what really made the Nike Dunk was their variation of colors specifically designed to match college team uniforms. The Nike Dunks was an alternative basketball sneaker that had lighter weightand provided comfort to enhance your game. The Dunks launched Nike's "College Colors" program. This program signed selected universities to an exclusive Dunks sponsorship deal. The "College Colors" program was successful and universities like St John's, Michigan, and Syracuse all wore two-tone Nike Dunks that mimicked their team colors.

                                        
After years of cease production of the Dunks model, Nike decided to re-release them in 1998. This decision has proven to be very successful. Nike first started with classic colors in both Nike Dunks High and Nike Dunks Low models. After these caught the eyes of a new generation Nike took it a SBTG x Kobe Bryant Varsity Bones Custom Dunks step further. They commissioned popular street artists, designers, companies, and athletes to help collaborative with them on limited-edition models. This created a frenzy that has yet to cool off. The collaborators have included Haze, Danny Supa, Supreme, Zoo York, Reese Forbes, and Staple.
To align with the resurgence of skateboarding in the early 2000's Nike introduced the Dunk SB. The Dunk SB model features a "Zoom Air" insole and a extra padded tongue. These modifications provide added comfort/durability and were specifically designed for skateboarders. Yet, since many of the SB models are limited they are also extremely popular among sneaker collectors. Nike Dunks SB model releases have caused people to camp out for days, pay extreme prices, and use every "hook up" possible just to get a pair.