Not a week that goes by where people don't ask us: "What Makes Nike Dunks So Special?" and "Why Are Nike Dunks So Popular?"
Nike Dunks Lows are everywhere these days. Whether you're in Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, Nike Dunks are worn by Streetwear Enthusiasts, Bondi and Toorak Mums, Instagram and Tiktok Influencers to Aussie Drill Rappers.
It's hard not to notice the sudden surge in popularity for this classic sneaker silhouette. But what's behind the hype? Why is everyone wearing Nike Dunk Lows in Australia? Why are Nike Dunk Low Pandas on everyone's feet?
In this article, we'll dive into the history of the Nike Dunk, its resurgence in collective fashion zeitgeist, and what makes the Nike Dunk Low so appealing to sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike.
History of the Nike Dunk
The Nike Dunk was originally released in 1985 as a basketball shoe by Nike. Designed by Peter Moore, the Nike Dunk was created to compete with other popular basketball shoes of the time, such as the Adidas Superstar and Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star. The Nike Dunk quickly gained popularity among college basketball players, thanks to its superior cushioning and support.
In the 1990s, the Nike Dunk started to gain traction in the skateboarding community. Skateboarders appreciated the shoe's durable construction and grippy sole, which made it a great choice for skateboarding. Nike recognized this trend and started to release Dunk colorways specifically for the skateboarding market.
The Nike Dunk's popularity continued to grow throughout the 2000s, with a number of collaborations and limited-edition releases. Some of the most iconic Nike Dunk collaborations include the Nike SB Dunk Low "Pigeon" by Jeff Staple and the Nike SB Dunk Low "Heineken" by Kicks Hawaii. These collaborations helped to solidify the Nike Dunk's place in sneaker culture.
Resurgence of the Nike Dunk
After a few quiet years, the Nike Dunk has recently made a comeback in the fashion world. Sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts alike have taken notice of the Nike Dunk's timeless design and versatility. The Nike Dunk is a sneaker that can be dressed up or down, making it a versatile choice for any outfit.
The resurgence of the Nike Dunk can be traced back to 2020, when Nike released a number of highly anticipated Dunk collaborations. Some of the most popular collaborations include the Nike Dunk Low "Chunky Dunky" by Ben & Jerry's and the Nike Dunk Low "Kentucky" by Concepts. These collaborations sparked renewed interest in the Nike Dunk and set the stage for its resurgence in popularity.
Why Everyone is Wearing Nike Dunk Lows
Nike Dunk Lows are popular and special because they are a classic, versatile sneaker silhouette that has stood the test of time. It's a shoe that can be worn by anyone, regardless of age or personal style. The Nike Dunks come in thousands of different colourways and so there is a pair for any taste and can therefore be worn with a variety of outfits.
In addition to its classic design and versatility, the Nike Dunk Low is also a highly collectible sneaker. The number of Limited-edition releases and collaborations are insane!
Owning a rare or limited-edition pair of Nike Dunk Lows is a way for collectors to show they're "in the know" without saying it - getting the tick of approval and admiration of other sneakerheads for their dedication to the hobby.
Finally, the Nike Dunk Low has become a popular choice among influencers and celebrities and have become a integral part of sneaker culture. The laundry list of Nike Dunk lovers is endless, with notable stars such as Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh (R.I.P) creating their own unique Nike Dunk designs, and even other celebrities like Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid known to rock their favourite Nike Dunk Lows.
Nike Dunks are have cemented the their place in popular culture being the staple pair in places like LA.
And it looks like Nike Dunks are only getting bigger in Australia.
