Nike released the first Nike Dunk in 1985, a high top. They were released in the colors of colleges around the country who had superior basketball teams. The same year, Michael Jordans first signature shoe was released, seen here. It was a marketing technique by Nike, and a sound one, and the sales of the shoe soared. But with new technology and NBA endorsements, the shoe slowly fell from favor, and eventually was almost completely forgotten.
Nike SB Dunk is specifically designed for skateboard ( SB ) customers. It has a zoom air insole unlike the regular dunks. Nike SB Dunks are extremely rare, only available in selected skateboard shops and each authorized store gets only 1 set of each style!! Be one of the very selected few to own a pair of these sweet Nike SB Dunks!!
The same year, Michael Jordan, a young basketball player with amazing promise, signed his contract for his first pro model shoe for Nike. Michael Jordans immediate popularity was reflected upon the sales of his shoe. This was another aspect that lead to the decline of the dunk and the huge Jordan sales. From that point on, one shoe was released a year.
Fast forward to 1999. The Hip Hop music world is making a serious resurgence, and with Hip Hop comes new styles. Sneakers have always been a big part of the rap world...look at Run DMC and their signature Adidas Shell Toes. But in 1999, it was time for something different. Enter the Nike Dunk. Clean design and vibrant colors once again fell into favor among the Hip Hop generation.
and the shoe returned. However, what may have been the biggest force upon the dunk would be the release of the Nike Dunk SB (SB standing for skateboard)a couple of years later. 2001 came along, and Nike put together an impressive skateboard team to front their newest venture, and the shoes immediately began to gain popularity. Now, it isnt uncommon for one of these shoes to be for sale at high class boutiques around the country for $150+, and still selling out in a matter of hours. The shoe world was certainly brought into a new light with the Dunk SB.