It feels like, these days, that every color scheme has been done. Recent years have seen a move towards fabric experimentation instead, and here’s yet more proof. Shifting away from traditional leather panels in favor of artisanal craft, the Swoosh delivers a seasonal statement with the Nike Dunk Low Golden Hops Brocade.

By executing the upper in intricate jacquard brocade, Nike transforms the Dunk Low silhouette into something that feels more like an ornate heirloom than a standard skate-adjacent sneaker. 

A warm Hops Yellow velveteen base sets a golden, autumnal foundation, beautifully balanced an equally autumnal brown sole unit and textural, woven Swoosh detailing.

Woven brocade fabric patterned with botanical motifs wraps the upper in a style that feels more like upholstery than a staple sneaker. While not entirely practical, the velvet-like upper is not short on creativity, acting more as a fabric experiment than a functional sneaker.

While the brocade upper is undeniably a lot, it’s tempered by soft Ivory hits along the laces, tongue, and Swoosh which takes a lot of weight out of the floral layered upper.

The Nike Dunk Low Golden Hops Brocade proves that high-texture textile storytelling can completely transform a retro icon. It’s ornate and old-fashioned, anachronistic against the Dunk Low silhouette but, weirdly, it works. 

Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase. Want to shop the products our editors actually love? Visit HS Shopping and subscribe to Shopper for recs on all things fashion, footwear, and beauty.