Thanks to collaborations with the Grateful Dead, Ben & Jerry’s, and, of course, a handful of Off-White™ co-signs, 2020 has been a fruitful year for the Nike Dunk. But collaborations can only take you so far. The limited availability and subsequent resale prices often rule out everyone but the most ardent collectors. We think that the true success of the Nike Dunk silhouette rests on the under-the-radar releases. These silent heroes shoulder the burden without receiving any of the headlines or, luckily for all of us, the crazy price tags. The best bit? You can spend a fraction of the cash, skip the queues, and actually end up with a Nike Dunk that nobody else you know has.
With the help of Stadium Goods, we delved into the archives to pick out some of the underrated Dunks that definitely deserve your attention. From general releases to limited drops, and even one collaboration for good measure, this selection exemplifies the treasures that lie just below the surface.
Shop the best under-the-radar Nike Dunks below.
Nike Dunk High "Team Crimson"
Yet another colorway which was released in 2020, but feels like it's been around for decades. The Nike Dunk High "Team Crimson", also known as the "Phillies Blunts", takes inspiration from the Phillies Blunt cigar company's signature logo.
Nike Dunk Low Pro "True Berry"
The Nike Dunk Low Pro "True Berry" dropped in early 2019, but the simple, impactful colorway has the DNA of a classic. Understated grey suede tops True Berry leather uppers while Obsidian accents round out the palette.
Nike Dunk Low "Samba"
The "Samba" originally released in 2001 as a Japan-exclusive. Few things build hype like an unattainable country-exclusive. So, as part of a Nike initiative to re-up rare Co.JP releases from the early years, the Nike Dunk Low "Samba" re-released in 2020 to our great relief.
Nike Dunk High "Spectrum"
It might not look that way, but the Dunk High "Spectrum" was actually released this year. We love the pastel colorway not only because it looks great atop the gum sole, but also because it's taking us back to the iconic washed-out colorways of the 2000s.
Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Wmns Dunk Low
Dropping in May 2020, the Nike x COMME des GARÇONS Dunk Low "Monogram Print" features the letters of COMME des GARÇONS placed randomly around the upper which is made of Nexkin material. The technical material is translucent and stretches to the wearer's foot over time. Waxed laces and a leather heel tab give this collaboration the luxury credentials we associate with COMME des GARÇONS.
Nike Dunk Low "Tie-Dye Rayguns 2019 - Black"
Released in 2019, the reissue of the 2005 Nike SB Dunk "Tie-Dye Rayguns" is a tribute to the late Sandy Bodecker, the man responsible for popularizing Nike SB in the early 2000s. A premium, full-grain leather upper features tie-dye accents to the wings and heel tab which contrasts with the subtle, black remainder.
Nike Dunk High Pro "NBA"
This 2019 Nike Dunk High might look plain, but it's actually covered in a top layer of black paint which, over time, cracks off to reveal a red, yellow, and blue upper as well as an NBA logo to the footbed.
Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "Pine Green"
Exhibiting a colorway that almost exactly mirrors that of the Boston Celtics, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "Pine Green" is all about materials. A perforated leather toebox pairs with black nubuck uppers for a texture-strong finish.
Nike Dunk Low "J-Pack "Shadow""
Déjà Vu? Yes, this colorway has been lifted straight from the Air Jordan 1 "Shadow". The Nike Dunk J-Pack, or "Jordan Pack" originally released in 2005 and also featured "Bred", and "Royal" colorways of the Nike Dunk. This 2020 rerelease is part of recent the Dunk revolution.
Nike Dunk Low Pro "Blue Fury"
Taking inspiration from the Nickelodeon character Blue, from Blue's Clues, the "Blue Fury" features an electric blue upper with contrasting purple swoosh and a translucent outsole.
Nike Dunk Low Pro "Corduroy"
Released in Spring 2019, the Nike Dunk Low Pro "Corduroy" features Dusty Peach corduroy uppers with Desert Ore suede overlays for an earth-tone palette. The smooth colorway is contrasted by Photo Blue swooshes and hits to the heel tab and tongue for an eye-catching finish.
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