The original Nike Dunk debuted as a basketball sneaker in 1985 but has been a favourite of skateboarders since day one thanks to its adaptable features and timeless design.

Leading the charge for the Nike SB range when first introduced back in 2002, and a powerhouse within the sneaker collecting world, few other shoes have been so versatile and uniquely tailored with collaborations and bespoke colourways. Notable Dunk collaborators include streetwear giants Supreme and Diamond, hip-hop hegemony De La Soul, and lords of niche New York skate-geekery, Quartersnacks.

The Dunk Low has received a few facelifts throughout its fifteen-year journey to becoming an iconic skateboard shoe. Its debut as an SB model in 2002 featured a Zoom Air insole and thick spongy tongue, then a revamp in 2011 added forefront lace flaps, a slimmer profile and a new tread. By 2016, the Dunk had taken form as Ishod Wair’s signature shoe – the ‘Dunk Low IW’ – where Ishod stripped the Dunk back to a slimmer silhouette, a feature that is present in the SB Dunk of today.

The classic SB Zoom Dunk Low Pro in question here has an upper that is constructed from a mix of suede and canvas. Suede is placed in key areas of wear to provide durability, whereas areas recessed from contact with griptape are made from canvas, allowing the model to be lightweight.

“The original Nike Dunk debuted as a basketball sneaker in 1985 but has been a favourite of skateboarders since day one thanks to its adaptable features and timeless design.”

This combination of suede and canvas provides breathability that is enhanced by a tongue made of thin mesh. The Dunk’s slim tongue is also stabilised by an internal sockliner, and is complimented by a low profile collar and full wrap heelpiece to provide a close and supportive fit and locked-in feel.

Resting inside the shoe is a Nike Zoom Air insole that provides responsive cushioning when coupled with a flexible rubber outsole. The cupsole is stitched and bound to the upper for durability and features a deep tread and pivot circle for responsive performance. Aligning with the Dunk’s varsity basketball origins, subtle stars are featured on the sole’s toe area alongside the classic Swoosh spanning the side panel and Nike emblems adorning the tongue and heel.

All in all, the Zoom Dunk Low Pro is a classic looking, long lasting staple of the Nike SB range, and coming in at under the £75 mark, you shouldn’t need to break the bank in order to snag yourself a pair.

As ever, this featured black/wolf grey/white colourway is merely the tip of the Dunk iceberg – ask your local Nike SB stockist what other variations are available.

• NIKE SB – ZOOM DUNK LOW PRO
• RRP: £74.95
• NIKESKATEBOARDING