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Day: 7 January 2021
How the Nike SB Dunk Hype Returned
Image: Bruce Hatoo
The Nike SB Dunk is one of the most iconic silhouettes to date, but in the last decade, the hype that once surrounded the model appeared to die out. That was of course until 2020, when the shoe had one of the greatest comeback stories in sneaker history, stealing headlines and evoking nostalgia in millennial skaters all over the world.
But how did such a return come about? Well, the Nike SB Dunk’s resurgence can be traced back to the Off-White Nike Dunk’s, Virgil Abloh’s rendition of the non-skateboard focused brother of the SB Dunk, but what really kickstarted the shoe’s newfound success, was the Houston rapper Travis Scott’s own Nike SB Dunk Low collaboration that dropped back in February, with a double-layered paisley upper.
Since then, the popularity of the SB Dunk has exploded, most notably with the highly publicized Ben & Jerry’s Nike SB Dunk Low “Chunky Dunky” edition that was released this June, and now fetches prices over $1000 on the secondary market. Then around a month later, the model broke the internet once again, this time in collaboration with the American rock band Grateful Dead, who helped create a pack of 3 Nike SB Dunk Lows which came in brightly colored faux fur.
But it hasn’t just been the Nike SB Dunk Low’s that have had a great year, the high-top version has also had a successful 2020, especially in the second half with its boot-like structure making it more favorable for the colder months. Possibly the most interesting pair to release this year was the Nike SB Dunk High Invert Celtics, which featured a pink and black suede upper on the lateral side, and a green and white leather upper on the medial side.
What Nike was able to do so well with the Nike SB Dunk though, was keep it true to its roots, and what made it special the first time it was released. It was the limited releases and crazy collaborations that nobody else was doing at the time that caused the SB Dunk to turn into such a popular collectible model in the 2000s, and its return has been no different.
Even more exciting however, is that it doesn’t look like the Nike SB Dunk will be going anywhere anytime soon, with plenty of hyped releases already set to drop in 2021. So, whether you have been following the model since its first appearance in 2002, or you are just hearing about it for the first time, it’s not too late to jump on the hottest sneaker trend of 2020.
Will the Air Jordan 1 be a classic forever?
Image: Nike
The Air Jordan 1 has been of the most beloved sneakers for its entire 35-year existence, and many deem it the shoe that kick-started sneaker culture as a whole. It’s these accolades, alongside the shoe’s retained popularity that makes it undebatable a classic shoe…for now. The question is though, will the Air Jordan 1’s classic status last forever?
A good way of guessing the Air Jordan 1’s fate would be to compare it to other classic shoes, and whether they have been able to hold on to their reputation. Now, a couple of the shoes that are debatably as well known as the Air Jordan 1 are the Adidas Stan Smith, the Converse All Star Chuck Taylor, and the Nike Air Force 1, all models that have had their dips in popularity, but all models that are still household names everybody continues to know. However, if we look at the models that are most similar to the Air Jordan 1, such as the Pony City Wings and the Saint Laurent Court Classic, those sneakers have not aged nearly as well. The difference is whilst the similar models were able to capture consumers at a point in time, the Air Jordan 1 has been able to entice consumers, old and young for over 3 decades. A shoe of its popularity so far is yet to lose it.
The biggest problem facing the Air Jordan 1’s current status though is possible oversaturation, since Jordan Brand are pumping out new colorways as well as retro’s releases every month, without leaving consumers bank accounts a chance to recover. Currently, the Air Jordan 1 is going through a resurgence and so Jordan Brand can get away with this, but in doing so they are jeopardizing the shoe’s popularity in the near future. At this rate, Sneakerheads will soon get tired of seeing Air Jordan 1’s everywhere, and its “GOAT” status may be challenged. However, again if we look at other classic models like the Air Force 1, whilst oversaturation has caused it to sit on shelves, it hasn’t stopped it from remaining one of the most popular and respected sneakers on the market, with everyone from LeBron James to Billie Eilish continuing to rock it. So, although it may soon lose its status as the “GOAT” sneaker, it’s highly unlikely it won’t continue to be known as a classic.
In conclusion, will the Air Jordan 1 go through waves of popularity and sitting on shelves, yes, but what makes a shoe a classic. Whilst the Air Jordan 1 may not always be the coolest sneaker to rock, and sneakerheads may get tired of it from time to time, the model shall always remain a classic because of what it has already achieved, even if the future does not look as bright.
WOOVIN top 10 sneakers of 2020
With everything going on in the world at the moment, hobbies and interests have become increasingly important as a source of some light-hearted fun, and for many, that interest is sneakers. Still working or in lockdown, with company or alone, shoes have been here for us every step of the way. In light of the more serious events that have happened this year, it is also worthwhile remembering the little pieces of joy something as simple as our footwear has given so many of us, so without further or does, here are our picks for the top 10 sneakers of the year.
Image: Nike
Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 Stussy Fossil
Release Date: 03/27/20
Current value: $250-$550
Starting this list in no particular order is the Stussy x Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Cage 2 “Fossil,” which released alongside “Cool Grey” and “Pure Platinum” versions of the shoe and saw the sneaker industry giant Nike work together with long time collaborators Stussy on a classic model. The result was by no means the most popular shoe of the year, but a heavily sought-after sneaker by those who liked it.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 02/29/20
Current value: $1400-$1600
Debatably the most influential sneaker of the year, this Nike SB Dunk Low was created in collaboration with Travis Scott, a popular Houston rapper also known for his collaborations with both Play Station and McDonald’s this year. Featuring a tear-away paisley upper and rope laces, those lucky enough to cop the sneaker on Travis Scott’s own website were treated to a unique navy paisley box.
Image: Nike
Jordan 4 Retro Off-White Sail (W)
Release Date: 07/25/20
Current value: $1100-$1400
Although technically a women’s only release, every sneakerhead tried their luck at copping a pair of the Off-White x Air Jordan 4’s this summer. Coming in a sail upper with translucent TPU accents, the sneaker’s worn look captured the hearts of shoe lovers everywhere.
Image: Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low Ben & Jerry’s Chunky Dunky
Release Date: 05/16/20
Current value: $1000-$1500
Possibly the weirdest collaboration of 2020, was Ben & Jerry’s and Nike coming together to create one of the hottest sneakers of the year, the “Chunky Dunky.” The shoe features cow print on the upper with a dripping yellow tongue, and a tie-dye insole, that unmistakably comes together to resemble the ice cream company’s iconic ice cream tubs.
Image: Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low StrangeLove Skateboards
Release Date: 02/08/20
Current value: $700-$1000
The last SB Dunk to make it onto our list, the Strangelove Skateboards version of the silhouette was created to celebrate valentine’s day 2020, hence the red and pink color scheme. The shoe was the product of frequent Nike collaborators Sean Cliver and Todd Bratrut and featured velvet panels on the upper that helped the shoe stand out from its competition.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 06/26/20
Current value: $6500-$7500
Easily the most expensive sneaker on this list, the Dior x Air Jordan 1 Retro High has been a trending topic for sneaker conversation for over a year now after rumors of the shoe’s release surfaced online at the end of 2019. Only 8,000 pairs went on sale to the public, retailing for a whopping $2000.
Image: New Balance
Release Date: 05/01/20
Current value: $600-$1000
Whilst the rest of this list has been dominated by Nike and Jordan Brand, New Balance was able to challenge them this year with the help of Japanese streetwear brand WTAPS. Coming in a suede and mesh upper with reflective 3M overlays, this 992 was said to be inspired by the military, hence its green and grey color scheme.
Image: Nike
Release Date: 08/29/20
Current value: $500-$700
When the Union x Air Jordan 4 collection was first announced, the online response was less than positive, but by the end of 2020, it’s clear to see that public opinion has changed for the better. After getting co-signs from some big names, and Union revealing the tongue was stitched down, and could easily be unstitched if the standard Air Jordan 4 look was preferred, resale prices quickly returned to what you might expect from a Jordan and Union collaboration.
Image: adidas
Release date: 2020
Current value: $500-$600
Over the past six years, we’ve seen Kanye West and adidas cook up a number of iconic lifestyle sneakers. But this is the first model they have created for athletes, this became clear during the All-Star weekend in Chicago, where adidas and yeezy were handing out pairs on the streets. It may not be the most hyped model of 2020, but the Yeezy QNTM BSKTBL has certainly had a lot of impact on the sneaker scene.
Image: Nike
Nike Vaporwaffle Sacai Black White
Release Date: 11/13/20
Current value: $600-$750
Lastly, the Sacai x Nike Vaporwaffle followed up Sacai and Nike’s stellar collaborations on both the Blazer and the LD Waffle that debuted in 2019, and it did not disappoint. The “Black White” colorway, in particular, was able to complement the outlandish model, by distinctly highlighting each detail of the shoe, including its 3 soles, and 2 tongues.
