A Review Of The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Sneakers

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As a lifelong skateboarder, I'm fascinated at how skateboard culture has had a major impact on mainstream style and continues to have a heavy influence on streetwear design today. Some of the biggest fashion brands on earth often look to the raw and uncontainable lifestyle that skaters live in order to inject a sense of authentic inspiration into their products. A prime example of this has been Nike with the introduction of their SB program back in the early 2000s. You see, Nike was able to successfully tap into the core skateboarding market (which is notoriously difficult to break into) in part by building the right team from the ground up that skaters would have no choice but to respect, including legendary riders such as Paul Rodriguez and Eric Koston. The brand's success in the skate industry worked so well that it's essentially become a recipe that many other companies have followed since.

The original Nike Dunk was released in 1985, but my own experience actually started with the launch of the SB Dunk back in 2002. I first laid eyes on the Reese Forbes SB Dunk Wheat model in the glossy pages of a skateboarding magazine that was covering one of the Nike SB team's first tours across Europe. There was a portrait of one of the skaters in the article, and the way those gorgeous brown suede sneakers were paired so effortlessly with his pair of inky blue denim jeans just looked so right to me. It didn't take long for me to acquire my own pair of SB Dunks, and I ended up owning a few pairs during the course of my formative teenage years. Essentially, the Nike SB Dunks have always held a special place in my heart.

I recently picked up the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro to find out how this classic design has held up over the last two decades. The unmistakably bold 'Escargot' colorway seen here is primarily made up of a green suede with a unique textured brown leather adorning the toe caps and heel area. The prominent Swoosh logo on the side of the shoe as well as the top of the heel showcase an unapologetic metallic silver accent that somehow ties everything together in a visually pleasing manner. These materials feel considerably different to other sneakers that I've tested, but everything feels quite premium nonetheless. They should too, given that this shoe is specifically designed to take the relentless abuse and abrasions of skateboarding.

Upon lacing them up for the first time, the shoes fit perfectly snug like a glove and almost as if they've been formed to your feet. They do feel quite stiff during the initial break in period, but thankfully they become more flexible after just a few uses. The tongue features a generous amount of padding while the heel sports excellent soft cushioning thanks to shoe's Zoom Air unit. There's plenty of support in the ankle area as well, with no shortage of padding surrounding the collar. All of this adds up to a sneaker that makes you feel well protected whereas lesser shoes might leave your feet feeling more vulnerable.

The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro includes a sole that isn't too thick so that you can always get a good feel for what's beneath you. Simultaneously, this sneaker is comfortable to wear for long periods of time, striking a happy medium between overall comfort and performance. And this is precisely what distinguishes the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro from the standard Dunk. Although the two models may look similar, the SB version has enhanced durability and cushioning where it matters most, as well as an extra grippy outsole for enhanced board feel. If you've been wondering which Dunk to get, the SB Dunk is the clear winner regardless of if you ride a skateboard or not.

There isn't a lot to nitpick about the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro, but the most obvious downside is how stiff the shoe is during its initial break-in period. This is only a temporary annoyance, but it's worth mentioning since many other shoes feel more comfortable from the get-go. The other shortcoming that comes to mind is the surprisingly limited selection of colorways currently available. For a sneaker of this caliber, I'm frankly disappointed by the color / material options that are on the market at the time of this writing. That said, this changes from season to season and isn't a comprehensive knock against the shoe's quality.

Pros

• High quality construction with premium materials
• Iconic design that pairs particularly well with street wear
• Comfortable to wear for long periods of time
• Grippy outsole
• A number of enhancements over the regular Dunk including superior tongue padding, Zoom Air heel cushioning, additional ankle support, and reinforced toe caps to withstand the wear and tear demands of skateboarding

Cons

• Shoe is fairly stiff during the initial break-in period
• Surprisingly limited colorways and choice of materials at times

Verdict

Although the general selection of colors is somewhat lacking, it's worth mentioning that Nike frequently uses the SB Dunk as a blank canvas for artists to explore their creativity. Their latest collaboration with Verdy is a case in point that's resulted in the creation of one of the strongest statement pieces in recent footwear history. With far more positives than negatives, the Nike SB Dunk Low Pro is a strong contender as your next footwear daily driver. While it's been optimized for skaters in terms of durability, comfort, and added protection, these added benefits over the standard issue Dunk certainly aren't just reserved for those who live for the thrill of grinding handrails. The Nike SB Dunk Low Pro is a modern classic that won't disappoint. That is of course, if you can find the color you like.