20 Years of Nike SB - Origins

05.31.22

Start At The Beginning 

As far back as the 1970s, skateboarders were searching shoe racks for shoes that offered the grip, support, and protection needed as things moved from sidewalks to backyard pools. Highs, lows, mids, tennis, basketball, football—anything was fair game for a test drive. Unlike any other category, the development of Nike SB shoes has become a unique conversation between the design team and riders, mixing heritage and tech to match their demands. Along with leveraging technology, SB created new silhouettes inspired by the archives, as well as retooling Nike shoes skaters have run for decades under the hood to keep things classic.

Colors By Series

Nike SB’s original roster was a statement in style, bolstering a squad known for its flair and finesse. In 2002 team riders Reese Forbes, Danny Supa, Richard Mulder, and Gino Iannucci were given the keys and license to get creative with the Dunk Pro Low, each choosing different ways to personalize the shoe and show their individuality. From city sport-inspired colorways and nostalgic throwbacks, the Colors By series set off an era.

Released in March 2002, the Colors By Series was set off by the Mulder Dunk drawing from Richard Mulder’s LA roots and a colorway inspired by the very first pair of Nikes he owned as a kid. A homage to NYC sports culture, the Supa Dunk chose a color scheme beloved to many New Yorkers and also gave a subtle clap back to the coastal rivalry between NY and LA. Next up was the Reese Dunk which brought a softer-toned pig suede to the mix, inspired by the classic colors of American work boots. For the curtains, Gino Iannucci’s version brought something new to the mix, adding a perforated leather and muted colorway to the Dunk Low.