A quarter of a century after the invention of the slam-dunk Nike was barely 10 years old, and basketball’s popularity was growing. It was the year 1985. It will be remembered as one of those significant year in the history of Nike Basketball as it marks the year in which the Nike Dunk was born.
Created by young designers and a young design team, the Nike Dunk basketball shoe was motivated by innovation in performance that was naturally translated to street fashion. The Nike Dunk design reinforced Nike’s basketball focus and reaffirmed its commitment to making products that help athletes be more efficient.
The Basketball Culture has been Energizing Since 1985
When the world gathered in”We Are The World “we all are one” song and people flocked to the movies back in time Basketball took off in 1985. The worlds of entertainment, music advertising, sports and music were coming together, and Nike was the catalyst.
The sport was in fashion and basketball sneakers were now popular off the court even making it into the fashion industry. The Nike Dunk’s debut in 1985 with a more refined design from its bigger sister Air Force 1, Air Force 1 which was released three years earlier, showed designs with striking colors and block-colored patterns. The shoes came out at the right moment, and energized the sport in completely unexpected ways.
The original sketch was drawn by the designer Peter Moore and called the College Color High, the Nike Dunk was an artistic mix-up of several footwear, which was a standard style of design at Nike for the ’80s basketball shoes.
The Dunk’s outsole was similar to the design of traction as Nike’s Air Jordan I, which was released just a few months prior to. The upper of the Nike Dunk replica was influenced of the Air Jordan I and the Nike Terminator; interestingly, the three shoes were designed by the same minds. The Dunk was named from the last shoe on the day it was designed–the exact one used in Nike Legend. Nike Legend, considered the most suited basketball final in the era of the Dunk.
Bring Sole with ‘Be Faithful To Your School’
in the 80s basketball in college reached new levels in an array of players and fans. From east to west , rivalries were fierce and networks made college basketball accessible to the mass of viewers.
In the summer of 85, Nike delivered footwear in the colors of popular basketball teams, allowing fans to show their support for their team from toe to head. It was in 1985 that the Nike College Colors program was officially launched. The slogan for advertising “Be Be True To Your School’ emerged and was centered around 12 schools.
The memorable “Be true to Your School’ print ad showcases Nike’s Nike Dunk as the centerpiece of Nike’s College Colors program, the first campaign that features striking colours on shoes for basketball.
College Colors teams comprised UNLV, Arizona, Iowa, Georgia, Syracuse, Georgetown and Kentucky. It was launched in August as part of an 1985 basketball tournament that included colors-coordinated shoes, apparel, and bags.
Slam Dunk for Skaters and Sneakerheads
The Dunk’s popularity grew beyond basketball culture , when the skateboard community embraced the look, and it became an iconic skater.
They were characterized by their low-profile midsole , and for the same qualities which made them a forward-thinking basketball shoe that provided cushioning, lateral support and a special traction that allowed pivoting, the Dunk was a great skate shoe that served the scene also. To provide comfort and versatility, Nike Dunks introduced between 1998 and 2000 had the tongue made of nylon, which also attracted skateboarders because of their versatility and movement to skate.
The autopsy for this Nike Dunk Pro SB
A design specifically designed for skateboarding that was dubbed the Nike Dunk SB, was later introduced in 2002. The SB models were further adapted to accommodate the demands of skateboarding. They also included particular padding and traction features.
Nike Dunk SB shoes have been a hit with skaters and sneakerheads from Europe, Asia and the US and are available in exclusive collaborations.
The Legacy of the Dunk
It is the Nike Dunk, established 30 years ago, has transcended years, crossed fashion and sports, and is now widely acclaimed for its athleticism and street fashion.
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