The Resurgence of the Nike Dunks

Today, we take a look at the resurgence of the Nike Dunks and all their glory. From being sold at outlet stores to reselling for prices over $500 NZD. We uncover why and how this has happened in such a short period from 2020 onwards. Do you think Nike Dunks will still hold their value in the future?

At Im Your Wardrobe we're New Zealand's largest marketplace for limited sneakers and streetwear. So, when looking to buy a pair of Nike Dunks we're your go-to website for not only the shoes themselves but all the information too.

Where it all Started

Finally, the Nike Dunk reached the markets in 1985, designed by Peter Moore, and was the exact mind behind Air Jordan 1. Developed as an on-court basketball shoe, the Dunk rapidly made ground off the courts with its highly versatile design and murky but striking colorways.

Design and Influence

It was originally influenced by the Air Force 1 and the Air Jordan 1, drawing elements from the two models. The design offered high tops to support the ankle, while the padded collar and tongue added comfort and protection. Colorways for the Dunk were initially made to reflect different college basketball teams as a part of the Be True to Your School campaign that really helped solidify the place of the shoe in basketball culture.

The Skateboarding Revolution

The resurgence of Nike Dunks in the late 1990s and early 2000s was due to the skateboarding community. Noticing this shift in culture, Nike SB—Skateboarding—was created in 2002 with re-engineered Dunks specifically for skateboarders.

Key Features of Nike SB Dunks

Zoom Air Insoles: Provides improved cushioning for better impact protection.
Padded Tongue and Collar: It has increased comfort and support.
Durable Materials: More resistant suede and leather add to extra durability.
Whereupon the Nike SB Dunks simply disrupted the skateboard community, became a staple in this particular culture, and beyond.

The Comeback

2020 and 2021 saw the comeback of the Nike Dunk lineage accompanied by very high resale prices, including crystal-clear proof of just how large the amount of hype surrounding the sneakers has been. Extremely limited releases, high-profile collaborations, and the growing influence of social media put Nike Dunks among the most highly sought-after sneakers on the market.

Notable Nike Dunk Resale Prices

Nike Dunk Low Panda:

The Panda Dunk Low, with its rather classic black-and-white colorway, was among the most popular models during this time. Selling for around $100 USD at retail, resale prices shot way higher than $500 USD, denouncing how much demand and hype the rather simplicity-driven sneaker held.

Nike SB Dunk Low Ben & Jerry's Chunky Dunky:

This lighthearted collaboration, launched in May 2020, has been one of the most buzz-worthy releases of the year. Originally $100 USD, resale prices shot up past $1,500 USD in a heartbeat—a further demonstration of the madness and how hard it was to get them.

Nike Dunk Low Travis Scott:

Travis Scott and Nike cooked up a rework on the Dunk Low silhouette, remixing a blend of materials with paisley patterns. This $150 USD model reached resale prices of more than $1,000 USD because of the influence of the artist and the distinct look that the shoe bears.

Nike SB Dunk Low Grateful Dead:

The other big one was the Grateful Dead pack, with fuzzy textures and bold colors out of the music legends. These Dunks retail for $110 USD but saw resale prices hit over $2,000 USD, just showing how in demand it was but also how collaborations really move the needle.

Reflection of the Hype

The resale prices for the Nike Dunk models were out of this world since they received an unprecedented amount of hype in 2020 and 2021. Here are a few aspects which contributed to this phenomenon:

Low Supply:

Nike strategically releases these models in very limited quantities, thereby driving demand. In other words, since the quantity released was so low, these sneakers became highly coveted by collectors and enthusiasts out there.

High-Profile Collaborations:

Travis Scott, Ben & Jerry's, Grateful Dead, and other influential figures and brands really created a lot of value in and relevance for the Dunks. These brought very unique design and storytelling elements to the table, making each release an event in itself.

Social Media Influence:

This, too, was highly multiplied by platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The illusion that everybody owned a pair of Nike Dunks was created through them having been showcased by many influencers, celebrities, and sneakerheads alike.

Nostalgia:

The interest of most sneakerheads who spent their childhood in the early 2000s was again brought to Nike Dunks by reason of nostalgia. This regain of interest could be viewed through a mix of retro and modernized remakes.

During this period, the resale market for Nike Dunks was proof not only of the great amount of hype that could further solidify its place in cultural history but also showed the world just how powerful something like brand collaborations, strategic marketing, and social media could do to drive demand and raise the prestige of a sneaker.

The Cultural Impact of Nike Dunks

From its basketball roots, Nike Dunks have risen to culture icon status in streetwear and fashion. A big reason could be their versatility and varied colourways that have made them such a favourite among sneaker enthusiasts, professional athletes, and celebrities alike.

Influence on Streetwear

Nike Dunks was one of the sneakers that shaped streetwear culture. Their collaboration with artists, designers, and brands made each piece very special and pushed the boundaries on sneaker design with every new release.

How Nike Dunks Fit

In general, Nike Dunks are true-to-size. However, there are some models with slight differences in fitting.

Nike Dunk Low:

You will love it as it fits True to Size—definitely going to provide a nice, cozy fit.

Nike Dunk High:

This couple fits true to size with high ankle support and thus offers extra protection on your ankles.

Nike SB Dunks:

Due to the additional padding added to the SB Dunk, it may require half a size larger than usual so that everyone feels comfortable.

Are Nike Dunks Comfortable?

Yes, the Nike Dunks are comfortable. The padded collar and the tongue add some cushioning around the ankle, while the insole is okay to provide comfort and support for everyday wear. More precisely, the Nike SB Dunks with Zoom Air Cushioning are truly comfortable both for skateboarding and for everyday activities.

Original Dunks vs. SB Dunks

Original Dunks

• Design: Basketballs, classic, versatile
• Fit: Runs true; standard padding.
• Intended Use: Casual, light sports

SB Dunk

• Design: Designed for skateboarding by adding extra padding and durability to the materials.
• Fit: Looser, extra padding in the shoe often times requires sizing down
• Intended Use: Skateboarding-use. It better supports and comforts during such activities.

Where to Buy Nike Dunks in New Zealand?

Im Your Wardrobe is New Zealand's premier online sneaker marketplace, offering a wide range of authentic Nike Dunks. Here’s why you should choose us:

Guaranteed Authenticity

We meticulously authenticate every pair of Nike Dunks through a rigorous multi-step process. When you buy from us, you can be confident that your Nike Dunks are 100% genuine.

Wide Selection

Our extensive collection includes all the high-demand Nike Dunk models. We offer the largest range of Nike Dunks in New Zealand, ensuring you find exactly what you're looking for.

Easy Shopping

Located in Auckland, New Zealand, we provide fast and reliable shipping across the country, making your shopping experience smooth and hassle-free.

Trusted by Customers

As New Zealand's most trusted sneaker store, we boast the highest number of 5-star reviews from our satisfied customers.

Read our reviews here: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/reviews

Easy Size Exchanges/Returns

We offer size exchanges and returns, so you can shop with confidence. If you pick the wrong size, we've got you covered.

Read our returns policy here: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/returns-exchanges

New Zealand Owned and Operated

We are proudly NZ owned and operated! Shopping locally with us means no worries about overseas taxes or customs delays. Everything ships directly from Auckland, New Zealand, with no hidden fees.

Im Your Wardrobe: Your Premier Streetwear Marketplace

At Im Your Wardrobe, we’re New Zealand’s top destination for authentic streetwear. Our focus is on bringing you those hard-to-find, limited-edition pieces, including the highly coveted Nike Dunks. By partnering with trusted consignors, we ensure our platform is the go-to spot for collectors and enthusiasts to buy and sell exclusive items.

Our expert team meticulously authenticates every product to guarantee its genuineness and quality. We bridge the gap between sellers and buyers, ensuring that streetwear fans can confidently access the best and rarest items out there. Explore our curated selection of Nike Dunks and discover why Im Your Wardrobe is New Zealand’s trusted streetwear marketplace.

The Wrap-Up

From basketball shoes to now the streetwear icon, Nike Dunks have written their history in sneaker culture. One is quite impressed with how versatile, culturally relevant, and innovative they are in design. Shop for your next pair of Nike Dunks at New Zealand's premier sneaker and streetwear marketplace - Im Your Wardrobe.

Lastly, do you think the Nike Dunk hype will last into 2025?

Relating Links:

Nike Dunk Lows: https://imyourwardrobe.com/collections/nike-dunk-low
Nike Dunk Highs: https://imyourwardrobe.com/collections/nike-dunk-high
All Streetwear: https://imyourwardrobe.com/collections/streetwear
All Sneakers: https://imyourwardrobe.com/collections/allsneakers
About Us: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/about-us
Sizing Guide: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/sizing-guide
Returns & Size Exchanges: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/returns-exchanges
Shipping Policy: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/shipping-policy
Authenticity: https://imyourwardrobe.com/pages/authenticity