Nike Dunks

The Dunk was first introduced by Nike, Inc. in 1985. As the Nike Terminator’s “fraternal twin”, originally having numerous colors in most sizes (Hi-Top or Low-Top) for various Universities and Colleges. Since its reintroduction in 1998, the Dunk has transformed from a basic basketball shoe into a subcultural icon and an inspiration for fashion, culture, and art.

Nike Dunk, a basketball shoe model, has a simple, low-tech design. Nike had marketing success with the shoes at various times since its introduction. The original style for Dunks didn’t include air cushion technology. However, the design followed the 1983 introduction of the Air Force 1 model, the first Basketball Shoe with Air Cushion Technology, which was a key model in Nike’s successful strategy of surpassing its rival Converse and aided in the rise of its stock. Two years later, Nike was facing a sales crisis, in part due to Adidas’ return to popularity.

In response, Nike invited Michael Jordan to be its advertising endorser, a significant investment that affected the global basketball shoe market. Nike used Air Force 1 as the original prototype for the first pair of signature shoes for Jordan, the Air Jordan One. Soon all of the top college teams were strongly urged to have their own team shoe, which led to the Dunk.

The Nike Dunk has a lower profile outer sole than its parent shoes. The intent was a lighter weight and to stay closer to the ground. In addition, the paneling was revised to improve basketball game performance during pivoting and blocking. The Dunk was used to spearhead what Nike called the ’College Colors’ program. They signed some college basketball teams (and their coaches) to an exclusive Dunk sponsorship deal; in simple terms, the deal meant that each colored pair of Dunks matched their uniforms.