The Nike Dunk first made its introduction in 1985 as a basketball sneaker. Best known for its simplistic color-blocking aesthetic, the sneaker unifies concepts of pop culture, fashion, music, and art within a non-linear story. The sneaker was first released during the golden age of basketball while legends such as Michael Jordan were still playing. The Nike Dunk made a name for itself as a household sneaker in basketball. The Nike Dunk was first marketed towards some of the best college basketball teams at the time through the ‘Be True to Your School’ Pack, spotlighting the following college basketball programs: The University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Michigan, Georgetown, St. John’s, UNLV, and Syracuse. The Nike Dunk’s legacy is nothing short of tumultuous, as the sneaker’s most recent revival has been prevalent in recent years.

The Nike Dunk receives its latest iteration in the Nike Dunk Low ‘Setsubun.’ Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring in the old calendar in Japan. Every year, Japan hosts an annual festival to commemorate the occasion, designed to eliminate the bad fortune and spirits of the prior year. Otherwise known as the ‘Bean-Throwing Festival,’ this festival includes tossing roasted soybeans out of doors or toward relatives wearing demon masks. Although 2023’s ‘Setsubun’ celebrations have passed, Nike is honoring this event by celebrating the imitable Nike Dunk Low.

The holiday’s essence is authentically captured throughout the shoe’s subtle and not-so-subtle details. Tsuno Daishi, the Great Horned Master, is embroidered at the lateral heel through embroidery, and his honors are even substituted for the Nike Swooshes. The Great Horned Master is a figure in Japanese culture that is believed to protect individuals from sickness and evil. When the insoles are slipped out, artwork from Utagawa Kuniyoshi is printed. This features his ‘Kintoki Throwing Beans at Fleeing Demon’ piece that displays the folk hero Kintarō.

The sneaker utilizes a cracked nubuck leather upper and suede overlays. Contrasting accents can be found at the collar lining and Swoosh. Embroidered Nike Swooshes are seen at the toe, while additional branding can be found embroidered at the rear heel tab and a woven tongue tag placed upon the nylon tongue. A gum rubber outsole underneath paired with the foam midsole wraps up the remainder of this celebratory sneaker.

FEATURE Release - Tuesday, April 11th

Nike Dunk Low ‘Setsubun’ (DQ5009-268)

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