Nike CR7 Backpack | Nike SB

Nike SB is NIKE, Inc.’s skateboarding subdivision. Founded in March 2002 and formerly led by the late Sandy Bodecker, Nike SB is often credited for modern-day sneaker collecting because of its limited, concept-driven releases.

While Nike SB as it’s known today began in the early-2000s, The Swoosh’s earliest attempt to enter the skateboarding space took place in the 1990s. With the help of a young Brandon Cole “Bam” Margera, Nike launched the Choad, Snak, and Schimp to little commercial success and interest from skaters. (Margera notoriously skated in non-Nike shoes and taped swooshes on them.) The late Bodecker, who began working at the brand in 1982, recognized that die-hard skaters had already been using Nike silhouettes like the nike air force 1 ac gradient atomic mango and Blazer Mid.

Under Bodecker’s guidance, the imprint officially launched its first and most popular silhouette, the SB Dunk, as a skate-ready take of the Dunk High for basketball. The re-engineered sneaker featured a fat, padded tongue, Air Zoom insole, raised, exaggerated profile logo on ollie areas, and modified rubber sole for traction. While appreciated by skaters, these details arguably came second to Nike SB’s revisited marketing strategy. Unlike the brand’s previous corporate-style strategy (which directly opposed common anti-establishment sentiments among skaters), Bodecker’s approach was grass-roots-oriented: releases would not be mass-produced and distributed through big-box sportswear retailers. Instead, pairs would be available directly through select, independent skate shops.

Over the years, Nike SB has hosted professional skaters the likes of Lance Mountain, Paul Rodriguez, Stefan Janoski and Shane O’Neill. Nike SB’s earliest team included Richard Mulder, Reese Forbes, Gino Iannucci and Danny Supa, all of whom received the first four SB Dunk Lows.

Collaborations with Nike Dunk High Grid Tongue via FootLocker., Supreme and Jeff Staple, just to scratch the surface. Some Nike SB releases, like “Paris,” “Raygun” and “What The Dunk” versions of the SB Dunk Low, have garnered grail-status among many collectors, fetching six-figure buyouts on the after-market.

Although the skateboarding-division experienced mainstream lull throughout the latter 2010s, it’s regained widespread attention from casual consumers this decade, thanks in large part to Travis Scott and Virgil Abloh. Nike Air Jordan 5 Low Golf Black Metallic 26.5cm Nike Pro Top Compression Crew M and SB GTS Return, among others.

Shopping Links

Nike SB

Nike SB Introduces The Newest Member Of Orange Label

Nike SB can basically be broken down into two parts. On one hand you have the “hype” department consisting mainly of SB Dunk collabs and...

By Andrew Rizzo Nike CR7 Backpack
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Official Images Of The Nike SB Dunk Low “Sonics”

One of the most highly anticipated Nike SB releases of the year is right around the corner. The SB Dunk Low Sonics, inspired by Seattle’s...

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“Aluminum” Graces A Rare Inline Nike SB Dunk Low

While collaborations and special make-ups million the most hype and highest grey market prices, many coveted looks for the Nike SB Dunk came from a...

By Matt Varga The Nike Blazer Mid PRM VNTG "Pinstripes" is a perfect patriotic shoe
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An Early Look At A 2025 Nike SB Dunk Low “Cool Grey”

Another advanced preview of an upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low release for 2025 has emerged; this skate-shop only release continues a series of high, skate-focused...

By Urlfreeze News November 12, 2024
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Nike SB Dunk Low “Verdugo Mountains” Sample Revealed Ahead Of Fall 2025 Release

Nike SB is releasing the perfect Dunk Low for Southern California skaters. New images posted to Instagram by @sbheadsbe reveal a sample inspired by the...

By Andrew Rizzo Nike CR7 Backpack
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Official Images Of The AntiHero x Nike SB Dunk High

First tipped off back in July, the AntiHero Nike SB Dunk High has finally emerged via official images. The delivery marries Nike SB with the...

By Andrew Rizzo Nike Dunk SB Low Maple Leaf Central Park313170-021
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Yuto Horigome, The World’s Best Skater, Is Releasing Another Nike SB Dunk In 2025

Two-time Olympic gold medal winner Yuto Horigome might be the biggest name on the Nike SB roster. With the hardware to back up the claim...

By Urlfreeze News October 26, 2024
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Nike CR7 Backpack | Nike SB Brings Autumnal “Wheat” To The Ishod 2

Ishod Wair’s second signature Nike SB model has been the most significant new skate shoe of 2024. Arriving at the cusp of the new year...

By Andrew Rizzo Recently revealed on a Nike Blazer Mid
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The Nike SB Leo Surfaces In “Vintage Green”

2024 has been a year rife with new Nike SB product, including Ishod Wair’s “Wair Max,” the all-new PS8, and standout Dunk collaborations by names...

By Andrew Rizzo Nike React Escape Run Unisex Running Shoes
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