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It seems that the ‘Dunk Mania‘ has now subsided, referring to the rush by collectors and sneaker enthusiasts who, in order to get their hands on a pair, were willing to spend staggering amounts. Fortunately, the hype surrounding one of Nike’s most beloved models, born in the ’80s, has reached its peak and returned to normalcy.
This allows early Dunk enthusiasts to purchase the beloved model at retail prices. So, it’s good news, as the Nike Dunk 2024 calendar is rich with some of the most sought-after colorways in circulation. And now is the perfect time to get them, as the hype market is shifting towards new directions that will undoubtedly return in the future.
Therefore, all that’s left is to take a look – and maybe more than one – at the upcoming Nike Dunk releases for 2024.
First released in 1999, the Nike Dunk Low Ultraman debuted as part of the CO.JP series, available exclusively in Japan. This exclusivity significantly increased its hype in the West. Crafted in a University Red and Silver colorway, this Dunk was reminiscent of the armor of Japanese robot superheroes, earning it the nickname Ultraman, a character from ’70s manga. However, there’s no formalized connection between the Japanese cartoon and the Swoosh brand.
While there are no photos of the 2024 Dunk Ultraman release yet, credible rumors suggest it will stay true to the 1999 model, featuring an upper leather combined with mesh on the lining and tongue. Starting with a red base, the shoe adds a touch of silver on overlays, heel tabs, eyelets, and soles, creating an eye-catching contrast.
The Veneer came out in 2001 as part of the “Ugly Duckling Pack,” an exclusive CO.JP release characterized by entirely suede constructions, highlighted by bold color blocks resembling duck feathers. This pair is an exact replica of the original in terms of craftsmanship and coloration. Nineteen years later, amid the Dunk revival, there was a return of the colorway in 2020, although not precisely identical to the 2001 version.
The 2024 release, however, will be faithfully identical to 2001 and will also include the other iconic colorways of the Ugly Duckling pack: in addition to “Veneer,” also “Plum” and “Ceramic.” The Dunk Low Veneer features green suede on the mudguard, eye stays, and heel, standing out on the darker brown upper. The toe, quarter panel, mesh collar, tongue, and sole are suede and carry the same colors. Purple accents on the lace set, Nike logo on the tongue, Nike Swoosh, and heel tab add a playful touch of color to this otherwise neutral-toned model. Completing the look is a purple rubber sole and a white Dunk midsole.
Another highly anticipated Nike Dunk Low from 2022 will return in the spring of 2024. The Nike Dunk Low Championship Red maintains the original design of the Dunk Low line. The sneakers come in a stunning combination of University Red and white, with an all-leather structure featuring a two-tone color-blocking style.
This pair of shoes presents a striking red point, harmoniously combined with chalk-white overlays. Some details, like the logo on the insoles, are elegantly accented in orange.
Launched in 2006, the Nike Dunk Michigan State pays homage to Michigan State University and its institutional colors. These Dunk Lows showcase the recognizable “Be True To Your School” color combination in white and green, the color of the Spartans team.
The all-leather structure features white inserts and green overlays, with a touch of orange appearing in the Nike Air logo on the insoles. Nike branding adorns the heel and nylon tongue. The low-top silhouette rests on a sturdy rubber sole with a gripping pattern designed for basketball surfaces.
The Dunk Low CO.JP “Plum” made its debut in 2001 and was reintroduced to the market in 2020, playing a crucial role in the revival of this iconic Nike silhouette. Considering the similarity with the latest edition, it is reasonable to expect that the Retro 2024 will feature a design and color combination very similar to the OG 2001 version.
The color palette of the sneakers offers a fusion of dark and light purple, elegantly adorning the entire suede upper. These shades blend seamlessly with the intense red accents on the Swoosh, tongue, heel tab, and laces. The rubber and foam midsole, entirely white, contributes to a ergonomically balanced fit in these sneakers.
As we’ve seen with the Veneer, Nike’s sought-after CO.JP (Concept Japan) collection boasts an extraordinary series of exclusive sneakers, significantly contributing to the brand’s history.