On June 30th, Nike Sportswear set the sneaker and hip-hop communities ablaze with an Instagram reel that teases the return of an iconic classic: the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang. This ultra-rare sneaker is deeply rooted in both sneaker culture and the legacy of one of hip-hop's most influential groups.
The teaser hints that Nike is bringing back the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang, a pair that mirrors the colorblocking of the original Nike Dunk High Iowa. The Iowa colorway was part of the Be True to Your School collection, first introduced in 1985, which featured team colors of various colleges across the United States. In 1998 and 1999, Nike retroed this entire collection, catching the eye of the Wu-Tang Clan, who found the black and yellow Dunk to match their aesthetic perfectly.
Drew Greer, who was the Global Footwear Product Director for Nike Sportswear at the time, spearheaded the creation of an ultra-limited run of Wu-Tang Dunks, featuring the same color scheme as the Dunk High Iowa but with the addition of the iconic Wu-Tang Clan logo on the lateral heel. These sneakers were produced in extremely limited quantities, with rumors initially suggesting that only 36 pairs were made. However, Greer clarified on the Complex Sneakers Podcast that 100 pairs were produced, with 50 pairs allocated to him and the other 50 to Comb Contrel. These pairs were distributed among Wu-Tang Clan members and key figures at Loud Records, the group's record label.
Since then, the Wu-Tang Dunk Highs have ascended to legendary status in the sneaker world. Collectors consider them a holy grail, with some pairs fetching upwards of $50,000 on the secondary market. Their rarity and the cultural cachet of the Wu-Tang Clan have made these sneakers a coveted piece of hip-hop and sneaker history.
Fans and collectors will have an opportunity to secure the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High this year. The group sent out early access codes to top fans on Spotify, and Nike SNKRS shock dropped the sneakers at midnight on September 28, 2024. Pairs ordered by Wu-Tang are expected to be shipped out around November 7. A wider release will occur on November 9, 2024, via Nike SNKRS and select retailers online and in-store. Available in men's sizing, the retail price is $150. Download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on the potential re-release of the Nike Dunk High Wu-Tang.
Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High Retro Premium
Images via Nike
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Image via Nike
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
