In November 2024, Nike is set to bring back a Holy Grail in the sneaker game, the infamous Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High. This marks the first time this previously unattainable sneaker will be available for the masses at retail. When it was first produced in 1999, Nike made 100 pairs without releasing them. Then, in 2018, The Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High almost made a comeback. Unfortunately, it never got past the sample stage, and only a handful of pairs were produced. This is because RZA, one of the group's founding members who holds the Wu-Tang logo's trademark, explained to Complex, "I vetoed; I wasn't ready to do it."
So, since 1999, the closest the general public has had to the Wu-Tang Dunk is the Nike Dunk High Iowa edition, an original colorway from the Be True To Your School series. This sneaker inspired the Wu-Tang Dunk as the colorblocking fit with the Killa Bees' traditional black and yellow aesthetic. Lucky for Dunk High and Wu-Tang fans, the hype for the silhouette has died down significantly over the past few years. That will make this release easier to obtain. While the 2024 Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High is still a limited release, it will be available via many retailers. However, each shop's quantities are said to be on the low side. Nevertheless, no matter how small or big the quantity of Wu-Tang Dunks is, the sneaker is a guaranteed sell-out.
Ahead of its historic release, Sole Retriever entered the 36 Chambers and got our hands on a pair of the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High before its release date. After inspecting the pair in person, we thought it would be fun to compare the Wu-Tang Dunks and the pair it draws inspiration from, the Nike Dunk High Iowa. Follow along as we break down the differences and similarities between the 2024 Wu-Tang Nike Dunk High and the 2020 Nike Dunk High SP Iowa.
The first thing we notice when comparing these two retros is that the shade of yellow used on both pairs differs. The Iowa edition comes in black and varsity maize, while the Wu-Tang is in black and pollen. Both iterations are also in different shades from the 1999 Iowa and Wu-Tang versions, which are based on a black and bright goldenrod color scheme. Over the past 25 years, the shade of yellow has gotten darker as the pollen shade on the Wu-Tang pair is less bright than the varsity maize seen on the most recent Iowa edition.
The leather used is also slightly different. While both sport premium uppers, the Wu-Tang pair opts for tumbled leather. The shape and build on each pair are very similar, with only a slight variation in cut and shape. This practice is something Nike and Jordan Brand have been working hard on perfecting to make every re-issue as close to its original counterpart as possible. While the Iowa pair features Nike Air branding on the tongue tag and insoles, the Wu-Tang pair replaces the Nike branding on the tongue with the hip-hop group's classic logo. This logo is also present on the heels, embroidered in a slightly angled design, something done to set it apart from the original 1999 Wu-Tang Dunk High. The tongue lining on the Wu-Tang's is also in pollen, while Iowa's comes in black.
Regarding packaging, the 2020 Nike Dunk High SP Iowa came in the standard red NSW box. For the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High, NSW kicked it up a notch, housing it in the black NSW pull-out style box, furthering the premium vibe. In terms of price, the Iowa initially retailed for $120 in 2020, while the Wu-Tang will come in at a favorable price of $150.
The Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High is set to triumphantly return when it is released to the public for the first time on November 9, 2024. It will be available via the Nike SNKRS app and select online and in-store retailers. Coming in men's sizing, retail is $150. Check out our coverage here for more details on the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High. Also, download the Sole Retriever mobile app to stay updated on this and all future releases in the sneaker and streetwear world.
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Steve Jaconetta is the Head of Content based out of Connecticut. An encyclopedia for sneaker releases, he's covered the industry for over fifteen years. His stops have included Sole Collector, Complex, and StockX, to name a few. He considers the Air Jordan 11 Concord the greatest sneaker of all time and has a strong affection for 80s pop culture. Email: steve@soleretriever.com
