When two legends get together one kinda expects the result to be spectacular. The Nike Dunk Hi Vandal Premium does not disappoint.

Nike took the classic Nike Dunk form and doused it in the spirit of the original Nike Vandal. The shoe uses gold and silver nylon material for its upper, and sports matching shoelaces and the bold Vandal tag for a thoroughly sleek look.

And we’ve got them at the Gallery on 4th!

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The Nike “Ultimate Glory” Dunk Hi ain’t meant for shy feet. In fact, it could be banned from boxing rings for distracting the opponent, and most likely the ref as well.

It is named after an event that was similarly conspicuous in the boxing world: the famed 1996 “Ultimate Glory” boxing match between boxing legend Julio Cesar Chavez and ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya. The shoe sports the names of both fighters on the heel, but the name of De La Hoya takes the favoured spot on the right as tribute to him taking on – and defeating – his hero.

But the best part about this shoe isn’t the story, the finishing touches or even the attitude. Nope. The best part is that it is available at Gallery on 4th - now.

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Picture this: 1985 on the basketball courts of the US of A and ALL the shoes are white. Then came the Dunk.

Seven college basketball teams broke with tradition, sporting Nike Dunks that matched their brightly coloured uniforms - a vivid expression of what it meant to ‘Be True’ to your school. This sentiment soon found fans and followers who evolved the philosophy into something more than loyalty to a home team and school colours: it became a symbol of individual expression and allegiance to a school of thought.

The latest Nike Dunks have all been remastered with moulded collar padding, sharper leather edges and hinged tongue. The Nike Dunk Supreme 08 also sports Phylon midsole material (borrowed from our top running shoes), responsive Nike Zoom cushioning (from our skate-proven SB Dunks) and rolled edges. And true to its origins, it is once again set to revolutionise colour on the courts, by being the first shoe with a 5-color laser treatment. But no amount of change in colour, contour or technology will ever replace its most distinctive characteristic: the spirit of ‘Be True’.

More at www.nikesportswear.com

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So what is all the fuss about? If you’ve just joined us, you might be wondering how the motto of “BE TRUE” links up with a shoe? Well, here’s a short history …

They say that when you play college basketball in the USA, it gets into your blood. And if you are truly dedicated and true to your school - you’ll bleed your school colours. The Original 7 Nike Dunks, introduced in 1985, allowed the players of the seven most celebrated programs in college basketball to show their allegiance through shoes that bled their colours.

Since the first magnificent seven, the Nike Dunk has become much more than a basic basketball shoe. The skateboarding scene was the first subculture outside basketball courts to adopt the Dunk, due to the stability and lower profile sole which improved grounding performance. Nike took notice and created the Nike SB Dunk, specifically for skateboarders.

Although the popularity of the Dunk has escalated exponentially since then, it is still safely outside the mediocrity of the main stream, catering to those singular souls who believe in allegiance and integrity. In being true.

Wikipedia now describes the Dunk as “a subcultural icon and an inspiration for fashion, culture, and art” and also mentions “the Nike Dunk’s attractive design, technological implementation, and historical significance”. (And who are we to disagree with such a respected online reference source?)

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In 1985 the Dunk hit the hardwoods of the USA. It was destined to be more than a basketball shoe. In a fusion of culture, sport and self-expression it affirmed loyalties, declared convictions and made history.

It’s 23 years on and an ocean away, but the spirit of the Dunk is alive and kicking on the streets and stages of South Africa. There is a new school that honours the individual who shuns the confines of our conservative past, who doesn’t conform for the sake of convenience and who, above all, stays true.

Non-Sneakerheads might be somewhat perplexed at the fuss about something that is, well… a shoe. A distinctively styled, symbolically charged and historically significant shoe, yes.

But still just a shoe, right?

Not.

Click here and see why. And watch this space for the next few months.

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