A few days ago, I visited my local Footlocker for my routine sneaker scouting and took some photos and videos of several sneakers. Among them was the Nike Dunk High 50 Years of Hip Hop. Surprisingly, I had no idea that the shoe carried this title until I conducted some research on it through a Google search. This highlights the current crisis in sneaker culture, which would have been unimaginable in the late ’90s or early 2000s.
Back then, sneakers weren’t released at lightning speed, allowing people to discuss, appreciate, and savor each new release. There was no need to search for a style code via Google to understand a sneaker’s backstory. Speaking of backstories, I believe Nike missed the mark in promoting the narrative behind this Dunk High “50 Years of Hip Hop.” With minimal promotion and lackluster marketing, it’s disappointing to see such an iconic brand overlook the significance of half a century of hip hop.
A Rushed Project Indeed
This rushed project has led to a sneaker that will likely collect dust on retailers’ shelves, albeit to the buyer’s advantage. Frankly, the shoe lacks detail and fails to tell the story of 50 years of hip hop. Sporting shades of grey and black in premium tumbled leather material (a plus), it features an aged-looking midsole. However, there’s no panel, tongue branding, or any other design element that pays homage to hip hop – a glaring oversight. The only reference to hip hop’s birth is a date hidden behind the tongue, which would be meaningless to anyone unfamiliar with the genre.
This is the only reference to Hip hop that was on a shoe, the birth date. But it is meaningless without other details reinforcing hip hop’s legacyMoreover, the shoe should have been released on August 11th to align with the 50-year celebration. To provide some context, DJ Kool Herc, born in Jamaica and known for his DJ skills at parties, moved to the USA at the age of ten. On August 11, 1973, he threw a birthday party for his sister, showcasing his unique DJing style and engaging the crowd. This event marked the birth of what we know today as hip hop, with DJ Herc considered its founding father.
In my opinion, it would have been fitting for Nike to involve Herc and other hip hop heavyweights in the shoe’s creation, giving it the gravitas it deserves while promoting it accordingly. An August 11th release date would have been ideal as well. Anyway, here’s a video of the shoe,
Where To Buy The Nike Dunk High Premium 50 Years Of Hip Hop
- Price:$125
- Release Date: 2023-06-01
- Style Code:DV7216-001
- Color: Smoke Grey / Black / Beach / Black / White
Retailer(s)
You may also purchase it via StockX under retail on certain sizes, CLICK HERE
