Over the past few months, images of an upcoming collaboration between the Grateful Dead and Nike SB have been doing the rounds on social media. The unlikely partnership has already been making quite a bit of noise in the sneaker community. Inspired by the Grateful Dead’s unofficial bear mascot, it is easy to see why these are very hyped. Thankfully, it looks as though the wait to cop these playful Nike SB Dunks is almost over.
Taking the Grateful Dead’s 1973 LP History of the Grateful Dead, Volume 1 (Bear’s Choice), Nike has created three of the craziest SB Dunks in recent history. A combination of faux fur and suede, as well as a jagged Swoosh, mean that these are unlike any other SB Dunks seen before. Subtle changes in the branding include a Bear and Swoosh on the tongue tag. an updated version of the “Nike” found on the heel too. There is also a stash pocket hidden behind the tongue!
Official images of the upcoming “Opti Yellow/Blue Fury” and “Green Spark/Soar” Dunk have surfaced online. The faux fur shoes will arrive in a third “Opti Orange/Green Fury” colourway, though no official pictures have dropped yet. David Lemieux, the Grateful Dead’s historian, explained that the collab is a perfect opportunity for both brand’s.
“While there’s not much about the bears that connect to the Grateful Dead’s success, the band wouldn’t become what it is today without Bear’s contribution. The same fiercely independent spirit from Bodecker helped create that authenticity within the skate community.” (Source: Hypebeast)
If you’re looking to get your hands on these Nike SB Dunks, you don’t have long too wait. The “Opti Yellow/Blue Fury” and “Green Spark/Soar” will release on July 24th. The “Opti Orange/Green Fury” will release on July 18th. All three sneakers have an estimated retail price of €110 and are expected to be skate shop exclusives. Check out the images below and let us know if you’ll cop these SBs.
Image Source: Nike
