HONG KONG.- In celebration of the 20th anniversary of Nike Skateboarding, Sotheby’s presents Nike SB | 20 Years, a retrospective auction showcasing the history of the highly popular Nike Skateboarding brand and its influence on sneaker culture. Open today through 25 April, the sale carries a total estimate of over HK$6.8m/ US$850,000 and features 100 pairs Nike SB sneakers, ranging from approachable but highly recognisable models to some of the most coveted and valuable sneakers in Nike’s history.

"This auction is one of the most comprehensive sneakers offerings we have ever put together at Sotheby’s, highlighting the rarest and most desired Nike’s to ever surface at market. Commemorating Nike SB’s 20th Anniversary, this sale is meant to celebrate the brand’s identity and influence in street culture." --Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear & Modern Collectables

HISTORY OF NIKE SB

The Nike SB Dunk made its formal debut in 2002, when Nike officially reworked the famed Dunk basketball sneaker originally designed in the 1980s with upgrades suited for the skateboarding community. Former Nike executive Sandy Bodecker is credited with building one of Nike’s most beloved subdivisions in the early 2000s with the Nike SB line.

Nike SB is defined by their unbridled creativity, collaborators, materials, and whimsical thematic designs that define a generation of sneakerheads. Nike has explored hundreds of concepts – often with a sense of humor – through its Nike Dunks. From designs that range from beer bottles, to guitar cases, to horror films, jewelry, animals, arts and cities – the Dunks represent some of the most beloved and creative models for the brand.

STAR HIGHLIGHTS

Nike SB Dunk High Pro ‘FLOM’ & ‘FLOM’ Skateboarding Deck, Signed by Futura
Est.: HK$500,000 – 700,000/ US$64,000 – 90,000

One of only 24 in the world, and part of an even smaller group in unworn condition, this is perhaps the most coveted Dunk of all. Designed by Brooklyn local graffiti artist Futura, ‘FLOM,’ an acronym meaning ‘For Love or Money,’ encompasses a pattern that was created from different denominations of printed money. The last time Sotheby’s sold a FLOM, it broke the at-the-time auction record for a Nike Dunk, selling for US$63,000.

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro ‘Paris’ Bernard Buffet Promo Sample
Est.: HK$600,000 – 750,000/ US$77,000 – 96,000

One of the most popular and recognizable Nike Dunks in existence, this extremely rare pair is a Production Test/Sample of the famous ‘Paris’ SB Dunk. Approximately 200 pairs of the regular release were made for Nike’s traveling White Dunk Exhibition in 2003, an exhibit that featured several extremely limited SB Dunks created for the tour’s host cities, this pair in ‘Rope/Special Cardinal’ colors (utilizing tan-suede) represents Paris and features canvas overlays containing the artwork of French painter Bernard Buffet.

Nike Dunk Hi Orchard Street ‘Brazil’
Est.: HK$45,000 – 95,000/ US$5,800 – 12,000

In the summer of 2003, streetwear store Orchard Street reworked 40 pairs of Dunk Highs. Each was reworked into orange, green and black, while a portion of the rear flaps were carved out to let the orange pop on this particular model. What will be remembered most of the Orchard Street Dunk is the release. Greig Bennett, co-founder of the brand, made the pairs available only through physically finding them across New York. The shoes were placed on street lamps and traffic lights and the dedicated sneaker and fashion community were committed enough to scale these heights in order to secure them. Due to its incredibly limited quantities and exclusive nature of its release, these are some of the most sought after custom Dunks in circulation.

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro Reese Forbes ‘Denim’
Est.: HK$100,000 – 120,000/ US$13,000 – 15,000

Nike SB tapped their own riders to collaborate on the design to create the first-ever series of SB Dunks. Reese Forbes was the one of the four original Nike SB team riders to be tasked with designing a series. Considered one of the most sought-after pairs from its era, Reese Forbes’s second ever Nike SB was reportedly limited to just 444 pairs. Designed in partnership with skateboarder Natas Kaupas, it features two shades of Indigo denim with frayed detailing throughout – all housed atop a contrasting red outsole that channels the Americana aesthetic.