Nike SB x Run The Jewels –

Nike SB’s newest Dunk Low collaboration is a tribute to two of the most iconic figures in rap and hip-hop culture: Run The Jewels. This capsule collection, designed by Killer Mike and EI-P, features both a Dunk Low and Dunk High and is inspired by RTJ’s signature symbols, skate culture, and vivid comic book colors.

Since 2013, Run The Jewels have been building their influential legacy through their self-titled album and their 2020 release, ‘RTJ4’. Killer Mike and El-P, two well-established hip-hop artists from the ’90s and early ’00s, collaborated on the track ‘Tougher Colder Killer’ and El-P’s album ‘Cancer 4 Cure’, which saw the two come together to form Run The Jewels. The group’s name originates from a line in LL Cool J’s ‘Cheesy Rat Blues’, which references New York stick-up slang. Themes in their music include socio-political topics, their relationship with Adult Swim, and their veteran rap statuses.

Following the success of the Nike SB MF Doom Dunk High, the Nike SB ‘De La Soul’ Dunk Low Pro and the Nike SB ‘Dinosaur Jr’ Dunk High Premium in 2007, Nike has released the Nike SB x Run The Jewels capsule to marry influential music culture with creative design. This two part Dunk collection celebrates 4/20 with exclusive commemorative details beneath each insole; 4.20.10 ‘Jaimily’ in honour of El-P’s wedding anniversary and 4.20.75 in reference to Killer Mike’s birthday.

The Nike SB x Run The Jewels Dunk Low is an imaginative take on the basketball classic, boasting a delicate Miami Vice-style colour palette with a light blue outsole and ‘Blue Chill’ uppers crafted from both suede and nubuck. The sneaker has a perforated toe box, an all-over ‘Run The Jewels’ outsole print, a full length cupsole stitch, interchangeable braided laces, a circular underfoot tread and pink suede Swooshes on the panelled midfoot. Additionally, the suede Zoom Air insoles boast printed finger-gun and fist RTJ logos, while the padded leather tongue and woven ‘Nike SB Dunk Low Pro’ tags complete the design. Gold stitch embroidered ‘Nike’ branding is stitched across each leather heel.

The Nike SB x Run The Jewels Dunk High is a stylish sneaker that draws on the duo’s expressive undertone. The black leather underlays are complemented by shaggy faux fur uppers in a contrasting shade of ‘Active Pink’. 3D gem-style Swooshes, finger-gun and fist logos, perforated forefoot detailing, and interchangeable laces add to the sneaker’s distinctive look. It is also equipped with a full length cupstole stitch, a solid pink rubber outsole, Zoom Air inserts, a padded high-cut collar, a padded suede lining, printed suede insoles, and classic woven ‘Nike SB Dunk High’ tongue labels.