Nike Dunk Low Retro

The clean black and white look of this Nike Dunk Low Retro gives it an effortless style. A dichromatic construction can be found across both its sole unit and its upper, the former being split into two rubber pieces each with its own purpose. The black outsole has the tried and tested grip patterns of earlier Dunks so that it offers the same staunch traction underfoot. Circular structures beneath the forefoot allow dynamic pivot movements, while a series of blocks arranged in a loop under the heel facilitate solid planting of the foot. Above this, the white midsole softens things up with its foam cushioning to make sure that the wearer is comfortable during movement.

Black and white alternate again over the upper, whose smooth leather surface is durable and aesthetically pleasing at the same time. While white forms the underlayer of the toe box and midfoot panels, black fills out the overlays. There is one wrapping around the toe to prevent dirt splashing up onto it and another in the rear of the shoe. Sat in between these two pieces is a black eyestay which overlaps with the forefoot mudguard and is in turn overlapped by the rear overlay so that they share the uppermost eyelet. Black laces thread through it over a white tongue, whose peak has a black label sewn into it. Here, the first of the branding effects can be found as white Nike text and a swoosh have been embroidered into it.

The top of the tongue is lined with black material, as is the collar. This soft black fabric continues down inside the shoe until it reaches the insole, which is white. Upon its surface is another set of Nike branding, this time in black. Meanwhile, on the heel, above a band of white leather that itself rests just up from the rear overlay, there is a small panel of black leather with capitalised Nike text embroidered into it in white thread. Emerging from either side of this tab is a black swoosh. These stretch down the shoe’s flanks to end over the midfoot, thus bringing one final bold contrast to this Panda design.