The Nike “What the Dunk? 2.0” hit everyones instagram feed and caused a frenzy, many believing it was due within the next year. With a bold reimagining the original designer, Johnnykicks_, blended 36 of the most iconic pairs from recent using just photoshop. Inspired by Nike’s legendary 2007 “What the Dunk?” – a fusion of some of the most iconic Nike Dunk designs – this updated edition reinterprets the original concept with an even bolder mix of textures, colours, and nostalgic elements.
Johnnykicks_ has elevated every detail, from premium materials to vivid patterns, making “What the Dunk? 2.0” more than just a concept sneaker but something that looked tangible. It’s a tribute to the creative legacy of the Dunk line and would be a must-have for true collectors. This design not only captures the evolution of the Dunk but also the vision and creativity, proving yet again that some concepts are simply too good not to be real. Come on now @nike!
Right foot
Starting with the left foot, the Staple Pigeon logo fits prominently on the heel, a reference to a now iconic symbol of sneaker culture. The Panda colourway has become an iconic term in the sneaker world, often used to describe the popular black-and-white colour-blocked aesthetic. The Pigeon logo is a nod to the Panda-Pigeon Staple Dunks, a sneaker that has become legendary in streetwear culture in its own right. with its Raised stitch on the side, it’s an iconic part of dunk culture that needed to be represented
Adding to the shoe’s distinct style is the metallic gold swoosh from the Sean Cliver “Holiday Special” Dunk. Known for his surreal and imaginative artwork in the skate and sneaker world, Sean Cliver’s influence brings a whimsical, luxurious element to any design. The metallic Swoosh not only catches the light, creating a gold shimmering effect adding texture and artistic depth. This metallic accent adds an element of boldness and variety to the shoe, blending Cliver’s creative influence with the sneaker’s otherwise bold design elements.
One of the most subtle panels is the cloud panel on the heel, a dreamlike element that contrasts with the shoe’s more intense visuals. Inspired by the now-famous Ben & Jerry’s collaboration, this cloud panel features a blue background with white clouds and embroidery, or possibly a unique, fluffy texture. It adds a sense of comfort and lightness, softening the overall aesthetic. The cloud panel perfectly balances the bold, edgy logos and metallic details, infusing the design with a playful, whimsical touch that brings a refreshing sense of airiness to the shoe.
A yellow midsole brings energy and brightness to the shoe, grounding the entire design with a splash of vibrant colour. The execution, is a bold neon yellow for a modern, eye-catching effect. This colour choice provides contrast against panels like the black Panda Pigeon and white Prod toe box, energising the entire sneaker and drawing attention to its unique colour scheme.
Inside the sneaker features a Piet Parra designed sock liner that adds another level of hidden artistry. Piet Parra, known for his bold colour choices and abstract shapes, brings a distinctive touch to the interior, making the shoe feel more like a work of art than just footwear. This design feature, almost entirely hidden within the shoe, offers a surprise for the wearer, allowing them to experience Parra’s world of colour and playful design once off foot. Together, these elements create a shoe that’s both visually striking and deeply rooted in sneaker culture, blending influences from streetwear, art, and design to make a statement with every detail.
Left foot
This right-foot concept brings together more iconic design elements that fuse art, street culture, and innovative textures, creating a compelling counterpart to the left shoe. Starting with the Paul Rodriguez (P-Rod) vamp, this element pays homage to the world of skateboarding and Rodriguez’s influence on both skate culture and sneaker design. The vamp features the Mexican scale pattern, as seen on the What the Paul Dunk, with bold color combinations that reflect P-Rod’s style and Mexican heritage. This striking visual detail across the toe box creates a powerful statement, while also honoring another legendary Nike SB skater. It adds a vibrant, attention-grabbing touch to the front of the sneaker, further elevating the design.
Moving upward, the Quarter Snacks Dunk collar brings another street-inspired detail to the right shoe. Known for its connection to New York’s skate scene, Quarter Snacks represents the grittier, everyday side of skate culture. The collar feature the now infamous zebra print.
Adding another burst of colour, the Clark Kent 112 neon laces serve as a bold, high-contrast element, infusing the shoe with more eye-catching energy. The ‘112’ sneaker design, known for its use of neon and reflective details, contributes a modern, streetwise aesthetic. These neon laces tie together the various colours and textures throughout the shoe, accentuating the other bold features. Neon laces are a common design choice in many other iconic Dunks, including the “Jedi” and “Blue Lobster” releases, and have become a signature look among sneakerheads. In addition to enhancing the shoe’s vibrant color, the neon laces also stand out in low-light settings, giving the sneaker a strong visual presence and further elevating its overall impact.
On the heel, Mummy Dunk-inspired eyes create a playful yet eerie detail. This feature, inspired by the spooky, glow-in-the-dark eyes on the Mummy Dunk, make the right shoe’s heel stand out dramatically. These eyes are subtle hidden until seen in the dark where they glow, adding an element of surprise and interactivity. They lend the shoe a mysterious vibe, contributing a Halloween-inspired touch that balances the right sneaker’s other skate and street elements.
Finally, the Fly Streetwear Gardenia Dunk heel incorporates the subtle green colour to complete the heel. Known for Fly Streetwear’s unique cultural references and delicate detailing, this element add a softer, nature-inspired counterpoint to the shoe’s otherwise bold features. The floral design symbolises a blend of natural beauty and urban edge. This detail adds a refined touch to an otherwise crazy design, representing Fly Streetwear’s ability to bring elegance into streetwear, and finishing off the shoe with a connection to nature and craftsmanship.
Together, the right shoe combines elements from skate culture, vibrant colour accents, and artistic detailing. The inclusion of textures, neon highlights, and subtle surprises like the Mummy eyes and gardenia motif transform it into a multi-dimensional, head-turning piece that tells a unique story on its own from heel to toe. This shoe harmonises with the left shoe’s design while adding its own identity, making the pair a rich and visually compelling set that brings together various facets of sneaker culture.
Conclusion
The Nike “What the Dunk? 2.0” quickly captured the imagination of sneakerheads and collectors alike, with social media buzzing over this bold design. In a tribute to Nike’s legendary 2007 “What the Dunk?” release, Johnny brought together 36 iconic elements from the Dunk line’s recent history, infusing the design with vibrant textures, nostalgic callbacks, and cutting-edge patterns that elevate each shoe to the level of art.
With a second “What The Dunk” off the cards it shows the demand for a well curated 2.0 is definitely viable but possibly impossible with so many of the collaborators being against it. Every carefully chosen material, stitch, and colorway pays homage to the creativity and impact of the NikeSB Dunk legacy, setting a new standard in design and collectibility. Celebrating the history of one of the greatest silhouettes ever and the Dunk’s storied evolution, the “2.0” would be an essential for any true fan, but for now, it remains a myth!
