Supreme, the iconic New York-based streetwear brand, has long been a staple in the sneaker world, thanks to its pioneering collaborations with Nike. These collaborations, beginning in 2002 with the Nike SB Dunk Low, have become essential milestones in sneaker culture. Over the years, Supreme has partnered with Nike on a wide range of silhouettes, blending streetwear aesthetics with athletic design, all while maintaining the essence of both brands. On the occasion of a new release with Jordan, let’s take a closer look at the most memorable Supreme x Nike sneaker collaborations and how they’ve influenced sneaker culture.
The Origins: Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low (2002)
The 2002 release of the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk Low was groundbreaking. Not only was it the first collaboration between the two, but it also marked the start of an era of streetwear brands partnering with sportswear giants. The SB Dunk Low became an instant classic, and its success helped cement Supreme’s place in the sneaker world. This sneaker was significant because it combined Supreme’s bold, edgy design with Nike’s performance-oriented sneaker engineering, making it a must-have for sneakerheads worldwide.
Pushing Boundaries: Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High (2003)
Supreme’s success with the SB Dunk Low led to the release of the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High in 2003. This collaboration was a continuation of the earlier success, this time moving from a low-top to a high-top design. The Dunk High was a stellar example of Supreme’s ability to innovate while staying true to its roots in skate culture. The design was equally bold, featuring bright, standout colors that added to its streetwear appeal.
Experimenting with New Silhouettes: Supreme x Nike SB Zoom Air High ’94 (2011)
Supreme’s collaboration with Nike took a turn in 2011 with the release of the SB Zoom Air High ’94. This was the first time Supreme created a completely original silhouette. Although not as groundbreaking as their Dunk collaborations, the SB Zoom Air High ’94 captured attention for its Timberland-inspired colorway. It was a perfect blend of street style and homage to a New York wardrobe staple. While it may not have set the world on fire, it demonstrated Supreme’s willingness to experiment with new designs, further solidifying their influence in the sneaker world.
The Foamposite Revolution: Supreme x Nike Air Foamposite One (2014)
The Supreme x Nike Air Foamposite One release in 2014 was a game-changer. Foamposites are known for their bold, futuristic look, and Supreme’s take on this iconic silhouette brought even more attention to the model. The collaboration was so highly anticipated that the NYPD had to intervene, preventing a physical launch at Supreme’s NYC store. Instead, the shoes were released online, where they sold out almost immediately. The Supreme Foamposite One remains a standout in Supreme’s sneaker catalog.
Working with the Iconic Jordan Brand: Supreme x Air Jordan 5 (2015)
Perhaps one of the most exclusive partnerships in sneaker culture is the one between Supreme and Jordan Brand. The Supreme x Air Jordan 5 release in 2015 was a rare but significant collaboration. Supreme took the classic Jordan 5 silhouette and offered it in three different colorways. Each pair was a must-have for sneakerheads, and the collaboration proved that Supreme’s influence extended beyond Nike’s standard roster.
Bold Moves and Audacity: Supreme x Nike Air More Uptempo (2017)
In 2017, Supreme took a daring step by reimagining the Nike Air More Uptempo. This collaboration replaced the iconic “AIR” branding across the shoe’s upper with Supreme’s own logo. This bold move, combined with eye-catching colorways like red and metallic gold, made the Supreme x Nike Air More Uptempo one of the most memorable releases in recent years. It perfectly captured Supreme’s fearless approach to design, pushing the boundaries of traditional sneaker culture.
The Timeless Appeal of Dunks: Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High (2022)
Supreme’s relationship with Nike always comes full circle with the SB Dunk. In 2022, the brand released the Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High in the memorable “By Any Means” colorways. This release played into the 2020s Dunk craze while introducing a fresh, bold twist with Supreme’s iconic slogan. The SB Dunk High continues to be a symbol of Supreme’s staying power in the ever-evolving sneaker world.
Supreme’s Enduring Influence on Sneaker Culture
Through these collaborations and others, Supreme has maintained its relevance and influence in the sneaker world for over two decades. From bold colorways to innovative designs, their partnerships with Nike have shaped the sneaker industry and set trends that continue to influence new releases today. As long as Supreme continues to collaborate with Nike, there’s no doubt that their shoes will remain a central part of sneaker culture.