New Balance’s “Dunk” Skate Shoe: Performance and Style
October 17, 2024
In the world of skateboarding footwear, few brands have made as much noise in recent years as New Balance. Known primarily for its running shoes, New Balance’s foray into skate shoes with their Numeric line has steadily gained traction since its launch in 2013. Now, the brand has released what many are calling its “Dunk” skate shoe, a clever nod to Nike’s iconic SB Dunk, but with New Balance’s own twist. This new release has quickly caught the attention of skateboarders and sneaker enthusiasts alike, especially because of its unique blend of performance and aesthetics, which some are likening to the sweetness of chocolate—irresistible and satisfying.
At first glance, New Balance’s “Dunk” skate shoe has a somewhat familiar silhouette, but the devil is in the details. The design pays homage to the low-cut, retro-inspired profile that has made the Nike Dunk a staple in both the skate and fashion worlds. However, New Balance avoids being derivative by integrating their signature minimalist aesthetic, known for clean lines and functional appeal. The shoe’s visual design is understated, with muted color palettes such as chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and off-white—colors that evoke a sense of classic skate culture while appealing to modern tastes.
The choice of materials plays a significant role in the shoe’s overall look. The upper is constructed from premium suede, which not only adds a luxurious feel but also ensures durability, a critical factor for skateboarders who put immense stress on their shoes. The suede is complemented by leather accents and breathable mesh panels that add a tactile contrast, making the shoe feel contemporary and stylish. What stands out most is New Balance’s subtle branding: the iconic “N” logo on the side is smaller and more reserved than on other models, emphasizing that this shoe is more about performance than loud marketing.
In terms of colorways, the chocolate-inspired theme draws attention. The rich browns and velvety textures evoke not only the literal sweetness of chocolate but also a certain nostalgia, recalling the skate shoes of the late ’90s and early 2000s, when skate fashion was more understated than the louder, more maximalist designs of today. This subtlety has resonated with skateboarders who value authenticity and functionality over flashiness. In a market where many brands aim to grab attention with bright colors and over-the-top designs, New Balance’s approach feels like a refreshing alternative.
Built for Skaters, Tested by Skaters
A skate shoe can look great, but if it doesn’t perform well on a skateboard, it’s nothing more than a fashion accessory. Fortunately, New Balance’s “Dunk” skate shoe is more than just a pretty face. Like its predecessors in the Numeric line, this model is designed with input from professional skateboarders, ensuring that it can withstand the demands of both street and park skating.
One of the key features of the shoe is its vulcanized construction, which gives it the flexibility and board feel that skaters need for technical tricks. Vulcanized shoes are often preferred by skaters because they provide a lower profile and better grip on the board, allowing for more precise control when performing flip tricks, grinds, and manuals. New Balance has engineered the shoe’s sole with a special rubber compound that enhances grip without sacrificing durability. This is crucial for skaters who are constantly dragging their shoes across grip tape, which can wear down soles quickly.
The sole itself is designed with New Balance’s proprietary “N-Durance” rubber outsole, which is known for its long-lasting wear resistance. For skaters who often find their shoes falling apart after a few intense sessions, this durability could be a game-changer. Moreover, the shoe features a reinforced toe cap, which addresses one of the most common pain points in skate shoes—the toe area tends to blow out first from repeated ollies and flip tricks. By adding extra protection to this high-wear zone, New Balance has extended the shoe’s lifespan, making it a reliable choice for serious skaters.
The shoe’s cushioning is another highlight. While skateboarding shoes are typically flat and minimalist to enhance board feel, New Balance has managed to incorporate their signature ABZORB cushioning into the insole, providing impact protection without sacrificing the low-profile nature of the shoe. This is especially important for skaters who regularly take on large stair sets, gaps, or transitions, where the force of landing can be brutal on the feet and knees. The ABZORB cushioning helps absorb some of that impact, reducing the risk of injury and making long skate sessions more comfortable.
Another feature worth mentioning is the shoe’s breathability. Skateboarding is physically demanding, and feet can get sweaty quickly, especially in the summer months. The breathable mesh panels integrated into the upper help regulate temperature and prevent overheating, which is a nice touch for skaters who are out on the streets for hours at a time.
Impression
Skateboarding and sneaker culture have long had a symbiotic relationship. Skate shoes, once seen purely as functional items, have become style statements both on and off the board. This intersection of performance and fashion has allowed skate shoes to transcend the skateboarding community and enter mainstream culture, with iconic models like the Nike SB Dunk becoming highly sought-after by both skaters and sneaker collectors alike.
New Balance’s “Dunk” skate shoe is part of this ongoing dialogue between skateboarding and sneaker culture. The shoe’s subtle nod to the SB Dunk is intentional but also restrained. It pays respect to the legacy of skate shoes while forging its own path, staying true to New Balance’s ethos of understated cool. By choosing a chocolate-inspired colorway, New Balance taps into the nostalgia of skateboarding’s golden era while simultaneously offering something fresh for modern skaters.
The release of the “Dunk” skate shoe comes at a time when skateboarding’s cultural cachet is at an all-time high. With skateboarding’s inclusion in the Olympics and its continued prominence in fashion, skate shoes are no longer just for skaters—they’re for everyone. This broad appeal has turned skate shoes into coveted fashion items, often driving up demand and creating hype around new releases. While the Nike SB Dunk has been the poster child of this phenomenon, New Balance’s foray into this space shows that there’s room for innovation and fresh perspectives.
The “Dunk” skate shoe also represents New Balance’s deeper commitment to the skateboarding community. By collaborating with pro skaters and incorporating their feedback into the design process, New Balance has shown that it’s serious about making shoes that cater to the specific needs of skateboarders, not just creating shoes that look the part. This level of authenticity resonates within the skate community, where credibility is everything. Skaters can see through brands that try to capitalize on trends without understanding the culture, but New Balance has managed to avoid this pitfall by aligning itself with respected figures in the skateboarding world and staying true to its core values of quality and performance.
New Balance’s “Dunk” skate shoe is more than just a stylish nod to one of skateboarding’s most iconic silhouettes. It’s a carefully engineered piece of footwear that delivers on both form and function, offering skaters a shoe that is not only durable and high-performing but also looks great on and off the board. The chocolate-inspired colorway adds an extra layer of appeal, tapping into nostalgia while offering something fresh and contemporary.
For skaters, the shoe’s vulcanized construction, reinforced toe cap, and ABZORB cushioning make it a reliable option for everything from street sessions to skate park lines. The combination of durability and flexibility ensures that it can handle the demands of modern skateboarding, while the understated design makes it a versatile addition to any wardrobe.
For sneaker enthusiasts, the “Dunk” skate shoe represents a new chapter in the ongoing fusion of skate and sneaker culture. While the SB Dunk may still reign supreme in terms of hype and collectibility, New Balance’s offering shows that there’s room for innovation and fresh perspectives in this space. The “Dunk” skate shoe doesn’t try to outshine the SB Dunk—it complements it, offering a different take on the classic low-top skate silhouette that is both functional and fashionable.
Ultimately, New Balance’s “Dunk” skate shoe is a sweet treat for anyone who appreciates good design, quality craftsmanship, and the culture of skateboarding. Whether you’re a seasoned skater looking for a reliable shoe to ride in or a sneakerhead searching for the next cool release, this shoe delivers on all fronts. It’s a reminder that, in the world of skate shoes, performance and style don’t have to be mutually exclusive—they can coexist beautifully, just like chocolate.
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