The Nike SB Dunk has been a cornerstone of shoe culture for over two decades, but before the official Nike SB division was established in 2002, the Dunk Pro B laid the groundwork for what would become one of the most influential skate shoe lines of all time. Now, Nike is taking fans back to that pre-SB era with the upcoming release of the Nike SB Dunk Pro B “Cinnamon”, a long-lost sample that is finally set to hit shelves during the Holiday 2025 season.

For collectors, skaters, and shoe enthusiasts alike, this release is more than just a new colorway—it’s a nod to a pivotal moment in shoe history. But what makes the “Cinnamon” so special, and why is it resurfacing now? Let’s dive into the details, the history, and the significance of this long-anticipated drop.

A Look Back: The Pre-SB Era and the Rise of the Dunk Pro B

Before Nike SB officially launched in 2002, Nike experimented with adapting the classic Dunk silhouette for skateboarding. The Dunk had already gained traction in the skate scene due to its durable build, high-top design, and grippy outsole. Recognizing the potential, Nike introduced the Dunk Pro B line in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, modifying the traditional Dunk with skate-friendly features.

The Pro B Dunks featured:

• Thicker padded tongues, offering enhanced comfort and a snug fit for skaters.

• Fat laces, reminiscent of classic skate shoes of the era.

• Softer, more flexible materials, making them more suitable for skateboarding than their basketball-inspired predecessors.

These early Dunks became cult classics, paving the way for the Nike SB division, which launched with the iconic SB Dunk Low in 2002. The Pro B models remain some of the most sought-after shoes among hardcore collectors, with some fetching sky-high resale prices due to their rarity and historical significance.

The Nike SB Dunk Pro B “Cinnamon” falls squarely into this lineage—a forgotten sample from this golden era that never saw an official release. Until now.

The Nike SB Dunk Pro B “Cinnamon” Sample: Design and Details

The upcoming “Cinnamon” release stays true to its original sample design, bringing back the distinct pre-SB aesthetic that defined early skateboarding Dunks. Here’s what to expect from this retro-inspired drop:

Colorway & Materials

• The deep brown suede upper gives the shoe its signature “Cinnamon” moniker, exuding a warm, earthy tone.

• Contrasting burnt orange accents appear on the Swoosh, laces, and outsole, adding a vintage-inspired pop of color.

• A gum rubber outsole, a fan-favorite feature, enhances both traction and durability—ideal for both skating and casual wear.

• Mesh side panels and leather overlays provide a textured mix of materials, maintaining the rugged, skate-ready build.

Pre-SB Features

• True to the Pro B era, the shoe boasts a thicker padded tongue, a detail that SB Dunks later adopted as a signature feature.

• The fat laces return, reinforcing the shoe’s old-school skate DNA.

• A traditional Dunk midsole, rather than the Zoom Air unit found in later SB Dunks, keeps it authentic to its late-‘90s roots.

Nike has clearly put in the effort to make this as close to an authentic Pro B reissue as possible, ensuring that both collectors and new sneakerheads can appreciate its historical significance.

Why the “Cinnamon” Sample is a Big Deal

The “Cinnamon” colorway was never widely released, making it one of those mythical sneakers that only existed in sample form. Over the years, rumors and images have circulated among hardcore collectors, but few have actually owned a pair. The decision to finally bring it to retail makes this a significant moment for Nike SB history.

A Nod to the OG Dunk Culture

Releasing a Pro B Dunk in 2025, nearly 25 years after the pre-SB era, is a powerful tribute to the roots of Dunk culture. Before collaborations and limited-edition hype, the Dunk Pro B was a shoe that skaters, sneaker enthusiasts, and underground collectors embraced for its functionality and style.

Unique Timing for a Dunk Resurgence

While the Nike SB Dunk has had its ups and downs in popularity, recent years have seen a major resurgence in demand. Collabs with Travis Scott, Off-White, and Supreme have pushed the SB Dunk back into the mainstream spotlight. A release like the “Cinnamon” serves as a reminder that before the hype, there was history.

How the Nike SB Dunk Pro B “Cinnamon” Fits into Today’s Sneaker Market

With the Dunk resurgence in full effect, this release is poised to be a highly anticipated drop for both OG collectors and newcomers to the sneaker game.

Resale Market Potential

Given the rarity of the original sample and the ongoing demand for nostalgic SB releases, it’s likely that the “Cinnamon” Pro B Dunk will see strong resale value post-release. Early previews suggest that limited quantities will be available, which only fuels the hype. Expect sneaker resellers and collectors alike to keep a close eye on this drop.

Will This Open the Door for More Pro B Retro Releases?

If the “Cinnamon” reissue performs well, Nike may start looking at other Pro B samples and colorways that never saw a proper release. Could we see more early-2000s gems making a comeback? Only time will tell, but this release certainly sets the stage for a renewed interest in pre-SB Dunks.

Thoughts

The Nike SB Dunk Pro B “Cinnamon” isn’t just another colorway—it’s a piece of shoe history. With its deep-rooted connection to the pre-SB era, it stands as a tribute to the origins of Nike’s skateboarding division and a reminder of how far the Dunk has come.

For longtime collectors, this release is an opportunity to finally own a sample that has lived in sneaker folklore for years. For newer sneakerheads, it’s a chance to appreciate the heritage of the Dunk beyond the hype.

 

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