Nike SB introduced the Dunk Low as a skateboarding shoe line in 2002.
Nike created Nike Skateboarding, usually shortened to Nike SB, to build a dedicated skate product range. The Dunk Low became one of its defining models because its padded tongue, Zoom Air insole and skate-focused construction adapted the basketball silhouette for skateboarders.
The original Dunk dates from 1985, when Nike launched it as a college basketball shoe. That earlier release is not the same milestone as the 2002 Nike SB version. Nike SB’s Dunks became especially influential through collaborations with skaters, shops and artists, helping turn limited skate shoes into major streetwear objects.
A common mix-up is treating every Dunk release as an SB release. The SB designation identifies Nike’s skateboarding line, while ordinary Dunk models can belong to Nike Sportswear or other categories. The 2002 date therefore refers specifically to the launch of the Dunk within Nike SB, not the first appearance of the Dunk silhouette.