The Nike SB Dunk was Nike’s first major shoe designed specifically for skateboarding under Nike SB.
Nike created Nike SB in 2002 to build a dedicated skateboarding footwear and apparel business. The SB Dunk adapted the Dunk basketball silhouette with skate-focused changes, including a padded tongue, improved cushioning, and construction intended to withstand repeated board contact.
The Dunk had originally appeared as a basketball shoe in 1985, so the SB version connected Nike’s basketball archive with the needs of skateboarders. Limited collaborations and unusual color schemes later helped make SB Dunks highly collectible.
This answer should not be confused with the Nike Blazer, which also became popular in skateboarding and received SB versions. The Blazer began as a basketball shoe in 1973, while the SB Dunk was the central early model associated with Nike’s dedicated skateboarding relaunch.