James Arizumi | “What the Dunk” Nike Dunk Low Pro SB | Size 11

Designed by Nike designer James Arizumi, the ‘What the Dunk’ stands today as one of Nike SB’s most popular and recognizable models. The work itself was created from 31 separate Nike SB Dunks, with a design goal to be the “Dunk to end all Dunks.” Nike claims the creation of the What the Dunk was “painstaking, meticulous, and ridiculous on purpose.”

The sneakers themselves are a mismatch, or patchwork, of different design elements from 31 popular Nike SB designs. Together, they make for one of the most coveted models of sneakers that Nike ever released. Some notable elements include an embroidered pigeon incorporated from the Pigeon SB Dunk, and neon ‘Jedi’ laces, a nod to the Jedi Dunk. The sneakers also include elements of the Paris SB Dunks, London SB Dunks and Tweed SB dunks, among others.  

The What the Dunk has additionally become an inspiration for a wide variety of other Nike releases and special editions including the “What the Doernbecher”, the “What the Kobe 7,” and the “What the LeBron”, among others. Mr. Arizumi said, “Years later, who would have guessed the concept would be duplicated many times over within Nike and beyond.”