When it comes to iconic on-screen footwear, the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale character in “The Wizard of Oz” are in a class of their own. The handiwork of former chief costume designer of MGM Studios, Gilbert Adrian, the shoes featured in the original 1939 film were said to be flooded with 2,300 red sequins. They have a storied past which includes a $300,000 renovation to a single pair, a theft which resulted in federal charges and a record-setting sale of $666,000 in 2000. The historic costume piece will reportedly add yet another chapter to its legacy this year in the form of an official collaboration with Nike’s skateboarding brand.
Details from leaker @eldenmonitors on X indicate that an officially licensed “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB collaboration will be released this year in the form of the Dunk Low Pro QS model. In-hand images of the upcoming pair are not currently available, but it’s expected to feature a “Gym Red/Multi-Color/University Red” colorway with a style code of FZ1291-600.
It’s said that the sneaker will mimic the look of Dorothy’s glittery slippers, possibly through the use of patent leather or other shimmering materials. The leaks also state that the mostly red sneakers will feature yellow details, “Wizard of Oz” tongue branding and heel stitching with the character’s memorable “there’s no place like home” tagline.
Although this “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB collaboration would be the first time the two entities have officially worked together, the sportswear brand’s skate division has previously used a similar theme. Throughout 2015, Nike SB launched an unofficial “The Wizard of Oz” pack comprising three sneakers: a “Dorothy” Dunk Low in March, a patent leather ruby slipper-esque Dunk Low look (above) in April and a “Tin Man” Dunk High in October. Despite the seemingly clear inspiration of the ’15 pairs, it was not a licensed collaboration with the MGM film.
The early reports claim that the “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB Dunk Low Pro QS project will be released during holiday 2024 at a retail price of $135. It’s possible that the launch details could change between now and then, so check back soon for the latest developments on what is sure to be a coveted collaboration.
