Nike’s famed “Safari” print is making a rare appearance on the SB Dunk Low in celebration of the Paris Olympics.
The Nike SB Dunk Low “Olympic Safari” will release in August as a contender for the Swoosh’s biggest release for the 2024 Olympics. The namesake print appears on the tip and heel, while the rest of the sneaker largely goes for a monochrome look. Grey suede forms the remainer of the shoe’s front half, while the Swoosh, collar, mustache and tongue appear in black. Small pops of color arrive through a burnt orange sockliner and branding on the tongue and mustache, as well as baby blue laces.A white midsole then features black contrast stitching with a black outsole.
Designed by Tinker Hatfield, the animal print made its debut on the Air Safari in 1987, when such patterns were unheard of in sneakers. Atmos helped introduce the Safari look to modern sneakerheads with its legendary Air Max 1 collaboration in 2003, and the look has been replicated in numerous other sneakers, including additional Atmos collaborations.
After bringing back the Air Safari in its OG colorway just days ago for the first time in six years, Nike will lean into the Safari theme hard for the Paris Olympics. For running, the AlphaFly 3 supershoe will get its boldest look yet with the “Safari Olympic” edition releasing Wednesday. The GT basketball series — consisting of the GT Hustle, GT Cut 3 and GT Jump 2 — will also drop with the look on the same day.
A previous Nike SB Dunk Low paid homage to Atmos Air Max 1 “Safari” by replicating its scheme in 2020.
The Nike SB Dunk Low “Olympic Safari” will release August 9 through the Snkrs app and select third-party retailers. Pricing is set at $125.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
