There Skateboards’ First Nike SB Dunk Low Sneaker Brings a Spotlight to Queer and Trans Skaters

There, the California-based skateboarding brand co-founded by artist Jeffrey Chung, is getting its first collaboration with Nike SB.

The There x Nike SB Dunk Low features the artwork of Cheung and begins its rollout this week. The black and green sneaker makes use of two-tone hairy suede, as Cheung’s “ultra-humanized” figures decorate the faded black overlays. Plain black hairy suede then forms the shoe’s uperlays, while green is used for the leather Swoosh, sockliner and outsole. Another of Cheung’s figures is printed onto the outsole and centered upon the forefoot’s pivot point, and additional figures form mismatched metal lace dubraes. Hand-drawn branding appears on the tongue and heels, and the insole is also decorated with Cheung’s artwork.

Cheung, who is Chinese-American, has used There and Unity Skateboarding, the prints of which include its own decks, to support queer and trans skateboarders of color. On Wednesday in Paris, There and Nike will host a Queer Skate Jam followed by a party and video premiere to celebrate the release of their SB Dunk Low.

In an interview with Juxtapoz magazine, Cheung said: ” I started Unity Skateboarding as a DIY and personal way of supporting myself and my queer friends because I loved skating but always felt like I had to hide being queer. Now it seems like more and more queer people are coming out skating and learning how to skate and be themselves. When queer, trans, and people of color simply exist visibly, are active in their communities, and take up public space, they can change the narrative both in and outside of skateboarding.”

The There Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low will first release Wednesday, July 31, through the skate brand’s website with exclusive packaging. The Snkrs app will also host a release on August 6, while select skate shops will also drop the sneakers in the intervening time period. Pricing is set at $135.

About the Author:

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.