Reports are circulating that 2023 could finally be the year that two beloved streetwear stalwarts officially connect, as insiders are claiming a Nike SB x Carhartt collaboration is on its way.
When Nike SB boomed onto the scene in 2002 it didn’t take long for skaters to adopt the brand into their subculture. Considered materials and construction stole the hearts of skaters and even birthed the familiar term “Hypebeast” as word quickly spread about the SB Dunk and once collaborative pairs emerged, the bug had well and truly caught on.
It’s no secret that since Travis Scott began wearing obscure dunks from the early 2000s that prices have skyrocketed, propelling GR skate shop specials, Concepts’ Lobster series and SB Pro rider models to the height of the “highest bid” section on resale sites.
Another holy grail pair is the colloquially dubbed ‘Carhartt’ SB Dunk Low, which earned its title from the tough canvas uppers that resembled Carhartt’s iconic dearborn textile. Although not an official collab, the Carhartt Dunks from 2004 are highly collectible and according to rumours, will act at the muse for 2023’s Nike SB x Carhartt collaboration.
It’s also likely an apparel capsule would drop alongside the kicks.
2018’s mainline Nike x Carhartt collection
Carhartt has always had ties to Nike through camo Air models and one-off commissions with Eminem, although those specific pairs are notoriously limited and fetch tens-of-thousands on the aftermarket. It was also recently rumoured we could see a three-way collab between Carhartt, Slim Shady and Nike SB, although the idea was quickly shot down by Em’s manager Paul Rosenberg.
After 21 years of SB and last year’s underwhelming eBay Dunk Low, it’s long overdue that skate heads get something special - and the Nike SB x Carhartt collaboration could be just that thing.
Stay tuned for more information.
