In March 2003, Nike released a sneaker that would become a defining piece in the intersection of street culture and performance skate shoes—the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison. This model, part of Nike's then-nascent skateboarding line, was instantly recognisable for its bold colourway and material mix, capturing the attention of sneaker enthusiasts and skaters alike.
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The Nike SB Dunk Low Bison 🦬
A Thoughtful Combination of Materials
The Nike SB Dunk Low Bison features a dynamic combination of red suede, black leather, and brown nubuck, meticulously designed to evoke the natural tones and rugged texture of a bison. This thoughtful selection of materials is integral to the shoe's distinct character. The rich red suede that dominates the upper is not only visually striking but also offers a soft, tactile feel, creating a bold contrast with the smooth black leather overlays. These leather accents add a layer of sophistication, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the shoe.
Durability Meets Style
Beyond its visual appeal, the material choice for the Bison ensures that the shoe is built to last. The brown nubuck, used on the toe box and heel, is particularly significant for its durability. Nubuck, a type of top-grain leather that has been sanded or buffed to give it a slight nap, is renowned for its strength and resistance to wear, making it an excellent choice for a skateboarding shoe. This robust material provides enhanced protection against the wear and tear typical in skateboarding, ensuring that the Bison isn’t just stylish but also practical and resilient.
Blending Functionality with Aesthetics
The combination of suede, leather, and nubuck in the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison perfectly balances functionality and aesthetics. The suede and nubuck offer durability and protection, essential for any skate shoe, while the leather adds a touch of style, giving the shoe a polished and versatile look. This blend of materials reflects Nike SB’s commitment to producing footwear that meets the performance needs of skaters and appeals to those who appreciate design and craftsmanship. The rich, earthy tones of the Bison make it a standout in the SB Dunk lineup, suitable for both the skate park and the streets, highlighting its dual-purpose design.
A Bold Statement in the Silverbox Era
The release of the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison coincided with what has become known as the "Silverbox" era—a pivotal period in the history of Nike SB. This era, which lasted from 2003 to 2004, is named after the distinctive silver boxes that these shoes were packaged in. The Silverbox symbolised a specific timeframe and represented a shift in Nike SB's strategy, focusing on creating more exclusive and highly sought-after designs.
The Significance of the Silverbox
Compared to other Nike SB packaging eras, such as the Orange Box (2002-2003) and the Pink Box (2004-2006), collectors and enthusiasts particularly revere the Silverbox era. The Orange Box era marked the beginning of Nike SB, focusing on establishing credibility within the skateboarding community. However, during the Silverbox era, Nike SB began to gain significant traction in the broader sneaker culture. The silver packaging became synonymous with limited releases and high-quality, innovative designs that appealed to skaters and sneakerheads.
The Silverbox era also set the stage for the exclusivity that would come to define Nike SB's approach in the following years. Shoes like the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison were released in limited quantities, often available only through select skate shops, which helped to build the hype and demand around these sneakers. The unique designs and colourways that defined the Silverbox releases further emphasised this sense of exclusivity, making them some of the most coveted shoes in the Nike SB lineup.
A Legacy That Endures
While the Silverbox era was followed by the Pink Box, Black Box, and other subsequent packaging styles, it remains a standout period in the history of Nike SB. The shoes released during this time, including the Bison, are often regarded as some of the most iconic and influential designs in sneaker culture. The Silverbox itself has become a symbol of a time when Nike SB truly began to dominate both the skate and sneaker worlds, setting a standard for future releases.
A Growing Icon in Value
In recent years, the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison has seen a significant increase in value, reflecting its status as a true icon in sneaker culture. Originally retailing for just £50 when released in 2003, the Bison has appreciated substantially in the resale market. Depending on the condition, a pair of Bisons can fetch upwards of £1,200 or more!
What caused the price increase?
Several factors drive this dramatic price increase. First, the shoe's limited release, combined with its historical significance as part of the Silverbox era, makes it a highly sought-after item among collectors. Second, the resurgence of the Nike SB Dunk line in recent years, fueled by high-profile collaborations and the broader revival of early 2000s streetwear trends, has further bolstered the value of these iconic sneakers.
For collectors and enthusiasts, the Nike SB Dunk Low Bison represents a piece of skateboarding history and a valuable investment. As demand for classic SB Dunks continues to rise, the Bison remains one of the most prized possessions, symbolising both cultural significance and economic value in the ever-evolving sneaker market.
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Concluding Thoughts
The Nike SB Dunk Low Bison is more than just a skate shoe; it symbolises a cultural shift and a testament to innovative design. It reflects a time when Nike successfully bridged the gap between performance skate footwear and streetwear, creating a product that resonated deeply with both communities. Whether you're a skater, a collector, or someone who appreciates the historical significance of sneakers, the Bison holds a special place in the legacy of the Nike SB line—a true icon in the world of sneakers.
You're too late to pick up the Nike SB Dunk Bisons on release, but you can check out more fresh releases on our store—or if you're lucky, there might be a pair of Bisons available on KershKicked, our second-hand section.
The Author: Ben Kersh
Ben Kersh is the co-founder and a driving force behind KershKicks. With a deep passion for streetwear culture and over a decade of experience in the sneaker industry, Ben has built KershKicks into a trusted destination for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
