Original Story (09/29/23): Nike SB has a special pack on the way comprised of two SB Dunk Lows releasing in celebration of Valentine’s Day 2024.
Based on initial images, these SB Dunks appear to be inspired by the “red thread of fate,” an East Asian belief originating from Chinese mythology. According to legend, a lunar matchmaking god known as Yuè Lǎo (月老) is in charge of connecting lovers together, playing a role similar to Cupid. Yuè Lǎo wraps an invisible red thread around the finger of two people who are meant to meet and fall in love. This magical cord is said to stretch and tangle but never break, as the two are eternally connected as destined soulmates.
To celebrate the holiday of love, Nike SB is now using this story as the basis for the design of this SB Dunk Low pack. Early looks show that one of the colorways comes dressed in burgundy and other deep red hues and is constructed from a mix of premium materials. A red thread motif wraps around the Nike SB branding on the tongues, while the insoles feature graphics of hands with a red thread tied to each pinky. Additional details include cracked leather swooshes and speckled midsoles. The second colorway comes in a white colorway and in a different mix of materials, opting for a neoprene base and suede overlays.
This isn’t the first time that Nike SB has released something special for Valentine’s Day. While its only been a few years since its release, the Strangelove Skateboards x Nike SB Dunk Low designed by Sean Cliver is widely considered one of the best V-Day shoes of all time.
Grab a first look at the Nike SB Dunk Low “Red Thread of Fate” pack below. Expect these to drop in February 2024 at local skate shops and possibly on SNKRS. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
Update (01/16/24): While the “Red Thread of Fate” legend has its origins in Chinese mythology, Nike has revealed that this pack of SB Dunk Lows actually pays tribute to Paris, the “City of Love.” Ahead of the release of the Dunks, Nike SB has released a pack of accompanying “City of Love” hoodies that feature a printed graphic of the famous sculpture of Cain that stands in Tuileries Garden in an area surrounded by Paris’ top skate spots. These hoodies are available now on Nike.com for $110 each.
Nike SB Dunk Low “City of Love” (Burgundy)
Color: Burgundy Crush/Dark Team Red-Earth
Style Code: FN0619-600
Release Date: February 2024
Price: $125 USD
Nike SB Dunk Low “City of Love” (White)
Color: Coconut Milk/Light Bone-Phantom
Style Code: FN0619-100
Release Date: February 2024
Price: $125 USD
Update (10/11/23): Side-by-side photo via jfgrails:
Update (10/09/23): First look at the white colorway via kcscowboys1977:
Update (10/04/23): Check out on-feet photos of the Nike SB Dunk Low “Red Thread of Fate” below. Images via yankeekicks:
First look photos via masterchefian (09/29):
