(October 2010) Charcoal/Black Nike Dunk High Premium SB

Since 1991, Nike shoes (whose namesake hails after the Greek goddess for victory) have garnered tons of accolades and no one can mistake their instantly recognizable "swoosh." Among the most popular line are the Nike SB Dunks. The great thing about these is that they can be had for under one-hundred dollars at an authorized dealer. Demand for these Nike Dunk SBs, however, has driven prices up over the thousand-dollar mark. And where there's money, there's people doing anything they can to get it, including making fake Nike Skateboarding Dunks to sell to the unsuspecting buyer. Therefore, it's vitally important to learn what the real thing looks like before you hand over your hard earned money.

1. The first step is to examine the actual Nike Dunk SB box. Those from the first and second series hand orange boxes. The third series came in a silver box with a green label. These have also come in silver with an orange label, pink with black or orange labels, and black and purple boxes with black labels. If the Nike SB Dunk is in a different colored box, they may not be the real thing.

2. The second step is to take the shoes out of the box. A clear, resealable bag should be attached to the shoes. This bag should contain spare laces for the Nike SB Dunks. The bag should feature the Nike logo and swoosh in solid black with the SB letters beneath. Make sure this lettering is quality and not cheaply painted on or applied.

3. The third step is to actually check the spare shoelaces. They should be different in color than what is already laced in the Nike Dunk SB. Authentic laces will be flat and wide whereas fakes are often cheap, thin, and round.

4. The fourth step is to check the Nike Dunk SBs tongue. It should be a thick, curved tongue that is either V-shaped or U-shaped. If it is thin or squared off, it is fake.

5. The fifth step is to make sure the letters of the Nike logo that is embroidered on the back are nice and fat. Also, make sure they are correctly spaced and the "E" especially is not too far away from the "K."

6. The sixth step involves examining the Swoosh emblems. It is important that the Swoosh on the Nike Skateboarding Dunks is neither too thick nor too thin. Also, be wary if the stitching does not line up right along the edge of the Swoosh.

7. The seventh and final step is to look at the soles. Authentic Nike SB Dunks have both "Nike" and the Swoosh along with their respective registered trademark symbols (R for registered). You'll find these molded into the sole of the Nike SB Dunk right in the mid-position. If the R symbol and the logos are not at the same level, then it is a sure sign you are holding fakes.

Hopefully the next time you get your hands on a great deal, you'll remember these tips and can quickly ascertain whether the Nike SB Dunks are the real things.

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Nike SB delivers another impressive Dunk Low for October. The simple color and texture blocking of the recent drops has been super on point, reminiscent of the golden days of SB. Some are calling these the “Un-Vamps.” Now available through Primitive.