April Skateboards is a skateboarding company known for its unique approach to blending art and skate culture. Making the SB dunk a perfect muse for a new Nike SB collaboration with the Australian brand.
April Skateboards was founded with a vision to bring together the worlds of art and skateboarding. One of the distinctive features of April Skateboards is its emphasis on collaborating with artists. The brand collaborates with graphic designers and illustrators to produce skateboard decks that go beyond mere sporting equipment, doubling as unique canvases for artistic expression.
April was founded by Shane O’Neil in 2018 after announcing he was leaving Primitive Skateboarding who he was previously contracted to. O'Neill, who is an Australian professional skateboarder hailing from Melbourne, Victoria, has made a significant mark in the skateboarding world. As a member of the SLS "9 Club," Shane's prowess is underscored by his achievement in the Street League competition, where he successfully executed a switch stance Switch 360 double kickflip, earning an average score of 9 or better from judges. His exceptional skills were further highlighted in 2016 when he secured a silver medal at the X Games in Oslo. Notably, he demonstrated his expertise on a global stage by qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics in street skateboarding. Although he ranked sixteenth in the Preliminary Heats, preventing him from advancing to the finals, Shane O’Neil looks to move the sport of skateboarding forward with his brand which currently sponsors arguably the biggest name in skateboarding right now and all of time, Yuto Horigome.
Yuto has also had his own SB dunk collab which was released earlier this year.
That sneaker boasts a cement grey Swoosh that seamlessly blends the lateral and medial sidewalls, complemented by Nike branding intricately stitched onto the tongue tag and heel badge.
Towards the back, Horigome's distinctive cross-feather logo is skillfully embroidered. The custom graphics on the insoles showcase a myriad of pink cherry blossom petals, paying homage to Japan's national flower.
April Skateboards has redefined the conventional Dunk with a distinctive and breathable twist. Departing from the typical all-leather construction, the April Skateboards version features a refreshing 'White' mesh base, providing a breathable foundation for skaters. The 'Racer Blue suede overlays add a layer of upper quality, drawing immediate comparisons, especially for seasoned trainer enthusiasts, to a certain Air Jordan 1 High OG from 2019, the Turbo Green colourway. The attention to detail is evident in the “April” branding stitched across the back and heel, while a dazzling chromed-out Swoosh glides boldly through the lateral and medial sidewalls. Function meets style as the SB Dunk rests atop a Zoom Air-infused midsole, ensuring optimal comfort and cushioning for skaters navigating half pipes. The design is rounded off with an icy rubber outsole, housing a distinctive rose graphic which is a signature touch from April Skateboards that adds a unique flair to this reimagined Dunk silhouette.
