Futura, also known as Futura 2000, stands out as one of the most prolific collaborators in the sneaker realm. Since the early 2000s, this American graffiti artist has consistently crafted highly coveted sneakers. Notably, creations like the Nike Dunk High Pro SB “FLOM” have fetched substantial sums, reaching tens of thousands of dollars on the resale market. His recent venture with Nike, in collaboration with Virgil Abloh under the Futura Laboratories line, focused on the Dunk Low in two distinctive colourways. Despite not officially hitting retail shelves, eight pairs were auctioned this year, with a size 10 in the orange variant commanding an impressive $107,950 USD.

  

  

  

  

The anticipation surrounding Futura's upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low for 2024 has been confirmed, with a design image surfacing quietly in September through Singaporean contemporary artist Jahan Loh. Since then, the image has gained viral attention, fueling excitement among sneaker enthusiasts. Popular sneaker leaker Masterchefian recently reposted the photo, and Futura himself responded to comments on the post. An essential detail shared by the artist includes describing it as a "GENERAL RELEASE," although acquiring a pair is expected to be a challenging endeavour. Futura also indicated the release year as "2024" in Roman numerals, adding to the intrigue.
 
Examining the shoe's design, it appears to feature a combination of mesh and canvas in its upper, incorporating signature SB Dunk Low elements such as the thick tongue. The grey mesh base is complemented by leather Swooshes in a dark teal shade, while overlays showcase a galaxy-like print in various shades of blue, green, and red. Futura's signature graces the lateral heel of one shoe, coordinating with the tongue tag, and the "FL" stamp is featured at the heel of the other. The sole unit comprises a white midsole with blue contrast stitching, resting above an icy translucent outsole.
  
  
  
  

The resurgence of SBs and Dunk Lows in the world of sneakers was easily foreseeable. In today's emphasis on individuality within footwear, customizable kicks inspired by skateboarding continually introduce a variety of impressive designs and fabrics, making them a must-see in the market.

The original Nike Dunk, debuting in 1985, shared some similarities with the Jordan 1. As Nike sought to enter the skateboarding scene, the Dunk evolved into the SB Dunk. This move proved successful, as the sturdy construction provided excellent functionality for skating, and the creative designs showcased in numerous iterations during the early 2000s redefined the entire sneaker subculture.

  

  

  

  

Given the influential nature of those evolutionary efforts, it's unsurprising that many contemporary classics draw heavy inspiration from them. Whether influenced by popular artists, team-based colors, or other creative elements, the latest wave of SB Dunk Lows stands out prominently among all other releases and look to push forward into 2024 as well with the Futura SB collab leading the forefront in early 2024.

As Futura teases the impending release scheduled for next year, we are eagerly awaiting further details, and updates are expected to generate significant buzz as the release date approaches.

Levi Niekerk