The Nike Dunk Low Veneer is one of those sneakers that instantly makes older collectors nod knowingly while newer sneakerheads rush to Google. Originally released in 2001 as part of the Japan-exclusive “Ugly Duckling” pack, the Veneer was overshadowed by its sibling, the Plum, but quickly grew into a cult classic. For nearly two decades, it remained locked away in sneaker lore, only spotted in vintage collections or fetching sky-high prices on resale sites.

The 2020 Retro

In November 2020, Nike finally answered the prayers of Dunk fans by re-releasing the Veneer. Staying true to the original, the retro carried over everything that made the OG special — premium suede in earthy brown, mossy green overlays, and that bold hit of purple across the Swoosh, laces, heel tab, and outsole. On paper, the color blocking sounds chaotic, but on foot it just works, creating a sneaker that stands out without tipping into gimmick territory.

Materials and Details

Nike didn’t cut corners here. The suede feels plush and rich, far from the stiff materials often seen on GR Dunks. The purple mesh tongue gives it that early-2000s throwback vibe, while the embroidered “Nike” on the heel adds subtle branding flair. Underneath, a white midsole balances out the busy upper, while the purple outsole ties everything together. It’s these little details that separate a beloved retro from a forgettable reissue.

Wearability and Style

The Veneer isn’t the easiest Dunk to style — those colors demand confidence. But that’s also its charm. Pair it with simple fits (neutral cargos, washed denim, plain hoodies) and let the sneakers do the talking. For those willing to embrace the bold palette, the payoff is a unique, conversation-starting Dunk that also taps into deep sneaker history.

Final Thoughts

The Nike Dunk Low Veneer (2020) isn’t just a retro, it’s a reminder of the golden age of CO.JP releases and Nike’s willingness to experiment. For collectors, it’s a piece of history. For everyday wearers, it’s a bold but versatile sneaker. Either way, it earns its place in any rotation.

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Nike SB has always thrived on collaborations that push boundaries, and the PassPort Dunk High Work Boots prove just how far the Dunk can stretch. Released in March 2022, the collab saw Sydney-based skate label PassPort take the Dunk High silhouette and reimagine it through the lens of rugged workwear and Australia’s outdoorsy heritage. The result? A sneaker that feels just as comfortable at a skate park as it would on a muddy bush track.

Rugged Styling and Materials

The upper blends earthy tones of carbon green and fauna brown suede, instantly evoking the look of a well-worn work boot. But this isn’t your standard Dunk. The gold hardware stands out, with bold D-ring eyelets that give it a hiking boot feel, reinforced with heavy-duty laces. Pass~Port also added subtle touches like embroidered branding on the toe box and heel, elevating the design without overwhelming it.

The Details That Matter

Where this collab really shines is in the details. The sockliner carries Pass~Port’s custom branding in gold, while the heel features a unique logo stitched directly into the suede. The outsole is another standout — a mottled “tortoise shell” finish that makes every pair slightly unique. Add in four lace options (including a custom logo-branded set), and the possibilities for styling multiply.

More Than a Skate Shoe

The PassPort Dunk High Work Boots are chunky, durable, and unapologetically bold. While the hiking-inspired aesthetic may not be for everyone, that’s what makes them special. They blur the line between skate culture, sneaker culture, and Aussie workwear in a way that feels authentic to PassPort’s identity.

Final Thoughts

This release cemented Pass~Port as a serious collaborator in the SB world. For collectors, it’s one of the more unique Dunk Highs of the last few years. For everyday wear, it’s a sneaker that carries both character and durability. Whether you’re lacing them up to skate, stomp through the bush, or just flex in the city, these Dunks deliver.

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The LØCI x Blue Marine Foundation NINE isn’t just another sneaker—it’s a sneaker with a conscience. Handmade in Portugal, every pair is part of LØCI’s push to make sustainability actually look good. And I’ve got to say, they’ve nailed it. The navy colourway with stone and red accents walks that fine line between sharp and subtle. It’s the kind of pair you can wear to the pub without your mates noticing they’re vegan, but fancy enough that people in the know will clock them immediately.

What I love is that they didn’t just go halfway. The upper is 100% vegan and water-resistant, so you’re not squelching home if you step in a puddle. Inside, you’ve got a custom cork insole—soft, springy, and less impact on your knees (which, let’s be honest, aren’t what they used to be). Underneath, the lightweight recycled rubber outsole gives you durability without feeling like you’ve strapped bricks to your feet.

And then there’s the Blue Marine Foundation tie-in. A chunk of the profits goes to ocean conservation, which means while you’re stomping around in style, you’re also helping save a few fish and maybe a dolphin or two. That’s a win-win in my book.

Bottom line? These aren’t just sneakers, they’re a statement. They say you care about the planet but still want to look sharp doing it. And if anyone gives you grief about wearing vegan kicks, just remind them you’ve probably got a better sneaker game than they do.

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The first thing that jumps out is the colour blocking. Grey suede on one panel, purple suede on the next, all stitched together in that classic Gel-Lyte III form. It shouldn’t work, but it does — perfectly. Then you notice the little touches. The glow-in-the-dark stripes on the side are subtle during the day but light up like neon backstreet signs at night. The collar lined in purple satin gives it a luxe vibe, like something you’d expect from a boutique collab, not a mass release.

Branding is cleverly done too. On the mismatched heel overlays you’ve got Atmos on one side, Sneaker Freaker on the other — a nod to the two collaborators who brought this shoe to life. The EVA midsole is lightweight and comfortable, with a splash of speckled purple paint along the sidewall to tie the whole colour scheme together.

On foot, they feel every bit as good as they look. ASICS’ Gel cushioning still holds up decades after its debut, and the split tongue design is as weirdly practical as ever. But really, these are less about performance and more about vibe. They tell a story — of alleys, subcultures, and two cities connected by sneaker love.

For me, they’re more than just another collab. They’re proof that when you miss a drop but really want the shoe, it’s worth chasing it down. Even if StockX makes you pay the “ouch” tax.

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Sivasdescalzo (SVD), a Spanish retailer with a sharp eye for design, teamed up with ASICS to give the classic Gel-Lyte III OG a complete eco-conscious makeover. No half measures here. This isn’t just a “throw in some recycled laces” job. They’ve gone all-in, right down to the packaging.

Let’s start with the build. The upper is crafted from cotton with eco-leather overlays sitting across ASICS’ iconic stripes. The tongue foam is partly recycled, and the insoles are made entirely from recycled plastic bottles. Even the laces are 100% jute fibre, giving the whole shoe a natural, raw look that fits the eco theme perfectly.

Despite all these material changes, the design DNA of the Gel-Lyte III OG remains untouched. You still get that unmistakable split tongue — one of the quirkiest yet most practical sneaker designs out there — and the classic tri-sole density cushioning that made the model a game-changer back in the 90s. It feels both nostalgic and forward-looking at the same time.

Colour-wise, it’s subtle and earthy. No loud hues here, just textured fabrics and tones that feel grounded, literally. It’s a sneaker that makes you feel like you’re doing something good, even if you’re just lacing up to grab a coffee.

To top it off, the packaging was custom-designed for the collab, with branding from both SVD and ASICS, and a nod to the planet they’re trying to protect. It feels less like buying sneakers and more like buying into a mindset.

Not every pair in the collection gets worn into the ground, but this one? I’ll happily beat them up knowing the design behind them was made to tread lighter.

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Joe Freshgoods (JFG) has a knack for turning sneakers into little pieces of art, and this one is no exception. The theme here revolves around camouflage — not just as a pattern, but as a concept. In hip hop, in fashion, in life, camo has always been about both hiding and standing out. JFG flips that into a custom camo print mesh underlay, tucked beneath embroidered suede overlays that shift depending on how you look at them. It’s layered, it’s playful, and it’s personal.

The colourway, nicknamed “Lil’ Deserts,” plays with sandy tones and earthy textures, which gives the 610 a streetwear-meets-trail vibe. It feels like a sneaker equally at home on a dusty back road or styled up with a fit for the city.

Performance-wise, you’ve got all the hallmarks of the 610: an EVA midsole that keeps it light underfoot and a durable rubber outsole that grips no matter where you wear them. Comfort isn’t sacrificed for style here — they’re surprisingly wearable for a shoe that looks this complex.

What really stands out is the subtle branding. You’ll find a JFG-branded insert and little touches that only true fans will spot. It’s that attention to detail that makes this collab more than just another logo slapped on a New Balance.

For me, the “Lil’ Deserts” are a reminder that the best sneakers don’t just look good — they tell stories. And JFG has told one here that’s all about what’s hidden beneath the surface.

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But sneaker drops aren’t always about what’s on paper. By the time this pair landed, Aglet’s release schedule had caught up with us. Supply chain delays meant the other three colourways came late, then all at once, so by the time White Gum hit the shelves, buyers were already feeling tapped out. Even the most loyal players — and we had plenty — were reluctant to part with cash yet again so soon.

It’s a shame, because the White Gum is probably the most versatile of the four. The upper kept things pared back in all-white, letting the gum sole do the talking. It wasn’t loud, but that was the point — this was meant to be the everyday pair, the one you could beat up and still look good.

From a design standpoint, it carried all the hallmarks of the Aglet One Low: sturdy construction, attention to detail, and that crossover feel between digital culture and real-world sneaker design. But sometimes, even when the shoe’s right, the timing’s wrong.

The White Gum ended up being a sleeper — underappreciated when it dropped, maybe better respected down the line. If you copped a pair, hold onto them. Sometimes the shoes that don’t sell are the ones people come back for later.

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