Familiar Orange Shades Appear on the Nike Dunk High "First Use"

Nike is celebrating the 50th anniversary of Carolyn Davidson‘s famed Swoosh logo in 2021 by way of a Nike Sportswear “First Use” pack that — alongside other silhouettes — makes ample use of the popular Dunk High. After first appearing in white/green and “University Red” makeups, the Dunk High “First Use” is back once again in a light-toned colorway with familiar orange accents.

This high-cut Dunk‘s uppers are build from white leather and tan suede, the former of which is used on toeboxes, quarters and collars while the latter graces mudguards, eyestays, heels, heel tabs and collar flaps. Nike’s signature orange shade appears in then-to-now style fashion on the Swooshes: the lateral side features a thicker, shorter, outlined Swoosh that doesn’t connect with the heel tab while the medial side offers a standard solid Swoosh that runs all the way back. Under the lateral Swoosh is a printed “First use June 18, 1971 hit,” which raises a question: why wasn’t this style released on June 18?

Somewhat confusing release schedule notwithstanding, the lion’s share of the remaining details appear atop the white mesh tongue. There’s sacai-style doubled up laces in white and orange, a metallic gold Swoosh charm and a classic Nike tongue badge. On the back side of the tongue you can see text that explains the shoe’s inspiration while insoles provide a timeline of the Swoosh’s evolution. Down below, white midsoles and orange outsoles round off the look.

The Nike Dunk High “First Use” in orange is set to release later this year, and will retail for $110 USD.

For another piece of Nike history, check out the cult favorite Air Woven — which is coming back with a new take on its colorful upper.