The Nike Dunks Wu-Tang Clan created in 1999 became the Holy Grail for multiple generations, and now, for the first time, they are available for sale.
Wu-Tang Clan and a Few Dozen Nike Dunks Sparked a Style Revolution in 1999—A Story That Continues 25 Years Later. With one major difference: what was once inaccessible to anyone outside the Clan is now hitting the market in a special edition.
Wu-Tang, Staten Island, 1999
The Wu-Tang Clan had already made a mark on the hip-hop world, not only with their music but with a unique universe where New York City merged with martial arts expertise and imagery straight out of B-movies. Their influence reached Nike in 1999, a time when Dunks were already a collectible phenomenon in Japan. Nike took one of the original colorways from 1985—the one created for the University of Iowa—and transformed it into a special edition for the 36 members of the Wu-Tang Clan. Legend has it that a few more pairs were distributed to close friends and family. The color choice was obvious: black and yellow, for Wu-Tang’s iconic “Killer Bees.”
It was 1999, and New York had shifted from a wild and inhospitable city to an international creative hub, still pulsing with creative energy. It was the era of The Sopranos, Ghost Dog, and the Knicks making it to an NBA final.
Nike Dunk Wu-Tang Clan 1999, Special Make Up
It wasn’t the first time Nike had collaborated with artists; since the ‘70s and ‘80s, the brand had created special models for Bob Marley, Elton John, and David Bowie. These artist-specific models, often bearing the name of a tour or latest album, were known as SMUs, or Special Make Ups, essentially official customizations. Unique pairs were sent as gifts to select artists and generally considered curiosities. Sometimes, SMUs didn’t even reach the artists’ feet.
But those Dunks for Wu-Tang Clan did something more—they ignited an unprecedented phenomenon. Wu-Tang Clan had become style icons, and the rarity of those sneakers, at a time when everyone was already watching what the group wore, elevated them to legendary status. Owning a pair was a privilege, and even seeing them was a victory. Those Dunks created for Wu-Tang Clan are remembered as the beginning of a golden era for Dunks, which soon led to the launch of Nike SB and its limited-edition runs.
Nike Dunk Retro Premium Wu-Tang Clan 2024
The return of the Wu-Tang Clan Dunks, 25 years after their original release, arrives with RZA’s approval, who first saw the Dunks’ impact on a trip to Tokyo. For the first time, the yellow and black Wu-Tang Clan Dunks will be available to generations who have long sought and admired them as their holy grail. This release coincides with November 9, celebrating the release date of Wu-Tang Clan’s debut album in 1993, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), accompanied by a campaign featuring Knicks players Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, and Josh Hart, along with subtle nods to C.R.E.A.M.
At FOOTDISTRICT, you’ll find the new edition of the Nike Dunk Retro Premium Wu-Tang Clan, exclusively for VERIFIED users.