Original Story (06/30/24): The ultra-rare Wu-Tang Dunk High from 1999 is making a return.
Nike Sportswear has posted a teaser video on its Instagram page featuring the Wu-Tang Dunk High covered in bees with the caption “BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ.” This is a reference to the shoe’s nickname, the Wu-Tang “Killa Beez” Dunk High, as it was created to complement the 1998 RZA presents Wu-Tang Killa Bees album The Swarm (Volume 1).
The return of the Dunk High would be fitting, as this year marks the 25th anniversary of its original release. The shoe is historic for many reasons, one of which is that it was one of the first Nike hyperstrike releases. 100 pairs were reportedly made, and while many pairs went to Wu members, some pairs were actually sold to the public at Training Camp in NYC.
The Wu-Tang Dunk High was created to bring energy to the retro release of the “Be True To Your School” series, which saw the return of the original Dunk High colorways from 1985. The yellow and black color scheme of the “Iowa” colorway matched the Wu-Tang color palette, so Nike Global Footwear Product Director Drew Greer decided to create a limited run of the shoe with Wu-Tang logos added to the tongues and lateral heels. Nowadays, the Wu-Tang Dunk High is considered a grail amongst sneaker collectors, and a pair can fetch five figures on the secondary market.
Check out Nike’s teaser video below and expect a release Fall 2024 on SNKRS and at select retailers. Stay tuned to Modern Notoriety for updates.
Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk High “Killa Beez”
Color: Black/Pollen-White
Style Code: HJ4320-001
Release Date: September 28, 2024 (Shock Drop)
Release Date: November 9, 2024 (Global)
Price: $150 USD
Resell: StockX
Update (10/25/24): Wu-Tang and Nike have announced a November 9th release for their Dunk High collab, dropping on SNKRS and at select retailers. The announcement is accompanied by a campaign starring Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart from the New York Knicks. Check out the campaign below.
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Update (10/17/24): Wu-Tang has revealed the special edition F&F packaging for their Nike Dunk High collab, limited to 36 units. The honeycomb-shaped box is signed by RZA and comes with the shoes, a Wu Tang x Nike tee, and a jar of Staten Island Honey. Check out the photos below and stay tuned for the official public release set for November 9th.
Update (09/27/24): The Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk High released as a shock drop on SNKRS tonight, coinciding with the Wu-Tang Clan’s residency in Las Vegas. A wider release is expected to arrive in the coming weeks. Sign up for updates on Laylo and check out the official images below.
Update (08/25/24): Retailer images of the Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High have surfaced. These come with embroidered Wu-Tang logos on the heels, just like the OGs.
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