With sneaker companies dropping so many retros, the criticism is that the novelty of the rarity of an OG shoe and the emotions they evoke are now being lost. A shoe that has managed to stave off the re-release treatment for years and so its legend only grows exponentially is the famous Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunk.
Well, the black and white basketball shoe is finally getting the retro treatment. On Sunday, June 30, Wu-Tang Clan's (and Nike Sportwear's) official Instagram account showed off the return of the ultra grail sneaker with the caption “BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ” and a shoe covered in bees. Originally released in 1999, the Wu-Tang x Dunk High LE was strictly given to friends and family of the Staten Island Hip-Hop group. The shoe is a high-top Nike Dunk in yellow and black (release sneakers consider it the “Iowa” colorway), with the familiar Wu-Tang Clan logo on the heel.
Word is only about 100 pairs of sneakers were ever created. Finding a deadstock pair is becoming increasingly rare and expensive – for example, a supposed deadstock supply sample is it's going for $45,000 on eBay right now.
The retro will cost less coin, but depending on how many Nike decides to make, you can bet the aftermarket price will skyrocket as resellers and bots will want to grab as many pairs as possible to cash in on. Meanwhile, citizens in sneakers will be praying for the best through sweepstakes and quick fingers and strong wi-fi come fall day.
No word on a proper release date, yet (and it'll definitely be sometime in the Fall), but I need two pairs, at least.