Nike SB
Origins of Nike SB
Nike SB shoes launched in 2002 under the guidance of Sandy Bodecker. As a corporate giant amongst smaller skate brands, Nike approached skateboarding in a grass-roots effort aimed at understanding skateboard culture and quickly identifying ways to give back to local skate shops through limited releases and special events.
Nike SB Popularity
For design inspiration, Nike SB looked into the past to dig up what skateboarders had long been using to skate in. Updating models such as the Bruin, Blazer, and Dunk resonated with skateboarders' needs for a tough and grippy shoe with a flat sole. Then Nike began welcoming more up-and-comers as well as distinguished pros to the team such as Lance Mountain, Grant Taylor, and Eric Koston. Supporting top riders in ways that smaller brands were unable to set Nike apart. Outside of finding ways to support local scenes and a legacy of team riders, Nike SB has thrived in skateboarding due to the outstanding quality of its product. Utilizing decades of R&D from other sports categories and being in tune with team rider feedback has allowed Nike SB to continually deliver products that meet and exceed the needs of skateboarders. From skate-ready footwear to street-ready style, check out our Nike SB clothing — tees, hoodies, and outerwear built with grind-ready durability and skate style. From tops to bottoms, complete the look with our durable Nike SB pants & jeans — reinforced, stylish, and skate-approved.
Frequently asked questions about Nike SB
What are Nike SBs?
Nike SB (Skateboarding) is a sub-brand of Nike that focuses solely on skateboarding products. So when you see Nike SBs, that often stands for Nike Skateboarding Shoes or Nike Skateboarding Sneakers and refers to Nikes line of specialty footwear.
What material are Nike SBs made of?
Depending on the model, Nikes skateboarding shoes can be made out of a variety of materials including leather, synthetic leather, suede, mesh, or canvas. The sole of the shoe is often made of rubber or polyurethane in addition to foam cushioning.
Are Nike SBs worth it?
Nike SB is a division of Nike that specializes in skateboarding shoes and apparel with a reputation for high-quality products and professional skaters that have endorsed the brand. Whether you're hitting the park yourself or gearing up the next generation, check out our Nike SB kids shoes — built tough and stylish for little shredders. From the iconic Nike SB Dunks to modern silhouettes, our Nike SB shoes are built for impact protection, grip, and style — everything a skateboarder needs. Whether you’re into retro colorways or modern tech, we carry the latest Nike SB shoes for every skating style.
Can dunks be used for skating?
Easy answer... YES! Nike SB Dunks have a fairly large cult following and many of those people do actually skate them. From everyday skaters, to pros in top-tier competitions, dunks are used for skating on the regular. #SkateYourDunks
Are Nike Blazers a skate shoe?
Nike Blazers were originally introduced by Nike in 1973 as basketball shoes. They gained popularity in the basketball world due to their high-top design and strong construction. While Blazers weren't initially intended for skateboarding, skateboarders discovered that they offered the durability and ankle support they needed. Upon recognizing this trend, Nike later released versions of the Blazers specifically designed for skateboarding. These adapted models featured improved cushioning, enhanced durability, and superior grip for skateboarding activities. And if you're building performance into every piece of your look, our Nike SB women’s skate shoes deliver the same ride-ready cushioning and grip, tailored for female skaters. Thus, while the original intention of Nike Blazers was for basketball, they have found a place in the skateboarding community with specialized versions catering to skateboarders' needs.
What are the most popular Nike SB shoes?
Some of the most popular Nike SB shoes include the Nike SB Dunk Low, SB Blazer, and SB Janoski models. These skate-ready shoes are favored for their durable design, grip, and timeless style making them a go-to for skaters and sneakerheads alike.