The Nike Dunk Low Obsidian Red Review might seem like a basic general Dunk release. The colorway and materials seem a bit typical. However, this colorway is actually a retro of a sneaker that came out over 20 years ago!
The first version of this colorway that I have seen out there online released in 2002. It appears to be the reverse of one of the famed “City Attack” Japan-exclusive (co.jp) colorways from 1999.
This sneaker released to little fanfare, even though its a retro of a much older sneaker. These days, unless a Dunk is part of some kind of collab or limited release, it remains easily available to Dunk fans like me. I was even able to grab these for under retail!
I can’t blame newer fans of the model from not considering these, because even though the colorway is nice, it doesn’t particularly stand out from the onslaught of general release Dunks that have flooded shelves this past year.
The only reason these looked familiar to me is because I was collecting back in 2011 when a set of 4 pairs in a “vintage Dunk pack” released. The set is based off of old Dunk colorways, and I actually got this colorway from that set. The issue with that particular set was that it was in the early days of Nike’s “vintage effects” releases, and the weathering on the shoe made it look pretty bad. They eventually got better with the “vintaging” on sneakers, but back then, it was terrible!
These come laced with obsidian laces in a regular Nike Sportswear box with no other extras included.
The shoes come in at $115, same as any other basic Dunk release these days. Hence, no extras and questionable quality. At least the laces are regular flat laces instead of the stretchy laces.
Materials
We get some basic, kinda janky leather covering the entirety of the upper. If you are familiar with other general release Dunks then this should come as no surprise. You get exactly the same quality here as far as the materials go.
Fit & Comfort
I find these to fit on the roomy side, just like other non-SB Dunks. I went true to size as usual.
There isn’t any advanced cushioning technology on a retro pair of Dunks. Instead, we get basic, solid support just like any other casual retro sneaker. These are still comfy as far as regular everyday wear, and fit/feel similar to other Dunk lows at this price point.
If these are sold out in stores, you can try looking for them on eBay.
Colorway: University Red / Obsidian – White
Style Code: DV0833-601
Retail: $115
Year of Release: 2024