The ‘Panda’ Dunk has exploded in popularity over the last 12 months, going beyond the realm of sneakerheads and finding itself on the feet of the fashion crowd the world over. Like people ironically wearing band t-shirts (who are ‘The Ramones’ anyway?), the Panda Dunk has become the latest ‘it’ accessory in street fashion.
But you’ve always been about spotting what’s next, and doing things a little bit differently. I love that about you. So today we’re going to look at some alternatives to the Panda Dunk so you can stay ahead of the pack. Let’s get into it.
Nike Dunk Low UCLA
These are beautiful – a classic combination of blue and gold that fits perfectly on the Dunk silhouette. The colours are poppy enough to be striking, but not loud enough to distract from the rest of your fit. Also, I find Dunks like this wear in, not out. Once you get some creases in them and wear them around enough, they’ll look and feel even better than they do fresh out of the box.
Why are they called the ‘UCLA’ Dunk? (This is bonus reading in case anyone tests you at the pub) the blue and gold colour scheme matches up with the UCLA Bruins, and Nike loves making college inspired Dunk colourways. Now when someone says “oooh, you got the UCLA’s!”, you’ll know what they mean. And you can go on and on about Kevin Love or Russell Westbrook or Bill Walton.
Nike Dunk Low Valerian Blue
These are what I would call ‘panda adjacent’ – a deep valerian blue takes the place of the panda black, for a classy and clean alternative. Hits of red on the woven tongue label and heel embroidery add a subtle contrast. At the base, a matching white and blue Air sole completes the design. They’re also selling way under panda prices, so if you prefer blue over black, or you want to keep a few dollary-doos in the bank, these are the pick for you. Also, navy is the new black.
Nike Dunk Low Coconut Milk
The Nike Dunk Low Coconut Milk features an off-white tumbled leather upper with pale yellow overlays and white Swooshes. Woven tongue labels and heel embroideries nod to the original 1985 design. From there, a matching Air sole at the base completes the design.
Nike Dunk Low Laser Orange (W)
A women’s only colourway with strong summer vibes is the Nike Dunk Low Laser Orange. The shoe features a white leather upper and Laser Orange overlays. From there, matching woven tongue labels and soles complete the design.
If you can’t see yourself rocking these over summer as the sun beams down on you, refreshing summery drink in hand, then you need to work on your visualisation skills because I can see it now.
Nike Dunk Low Reverse Panda
Some people prefer the classic combination of black and white, I get it. Well how about the Nike Dunk Low Reverse Panda? The shoe features the Nike Swoosh logo in black on the tongue and also on the heel padding behind the ankle.
The Nike Dunk Low Reverse Panda has a clean white colour throughout, including the sole, with contrasting touches of black. The shoe also features a lace-up closure style with black laces.
I would probably flip the laces to white to accentuate the contrast swoosh even more, but I’m fancy like that.
