Nike SB’s Official ‘The Wizard of Oz’ Collab Has a Hidden Ruby Red Slipper Layer
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Update: Aug. 15, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
After an in-hand look at the upcoming ‘The Wizard of Oz’ x Nike SB Dunk Low collaboration surfaced earlier in August, more details are being learned about the officially licensed project.
In addition to the floral poppy print that covers nearly the entirety of the shoe, the sneaker features a hidden layer underneath a thin film printed with the multicolor effect. Whether by skateboarding or, as some social media users have done, simply cutting away with a knife, the flower pattern tears away to reveal an all-red ruby slipper-inspired look underneath.
The underlying material appears to be a nubuck or suede and uses a deep red shade to achieve its Dorothy-themed aesthetic. Removing the top layer also reveals a closer read of the heel’s “no place like home” embroidery, which is otherwise obscured by the thin dressing. Shiny red satin on the tongue and liner further tie together the shoe’s ruby red styling.
Despite the detailed images, it’s not immediately clear which company Nike worked with for the licensing around this project. The film’s trademark status has a complicated history, but it’s currently listed as held by Turner Entertainment Co., so it’s safe to assume the Warner Bros.-owned company was involved here.
Nike has yet to confirm release details for the ‘The Wizard of Oz’ x SB Dunk Low collaboration, but the pair is rumored to be released during the holiday 2024 season for a retail price of $135. Some reports have speculated the shoe could receive a Halloween-timed launch, although this has yet to be substantiated. For now, readers can find a detailed look at the collab below.
What We Originally Reported on Aug. 5, 2024
It’s only been a few weeks since rumors surfaced of an officially licensed “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB Dunk Low collaboration surfaced, and now a first in-hand look at the sneakers has materialized on social media.
Images shared on Instagram by @thesolesorcerer show a full look at the sneakers, which are inspired by the film’s Dorothy Gale character played by Judy Garland. As noted in the initial leak, the shoes get inspiration from Dorothy’s iconic ruby red slippers, but the full look reveals more of the backstory behind the collab.
As made evident by the sneaker’s psychedelic-like floral upper, the movie’s poppy field scene (pictured below) also provides color on the upcoming collab. As noted in the original leak, the heel of the sneaker features the film’s famous “there’s no place like home” tagline. Meanwhile, the tongue dons the official “The Wizard of Oz” logo.
As of now, this Dorothy-inspired “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB Dunk Low collaboration is due to release during holiday 2024 for a retail price of $135, but this story will be updated if anything changes. Readers can find a full first look at the collab below.
What We Originally Reported on July 21, 2024
When it comes to iconic on-screen footwear, the ruby red slippers worn by Judy Garland’s Dorothy Gale character in “The Wizard of Oz” are in a class of their own. The handiwork of former chief costume designer of MGM Studios, Gilbert Adrian, the shoes featured in the original 1939 film were said to be flooded with 2,300 red sequins. They have a storied past which includes a $300,000 renovation to a single pair, a theft which resulted in federal charges and a record-setting sale of $666,000 in 2000. The historic costume piece will reportedly add yet another chapter to its legacy this year in the form of an official collaboration with Nike’s skateboarding brand.
Details from leaker @eldenmonitors on X indicate that an officially licensed “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB collaboration will be released this year in the form of the Dunk Low Pro QS model. In-hand images of the upcoming pair are not currently available, but it’s expected to feature a “Gym Red/Multi-Color/University Red” colorway with a style code of FZ1291-600.
It’s said that the sneaker will mimic the look of Dorothy’s glittery slippers, possibly through the use of patent leather or other shimmering materials. The leaks also state that the mostly red sneakers will feature yellow details, “Wizard of Oz” tongue branding and heel stitching with the character’s memorable “there’s no place like home” tagline.
Although this “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB collaboration would be the first time the two entities have officially worked together, the sportswear brand’s skate division has previously used a similar theme. Throughout 2015, Nike SB launched an unofficial “The Wizard of Oz” pack comprising three sneakers: a “Dorothy” Dunk Low in March, a patent leather ruby slipper-esque Dunk Low look (above) in April and a “Tin Man” Dunk High in October. Despite the seemingly clear inspiration of the ’15 pairs, it was not a licensed collaboration with the MGM film.
The early reports claim that the “The Wizard of Oz” x Nike SB Dunk Low Pro QS project will be released during holiday 2024 at a retail price of $135. It’s possible that the launch details could change between now and then, so check back soon for the latest developments on what is sure to be a coveted collaboration.
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