Skater and Artist Di’Orr Greenwood’s Nike Dunk High Sneaker Invokes Her Navajo Heritage
More from Footwear News
Di’Orr Greenwood, an artist and skateboarder known for work incorporating her Navajo heritage, is getting two SB sneakers for her first Nike collaboration.
The Di’Orr Greenwood x Nike SB Dunk High will release at the beginning of June alongside an SB Blazer Mid. The two shoes provide a stark contrast when presented together, as the Dunk High incorporates a number of patterns and four colors each taking on a number of meanings. A greyscale color scheme defines the Blazer Mid, which takes on a more dramatic change in construction through a custom lace shroud and is inspired by the Long Walk of the Diné, when the Navajo people were marched away from their land by the U.S. military.
Four colors forming the base of the Dunk High are intended to invoke the four mountains that surround the Dinétah, or Navajo homeland, and stones that are associated with them. Turquoise, a fixture in Navajo jewelry, is also symbolic of blue skies and drinking water. Black leather takes on graphics of the Little and Big Dipper, as well as the North Star, which Greenwood chose as a representation as the fire of your home. The white midsole and red suede are pulled from moccasins, and a shoelace protector takes on sunbeam striping. Wooden aglets help root the shoe further in the earth, while “water is life” is inscribed on the ankle flaps. Mismatched insoles also take on graphics depicting scenic rock formations among other details throughout the shoe.
Greenwood opted for a more sober arrangement of greys on the Blazer Mid to remind people that her generation is the first “openly allowed to be proud of our culture without fear of imprisonment or death.” Ridges wrapping around the shoe symbolize the battles Indigenous communities have faced, and a silver adornment with turquoise bead is the “lighten the darkness.” The fixed lace shroud it’s attached too was added for utilitarian purposes, as Greenwood wanted protection for the laces while she skates. “Diné,” which means “the people,” is then embroidered on the right heel.
The Di’Orr Greenwood x Nike SB Dunk High and Blazer Mid will release June 4 through the Snkrs app, and some skate shops will begin selling them sooner. Pricing is set at $145 for the Dunk and $110 for the Blazer.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
Best of Footwear News
Sign up for FN's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Solve the daily Crossword
