The American giant NIKE unveils a new variation of its flagship silhouette, the Dunk Low. In addition to an upcoming version « Purple Graffiti » (article available HERE), the Swoosh brand honors the career of the iconic baseball player Jack Roosevelt Robinson through a special edition.
Simply named « Jackie Robinson », this exclusive Nike Dunk Low celebrates the 75th anniversary of the player’s debut in Major League Baseball.
Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the first black American man to play in the league. Among his many athletic honors, Jackie was named Rookie of the Year in 1947, winner of the National League Most Valuable Player award in 1949, and an All-Star for six consecutive seasons (1949-1954). Having paved the way for a whole generation of black athletes of different specialties, his influence went beyond the sports field. Jack Roosevelt Robinson is a figure of the civil rights movement, advocating non-violence and equality.
In the 1960s, the athlete helped establish the Freedom National Bank, a financial institution owned by African-Americans in Harlem.
25 years after his death, in 1997, MLB retired his number 42 on all professional teams, Jack Roosevelt Robinson was the first professional athlete in any sport to be so honored. The Major League has also established a new annual tradition, « Jackie Robinson Day ». Since April 15, 2004, every player on every team wears the famous number 42 in his honor.
The special Dunk Low is dressed in the retro colors of the Brooklyn Dodgers, the team that marked the player’s debut in the major league. It features an off-white suede upper with blue suede overlays that are embellished with highlighted letters that match Jackie Robinson’s famous quote, « I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being ». This powerful phrase is also emblazoned in white on the blue insole. Other special details include a 75 anniversary tongue patch, the number 42 on the side heel, a blue buckle Swoosh with black trim and two-tone white and blue laces that mimic baseball stitching. The whole is based on a white midsole coupled with a black outsole.
The pair comes with an extra set of blue laces and a special box.
The Nike Dunk Low « Jackie Robinson » is expected to be released during the month of April 2022, at select retailers and on nike.com. For the latest official details, stay tuned !
