The 'CLOT x fragment design' Nike Dunk Low Is One of the Stand Out Dunks of 2023. In Depth Review!
Two long-time collaborators of Nike, Clot and fragment design, are back to partner up and introduce a follow up to their Air Force One 'Black Silk' released in 2019. This time they've chosen the Nike Dunk Low as their canvas, again opting for an all silk upper sole with an East Asian influence. The details and storytelling may make this Dunk one of the best Dunks released in 2023 and definitely one of my personal favorites. Check out my in depth review including colorway, materials, quality, size and comfort. On feet footage and lace swap included!
CLOT held an online raffle on May 16 for $150 with winners being notified May 19. There is a wider SNKRS release
Colorway (4/5):
Although the colorway of this shoe is technically black and white, the shoe has a more black and silver tone to it due to the silk material of the upper sole. Fragment design founder Hiroshi Fujiwara chose black and white as the inspiration behind this shoe as he enjoyed going to see pandas with Edison Chen (founder of CLOT) in Chengdu, China.
Materials (5/5):
Undoubtedly the most unique feature of this shoe is the all silk upper sole with East Asian symbolism all over. You can see what seems like claws from a dragon and the body of a phoenix on the shoe, as well as the square designs that you see prominently in Asian architecture. The silk material actually feels nice and not cheap silk fabric you might find at a dollar store.
Like other Nike Dunks, the midsole and outsole of the shoe is rubber, and the outsole is probably my favorite part about the shoe. The icy translucent outsole is such a nice complement for the rest of the shoe (anything but a sail midsole!) and really is a great finishing touch. Since it is a Nike Dunk, there is no Nike Air unit (hence just ‘Nike’ on the tag on the tongue).
The leather eyestays has a tumbled leather texture, however, the surface area is too small for me to tell if it’s synthetic or not. The ankle collar actually comes in a synthetic leather feeling material (think cheaper leather couch) which gives it a more premium aesthetic, however it does effect sizing (see below).
One insole has the fragment design logo as well as the CLOT logo with a ‘20’ accompanying it, referencing the 20th anniversary of CLOT. The number 20 can also be seen next to the logo (no those aren’t just random lines!).
In addition to all the details, the silk on the upper sole can also be torn away, revealing a white base layer and exposing the three logos involved in this collaboration.
Size and Comfort (2/5):
I’m size 9.5 true to size, however, I do have wide feet and sizing for Nike Dunks are extremely difficult for a wide footer. When I go true to size, the toe box area can feel stiff although it tends to get better as I break the shoe in. When I go up half a size, the shoe starts to feel a little too long but the toe box feels great. For this particular Nike Dunk however, because of that material in the ankle collar (see above) it tends to make your feet slip out at times. So if you’re a wide footer, I would recommend you staying true to size for this shoe and giving it time to break in.
The Nike Dunk Low is without a doubt one of the more uncomfortable shoes, especially compared to modern day shoes. It has a very flat feeling due to minimal cushioning and very cheap and generic insoles.
Versatility (4/5):
The Nike Dunk Low is a legendary sneaker for a reason. In addition to a myriad of colorways and collaborations, it’s also one of the most versatile silhouettes ever. The colorway of the shoe is also extremely versatile, consisting of simple colors (technically just shades) and fits in any casual setting. I can see if some people feel the silk material is harder to wear with certain outfits, however, because the details and patterns on the upper sole is subtle, overall it’s a very versatile shoe.
Storytelling (5/5):
CLOT’s collaborations have been hit or miss for me, however, I’ve always appreciated their storytelling. They put effort into conveying the inspiration behind a shoe and often that includes incorporating East Asian influences. This Nike Dunk Low is no different. All the symbolism on the upper sole as well as the box itself (see below) and insoles leaves no questions as to the inspiration behind this shoe.
Laces and Box:
This shoe does come with extra blue laces, however, I do prefer the default black laces. I think the blue laces don’t fit too well with the rest of the colors. Although the box of the shoe looks like a standard white Nike box from a distance, there’s actually the same CLOT symbolism in a light golden color throughout the box and on the paper inside the box.