This Nike SB Dunk Pushead 2 High Sample Never Saw the Light of Day

Few graphics artists have a style as distinct as Pushead. The gore-obsessed illustrator has been a heavy factor in the skateboard industry since the days of Zorlac in the 1980s, when his demonic graphics covered the brand’s colorful decks. Over time, Pushead transitioned into the music industry, producing legendary posters and album art for Metallica, Misfits, Kool Keith, and more.

Pushead came back to skateboarding through Nike SB with a grail-status Dunk Low in 2005 that he followed up with a sequel in 2012. Before that sequel saw the light of day, though, apparently Nike SB toyed with the idea of turning the shoe into a high-top. In a new post from Instagram user Casa Soles, the sample reseller showed off a never-before-seen pair of Pushead 2 Highs, using the same corrosive, out-of-focus, all-over print design that ended up on the low-top that made it to retail.

The high-top sample is nearly identical to the production model low, with a black panel on the toe, Swoosh, and lace protection, a black midsole, gum outsole, custom tie-dye laces, and a skeletal Pushead character on the heel. Would you have preferred the high instead of the low we got in 2012?

The sample pair never even got a box, so it definitely isn’t seeing a release, and Casa Soles did have them for sale on IG, but the pair flew faster than we could say Pushead. To keep up with all the newest SB drops to make sure you don’t miss the next Dunks, make sure to download the Sole Retriever mobile app.

Zach Harris

Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com