Nike’s Hidden History Lesson: The SB Dunk Low “Tourmaline” BHM Release

You know those moments when a sneaker drop feels like more than just new kicks? That’s exactly what happened when I first laid eyes on the upcoming Nike SB Dunk Low Pro BHM “Tourmaline.” I’ve been covering sneaker culture since before Instagram made everyone a shoe expert, and let me tell you – this release has me genuinely excited.

I was actually sitting at my kitchen table last week, coffee getting cold as usual, when the first images of these beauties popped up on my timeline. I literally stopped mid-sip. There’s something about that vibrant Tourmaline green that just grabs you by the eyeballs and doesn’t let go.

More Than Just Another Pretty Shoe

What makes these Dunks special isn’t just their head-turning color scheme (though that Monarch orange piping against the green is *chef’s kiss*). It’s the story behind them. Nike’s tapping into a piece of American history that’s been swept under the rug for far too long – the legacy of Black cowboys.

Growing up in the 90s, every cowboy I saw on TV looked like John Wayne or Clint Eastwood. It wasn’t until my late 20s when I visited a friend’s historical exhibition that I learned about one-fourth of American cowboys were actually Black. Talk about education gaps!

These “Modern Cowboy” Dunks are part of Nike’s Black History Month 2025 celebration, and honestly, it’s refreshing to see them dig deeper than the obvious historical references.

Breaking Down the Boot-iful Details

The sneaker’s design is straight-up gorgeous. That Tourmaline green upper is the star of the show, but the supporting cast deserves plenty of credit too. The Baroque Brown accents give it a traditional Western vibe, while that bold red outsole adds just enough pop without going overboard.

I’m particularly digging the rope-styled “NIKE” branding. It’s subtle enough that you might miss it at first glance, but once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. The Sonora-style embroidery with that Western star is another thoughtful touch that ties everything together.

And can we talk about those insoles for a second? They feature a cowboy silhouette against a sunset backdrop that reminds me of those old Western movie posters my dad had hanging in our basement. Nostalgia hitting hard with these ones!

The Handkerchief That Made Me Smile

Last night I was showing the product photos to my partner (who tolerates my sneaker obsession with impressive patience), and we both got a kick out of the included handkerchief. It bears the phrase “What’s gonna happen is gonna happen” – which honestly could be the motto for my entire blogging career.

There’s something deeply meaningful about that simple phrase though. It speaks to the resilience needed in cowboy culture, but also resonates with the historical perseverance of Black Americans. Nike didn’t just slap some colors together and call it a day – there’s real thought behind this release.

Will They Be Hard to Get?

If you’re anything like me, you’re already checking your calendar and setting aside some cash. These beauties are set to release on March 28, 2025, with a price tag of $135. That’s actually pretty reasonable in today’s sneaker economy, where prices seem to climb higher than my electricity bill in summer.

Based on past BHM releases, I’m expecting these to sell pretty quickly, but probably not with the lightning speed of some hype drops. I’d still recommend being ready right when they drop if you’re serious about adding them to your collection.

I’ve already told my Saturday morning basketball buddies that I might be a few minutes late to our game that weekend. Priorities, right?

More Than Just Sneakers

What I appreciate most about this release is how it uses something as simple as sneakers to spark conversations about history. I can already imagine wearing these and having someone ask about the colorway, which opens the door to talk about Black cowboys and their overlooked contributions.

In my decade-plus of covering sneaker culture, the releases that stand the test of time are always the ones with substance behind the style. These Dunks have both in spades.

Will I be trying to grab a pair? You bet your boots I will. Whether I’m successful or not… well, as the handkerchief wisdom states, “What’s gonna happen is gonna happen.”

Anyone else planning to try for these? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear what you think about this colorway and the story behind it. And if anyone has connections at Nike, feel free to send a size 11 my way. I promise to give them a good home!