You’ve seen the hype. Maybe you even caught a glimpse of that deep, blood-red suede on your feed and thought, "Wait, is that a Freddy Krueger tribute?" Honestly, you wouldn't be the first person to think that. But the Riot Skateshop SB Dunk has nothing to do with elm trees or nightmares. It’s actually a liquid-gold tribute to one of the most famous exports in the world: Bordeaux wine.
Since 2004, Riot Skateshop has been the heartbeat of the skate scene in Bordeaux, France. For over two decades, they’ve been the city's only Nike SB account, holding it down while the rest of the world caught up to the Dunk craze. Now, they’ve finally got their own collab, and it’s a masterclass in storytelling through materials.
The Wine Capital Connection
Bordeaux isn't just a city; it’s a culture. When the Riot crew sat down to design this shoe, they didn't just pick a color they liked. They looked at the vinification process—the fine art of making wine.
The colorway—officially Mahogany, Dark Beetroot, Team Red, and Night Maroon—is a literal gradient of a ripening grape. The upper uses a heavy, premium mahogany suede that feels more like a luxury sofa than a skate shoe. Then you’ve got those deep tonal reds and black suede underlays that give it a "body" you usually only find in a vintage bottle of Cabernet.
📖 Related: Kiko Japanese Restaurant Plantation: Why This Local Spot Still Wins the Sushi Game
But the real magic is in the details most people miss. Look at the tongue. Instead of the usual woven label, you’re looking at a molded "wax" seal logo. It’s a direct nod to the wax-dipped tops of high-end wine bottles. Even the sockliner (the insole) features a gradient cork texture. It’s subtle. It’s clever. It’s very French.
Why it looks like a horror movie (but isn't)
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room. The "Freddy" vibes. When the first leaked images hit the internet in late 2024, sneakerheads lost their minds thinking this was a low-key tribute to the legendary (and unreleased) Freddy Krueger SB Dunk.
The mix of dark browns and deep reds definitely triggers that nostalgia. But when you get the Riot Skateshop SB Dunk in hand, the "scary" vibe disappears. The translucent red-toned sole isn't "blood"—it’s juice. It’s the color of crushed grapes sitting in a vat.
👉 See also: Green Emerald Day Massage: Why Your Body Actually Needs This Specific Therapy
- Release Date: January 18, 2025 (Skateshops) / January 21, 2025 (SNKRS)
- Retail Price: $135 / €129.95
- Style Code: FZ1289-200
- Key Material: Premium Mahogany Suede & Wax Seal Branding
A Tribute to a Legend: Pooch
Skateboarding is built on community, and every shop has its mascot. For Riot, it was Pooch, the legendary shop dog and "sentinel" who was a fixture at the store for years. Sadly, Pooch passed away, but the shop made sure he’ll live on forever.
If you look closely at the lateral heel, there’s an illustrated embroidered logo. That’s Pooch. It’s a small, emotional touch that elevates the shoe from just another "cool colorway" to a piece of shop history. It’s these kinds of details that make SB collaborations special. They aren't just corporate products; they’re love letters to local scenes.
Performance vs. Collection
Is it actually skateable? Yeah, obviously. It’s a Dunk Low Pro. It has the fat tongue for protection and the Zoom Air unit in the heel for impact. The gum rubber outsole is tweaked for grip, and the mahogany suede is thick enough to handle a few kickflip sessions before it starts to tear.
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe Marble Pound Cake Secrets Professional Bakers Don't Usually Share
However, let’s be real. Most people are going to tuck these away. With the "Special Box" version featuring a wooden wine-crate aesthetic, these are destined for the shelves of collectors. The leather Swoosh is a dark Night Maroon that provides just enough contrast to keep the shoe from looking like a giant red blob.
What to do if you're hunting a pair
The initial drop happened in early 2025, but the secondary market is where most the action is now. Prices haven't gone totally nuclear yet, but they aren't getting any cheaper.
If you're looking to buy:
- Check the wax seal on the tongue. Fakes struggle with the "melted" texture of the Riot branding.
- Feel the suede. It should be "hairy" and change direction when you rub it.
- Look for the extra laces. These came with a secondary set (usually a cream or "Sail" color) that really changes the look of the shoe.
The Riot Skateshop SB Dunk is proof that Nike SB is at its best when it lets the shops tell their own stories. Bordeaux is about more than just wine—it’s about patience, craft, and knowing when something is finally ready to be enjoyed.
For your next move, track the current market value on platforms like StockX or GOAT, as the "Special Box" variants have been trending significantly higher than the standard orange box releases. If you’re a skater, don't be afraid to actually wear them—that mahogany suede develops a killer patina once it gets a little dust on it.