SOLE COLLECTOR: Sneakers

words by Steve Jaconetta

Black and purple seems to be a colorway people always love to see on their favorite sneakers. Everyone should be real happy then because Nike is releasing several of them in 2009.

Wether you’re a Dunk lover, an SB lover or simply a lover of kicks, most have all heard of the Heaven’s Gate Dunk High SB. This shoe was originally supposed to be released in 2008 but was scrapped just as soon as it was leaked to the world. Reason behind it is that while we all call them the Heaven’s Gates in reality, they are just simply another colorway of the Dunk High SB.

While the resemblance is very similar Nike tends to not nickname their sneakers for many reasons. Once word on the ‘net broke out that these were inspired but the cult led by Marshall Applewhite and Bonnie Nettles, Nike quickly pulled the plug. Although the color is great, with people referencing this sneaker to group that convinced thirty-eight people to commit suicide so that their souls can take a ride in a spaceship they believed was hidding behind a comet carrying Jesus is a bit too much.

Deemed offensive, this shoe ultimately met its death before its birth. But fear not, this year Nike is back with a new Premium Dunk High SB that is already being dubbed the “Un-Heaven’s Gate.” This shoe features the familiar black, purple and white colors just in different places. The new ones feature a white toe box and tongue along with the Swoosh and midsole. Purple is featured around the laces, heel, sockliner and sole while black is found on the upper wrapping around the back of the shoe as well as the side panels and wrapping around the toe.

Another unique thing is the mixture of different materials including suede, cracked and smooth leather where the black is. Either way, this shoe is sure to be a fan-favorite. This is probably the closest we all will get to the Heaven’s Gates as only a few samples were made and unless you have $3,000 laying around for one chances are you will never be able to get a pair. With that being said why not go for plan B? I know I will.

Lookout for this Premium Dunk High SB to hit your local skate shops in the Summer of 2009. As these are a premium release chances are they will only be available at select stores in limited quantities. Enjoy the pictures below and for more information on this SB as well as present and future Nike SB releases, stay tuned here and in our forums.

Images: Jordan8420