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I’ve just reviewed the Hyper Cobalt dunks, and while the colorway is spot on, the quality is basic at best. This time, we’re looking at these Nike Dunk Low Free 99, which does take things up slightly on the quality. Both pairs of sneakers are a shout out to bodegas that apparently supply candy, chips and soda for springtime celebrations. Some have speculated it refers to people stealing these items, essentially paying “free 99”. However Nike’s site implies these are free items given out by bodegas. There is a white based pair with more of a primary color type of look and a black based pair utilizing more pastels.
I really like how two mismatched pairs can have the same idea behind them but come out totally different. The black pair has a really unique look with a colorway that I can’t quite put my finger on but it’s like no other shoe I’ve seen based on the pallette. Meanwhile the white pair reminds me somewhat of the eBay dunks from back in the day! Both pairs constitute the flashier side of non-sb dunks in my collection, so if I’m feeling low key, these would not be the joints I would choose to wear. However if I felt like wearing something a little louder, having both these options in my dunk arsenal expands my capability to do that.
As far as the theme, I don’t really identify with any store near me giving anything out for free ever. Still, there’s not really springtime festivals out here either like that, to the point where stores would be participating with free items. Luckily, one doesn’t need to be in tune with the theme of shoes like these to enjoy them! On another note, these are wife approved, as she was feeling both colorways.
Details/Materials
Both pairs have basically the same materials and details but just with contrasting colors. Starting off we have a brown Nike logo with swoosh embossed onto a square leather tongue tag, all sitting on a nylon tongue. This tongue is a bit puffier than a standard regular dunk tongue, but not to the degree of an SB dunk.
As we move down we have leather eyelets, a leather toebox, leather mudguard, and you guessed it, the whole shoe is pretty much leather. This includes a brown leather swoosh on the side. On the back we have Nike stitched onto the backtab.
On the insole we have the Free.99 “ticket” graphic in red, black, orange, yellow and green. The graphic sits on top of either a black or white insole depending on which pair we’re looking at. The outsole is not quite gum, but rather tan. There’s no translucent element here. We have the Nike logo in the middle of the outsole per usual.
Both pairs include a pair of stretchy laces with colored aglets. Black for the black pair and white for the white pair. However, weirdly, the white pair also includes a mismatched set of yellow and green stretchy laces. I can’t say I’m a fan of Nikes stretchy lace. They look good here though thanks to the colored aglets and overall blending with the multicolored theme.
Both pairs ship in a regular Nike Sportswear box. They are labeled as “SE” releases which I think means special edition although I could be wrong. The extra graphics and them around the shoe are probably what justify the upcharge from $100 to $120 for these pairs.
How Is The Quality on the Nike Dunk Low Free 99?
The upper is basically all smooth leather except for the nylon tongue. Quality here is a bit basic, however I don’t feel as much of a “plastic” vibe as with the Hyper Cobalt and UNLV releases from this year. The leather looks less weirdly shiny when compared to the “retro” dunk low releases we’ve been seeing.
Regardless, I didn’t get this shoe for the materials and I wasn’t expecting a lot. While it would have been nice to get something a little more premium, this shoe is strictly for dunk fans who like the colorway. Matter of fact, when it comes to any dunk in this price range, I think its always going to come down to how much I like the colorway or theme.
For me, these have just barely good enough materials to not feel cheap in hand. The materials aren’t usually what Nike is focusing on when making a shoe like this.
Fit and Comfort
The Nike Dunk Low Free 99 are a bit stiff and relatively unpadded, and as such the fit does wind up being slightly roomy at true to size. The leather is mostly thin cuts and as such breaks in pretty quickly. Thus, the uppers feel fairly comfy on these types of dunks.
Underfoot feel is nothing special here. The shoe came out in the mid 80s and the construction on a shoe like this doesn’t innovate from that.
I can wear a shoe like this all day since the upper fits comfortably and the cushioning doesn’t try to do too much. Of course, for long walks or all day wear I’m taking a retro runner over these, but if I had to do these all day I could. It’s just thin leather up top and a thin midsole below, no frills and therefore nothing added in that could make these less comfy.
Conclusion
These quirky colorways are definitely worth a look if you want something different and eye catching on a dunk, which was exactly my thinking when getting these. On dunks I’m making decisions based purely on colorway and sometimes on theme or materials. Luckily the resale on these isn’t too bad, although it is irritating to have to get the shoes in this manner. If only they were more attainable this would not be an issue. However, then maybe the dunk would lose some of it’s luster in the public eye. I think there has to be a place to meet in the middle there.
On modern dunks I’m more looking to just expand the collection with fresh pairs that look good. While not all new dunks have basic materials, these do. However, not quite as basic as some other even less expensive pairs that have released this year. Meaning these have the minimum level of leather and craftsmanship to not look cheap. However, they are not impressive in this regard either.
I have a lot of other pairs I wear just for actual comfort. These are not uncomfortable, but there’s better options out there for wearing for long periods of time. These provide nothing special on that front, which you should be familiar with if you’ve worn a modern dunk before. Just a basic shoe that keeps your foot off the ground. Regardless, the best thing about these is they look great on feet!
Where To Cop the Nike Dunk Low Free 99
See below for data on both pairs including where to get pairs online!
Nike Dunk Low Free 99 Black
Colorway: Black / Dark Chocolate – Copa
Style Code: DH0952 001
Year of Release: 2021
MSRP: $120
Buy: eBay
Nike Dunk Low Free 99 White
Nike Dunk Low Free 99 White
Colorway: White / Light Chocolate – Roma Green
Style Code: DH0952 100
Year of Release: 2021
MSRP: $120
Buy: eBay