Nike Dunk
Nike SB Dunk Low x Grateful Dead ‘Orange Bear’ Review: Psychedelic History on Your Feet
Introduction
Few sneakers blur the line between music culture and sneaker culture quite like the Nike SB Dunk Low x Grateful Dead ‘Orange Bear’. Part of a trio released in 2020, this vibrant orange rendition captures the spirit of the Grateful Dead’s iconic dancing bears—symbols of freedom, fun, and counterculture vibes.
Combining premium textures, bold colors, and thoughtful storytelling, this Dunk Low is more than just a sneaker—it’s a wearable tribute to psychedelic rock history. If you’re after fashionable sneakers that turn heads and tell stories, this is it.
Design: Straight Out of a Jam Session
The Orange Bear design pulls directly from the Grateful Dead’s famous “Dancing Bears” artwork, created by Bob Thomas in 1973. This shoe captures that groovy energy with plush textures and bright hues.
Key Design Features:
- Furry orange faux fur upper, mimicking the texture of the bears
- Smooth suede overlays in a matching orange tone for structure
- Vibrant blue jagged Nike Swoosh, resembling the bears’ collar fur
- Stealthy zippered stash pocket hidden inside the tongue
- Grateful Dead bear logo printed on the tongue tag
- Co-branded insoles featuring Grateful Dead graphics
- Bright blue laces and sockliner for visual contrast
- Classic gum rubber outsole with Dunk SB traction
This sneaker is joyful chaos—and that’s exactly the point.
Materials & Build Quality
As a limited-edition Nike SB release, the Orange Bear features top-tier materials and construction built for both collectors and skaters (though most won’t dare skate these).
Material Breakdown:
- Faux fur upper mimics bear costume texture while staying breathable
- Suede overlays ensure durability and structure
- Padded tongue with internal stash pocket
- Zoom Air unit in the heel for responsive cushioning
- Grippy rubber outsole with circular tread for board feel and control
The attention to detail is what makes this release stand out—from the texture to the colors to the hidden pocket, it’s a sneaker lover’s dream.
Comfort & Fit
Despite its whimsical design, the Orange Bear remains functional and wearable. It delivers the classic Nike SB Dunk comfort while fitting true to size.
Comfort Highlights:
- Padded tongue and collar provide plush ankle support
- Zoom Air cushioning in the heel offers responsive impact protection
- Low-cut silhouette provides mobility and streetwear versatility
- Suede and fur materials feel soft while holding their shape
- Fits true to size for most foot shapes
It’s surprisingly comfortable for a shoe that looks like it walked out of a cartoon.
Styling Tips: Embrace the Loud
This sneaker is all about bold expression. Don’t be shy—lean into it.
How to Style the Orange Bear:
- Pair with neutral bottoms (black joggers, light-wash jeans) to let the shoes pop
- Rock with vintage or band tees to connect with the Grateful Dead theme
- Throw on a flannel, hoodie, or puffer in matching orange or blue tones
- Keep accessories minimal—the shoes do all the talking
These sneakers aren’t background pieces—they’re center stage.
Who Should Buy the Orange Bear?
This sneaker is a perfect match for:
- Collectors of rare, limited-edition Nike shoes
- Fans of Grateful Dead or psychedelic rock culture
- Streetwear lovers wanting a statement piece
- Sneakerheads seeking fashionable sneakers with history
- Anyone bold enough to rock orange fur with confidence
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unique, story-driven design with vivid personality | High resale price due to limited supply |
| Premium materials (faux fur + suede) for standout style | Bold color may be difficult to match for some wearers |
| Functional SB Dunk cushioning and durability | Not ideal for wet weather due to furry upper |
| Collector appeal with hidden details (stash pocket!) | Too precious for daily wear for some sneakerheads |
Where to Buy
Given its limited release and cult following, your best bet is the secondary market:
- TheenStyle – A trusted destination for stylish sneakers and iconic collabs
- StockX – Offers verified authenticity and price transparency
- GOAT – Known for wide size selection and collector-grade listings
Expect to pay a premium—but if you’re serious about collecting or standing out, it’s worth it.
Final Verdict
The Nike SB Dunk Low x Grateful Dead ‘Orange Bear’ isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a psychedelic time capsule wrapped in orange fuzz. It’s loud, expressive, and unapologetically weird—in the best way.
If you’re looking for stylish sneakers that connect with music, nostalgia, and streetwear rebellion, this shoe is a once-in-a-decade kind of release. Whether you wear them, display them, or keep them stashed, they’re guaranteed to be the brightest pair in your collection.