Yuto Horigome’s latest collaboration with Nike Skateboarding arrives with a fresh take on the iconic Dunk Low SB silhouette. The Yuto Horigome Matcha Dunk SB edition, officially releasing on April 5, 2025, follows the success of his first Nike SB Dunk and brings a distinct shift in design language. Known for his calm demeanor and technical precision on the skateboard, Horigome approaches footwear with the same attention to balance and texture, and the Matcha Dunk is a clear example of that vision.
Design & Materials
The Yuto Horigome Matcha Dunks feature a mix of suede and leather, with a color palette inspired by nature. Light Khaki suede dominates the base, offering a soft neutral tone that contrasts with the layered green leather overlays. These overlays come in varying shades – Asparagus and Legion Green – each embedded with a light speckling effect that mimics the texture of matcha powder and connects back to the theme. The Swoosh uses a deeper green, Dark Loden, which anchors the otherwise bright upper. Additional earthy tones come through in the Burnt Sienna lining and brown textile wrapping the collar, which features a pattern reminiscent of wood grain.
A white midsole adds a clean transition to the shoe’s outsole, which is finished in green rubber and speckled to match the upper. The materials were chosen with both visual interest and performance in mind. The combination of soft-touch suede and sturdy leather offers both flexibility and protection, aligning with the demands of skateboarding.
Performance Elements
As part of the Nike SB line, the Matcha Dunks include technical details designed to perform under pressure. The heel is equipped with Zoom Air cushioning, which absorbs impact from high landings – a non-negotiable feature for Horigome, whose skating is marked by high-speed lines and hard drops. Additional padding around the collar ensures comfort and security, particularly when skating without lace tightness. For skaters, the design offers stability without compromising board feel, while non-skaters will still benefit from the comfort features integrated into the structure.
The sneaker also includes multiple sets of laces, allowing for slight personalization. This detail, though small, mirrors how skateboarders often customize their gear. Every component is shaped with an eye toward usability, not just aesthetic.
Cultural References
Yuto Horigome’s personal imprint on the sneaker can be found in several elements. His family crest appears on the lateral heel – this same detail was also included in his previous Nike SB Dunk release, and here it returns as a consistent marker of identity. On the interior tongue and lateral heel, a cross-feather graphic introduces an additional layer of collaboration.
The Matcha theme is not just color-driven. Green tea, particularly matcha, carries cultural relevance in Japan, representing calm, attention, and discipline – all traits visible in Horigome’s skating style. Even the texture on the green overlays resembles powdered tea, giving the sneaker a conceptual consistency that’s rare in general release footwear.
Release Details
The Nike SB Dunk Low x Yuto Horigome Matcha is priced at $135 and will be available starting April 5 through select skate shops, Nike SB retailers, and the SNKRS platform.
Position in the SB Dunk Line
The Yuto Horigome Matcha Dunk enters a competitive year for Nike SB, with several high-profile releases already confirmed or rumored for the coming months. Still, it stands out thanks to the influence of its namesake. Horigome won the inaugural Olympic gold medal in men’s street skateboarding at Tokyo 2020, and followed it with a second win at Paris 2024. While skateboarding has only appeared in two editions of the Games, he remains the only athlete to win both, making him the most successful Olympic competitor in the discipline to date.
Compared to his 2023 release, which leaned into muted grey tones and crisp color blocking, the Matcha version adopts a bolder use of color and more intricate material work. It reflects a growing confidence in design and a willingness to experiment with texture and symbolism.
These Yuto Horigome shoes incorporate cultural references, advanced materials, and skate-focused technology without straying into gimmick. For those who skate, it’s a functional piece of gear built to withstand daily use. For collectors, it offers strong design value anchored by a unique narrative.
the new brat colour of the year! love the matcha dunk!