Nike flips the script on one of its most enduring silhouettes with the new Dunk Low Panda “Picante Red,”a bold reinterpretation that ditches smooth leather in favor of full-bodied, fuzzy suede. As part of the Dunk Low’s 40th anniversary lineup, this release leans into tactile experimentation while keeping its roots in familiar territory.
SNEAKERS
Visually, the color blocking stands out. The base arrives in a bright fuchsia suede, overlaid with sunburnt “Picante Red” panels that inject a sense of heat and texture into the shoe’s structure. The dual-toned upper offers more contrast than the name suggests, pulling away from the standard black-and-white “Panda” formula that defined previous iterations. The side Swooshes adopt the same sunbaked red tone, keeping the palette tight and purposeful.
Underfoot, the shoe features a clean white midsole and matching “Picante Red” rubber outsole for continuity. Crisp white accents show up again on the tongue tag, insole branding, and the embroidered Nike logo at the heel, small but sharp details that offer visual relief from the saturation up top.
The most playful touch, however, is the panda face lace tag, oversized and fuzzy, it acts as a winking nod to the shoe’s name and adds personality to the pair. It’s a collectible detail that reinforces the concept without feeling gimmicky.
Performance-wise, the Dunk Low remains grounded in its streetwear DNA. While this version won’t be your first choice for skate sessions or high-impact activities, the suede uppers offer a broken-in feel straight out of the box, and the traditional Dunk tooling still provides solid everyday comfort.
Retailing at $130 USD, the Nike Dunk Low Panda “Picante Red” isn’t about minimalism or restraint. It’s about playful texture, unexpected color combinations, and a willingness to evolve, even after four decades. If you’re a fan of the Dunk legacy but want something that pushes against its own conventions, this pair brings enough attitude (and fuzz) to stand out.
