Nike Dunk Low “Symbiote” is an unofficial nod to Spider-Man’s dark side

The exclusive colorway is set to hit shelves in children’s sizes only, later this year.

New York Comic Con 2018 -  Day 1
New York Comic Con 2018 - Day 1 | Noam Galai/GettyImages

A striking new colorway of the Nike Dunk Lows has made its way onto social media, boasting a bold and eye-catching design dubbed the "Symbiote". This vibrant color scheme is undeniably reminiscent of the black symbiote suit worn by Spider-Man in the extensive Marvel universe.

A symbiote is an extraterrestrial (alien, pretty much) species that can form symbiotic (hence the name) relationships with their hosts, in which one entity is formed. These little alien clumps of goop can bond with whoever they cling onto, bringing out the host’s worst traits, and giving them superhuman-like powers. 

While they may not have the power to transform you into Venom, these Symbiote Dunk Lows are undeniably distinctive. The design boasts a crisp and unique aesthetic that is sure to turn heads, whether they're Marvel fans or not. The silhouette may evoke an official partnership with Marvel and Spider-Man, but this colorway is actually a likeness-inspired model, rather than a joint project between the comic book giant and Nike.

The latest Dunk Low iteration sports a unique spiderweb-inspired design that pays homage to the web-slinging hero. The grey toe-box and mid-panel are webbed with intricate patterns, evoking the iconic costume worn by Peter Parker during his infamous black suit era. The bold black leather upper and midsole evoke the darkness and drama of that pivotal moment in Spider-Man's history. A touch of Dark Grey accents the Swoosh logo and outsole, rounding out this stylish tribute to the web-slinger's most notorious look.

Notably, Nike took a bold creative leap by eschewing the traditional white Swoosh design and instead opted for a radiant, reflective finish. When illuminated by light, the logo transforms into a gleaming white hue, evoking the iconic black Spider-Man suit in all its source-material glory.

Get ready to embark on an intergalactic adventure when the Nike Dunk Low "Symbiote" drops later this year. Social media reports have been circulating, offering conflicting information on the colorway's release. Some sources claim it will hit the market in Fall 2024, while others predict a Holiday 2024 release. While the discrepancy between these two dates may not seem like a significant difference, it's essential to note that these are merely speculations and not officially confirmed by Nike.

For all the young ones who adore their friendly neighborhood web-slinger, you're in for a treat!

Unfortunately, adult Spider-Man enthusiasts and Marvel aficionados will be disappointed to miss out on this stylish opportunity, as the sneakers are limited to children's sizes only.