ACRONYM Founder Shares Nike Dunk ‘Blunk’ Sample from 2009

Techwear label ACRONYM may design some of the most futuristic pieces of clothing on the market, but they’ve actually been around for over 20 years. Their first sneaker collaborations officially began in 2015 with the Nike Lunar Force 1 but, as co-founder Errolson Hugh shared overnight on Instagram, an earlier effort exists.

The ‘Blunk’ sample from 2009 was a one-of-one sample created by Hugh with the help of Jesse Leyva during his stead as Global Energy Design Director at Nike Sportswear. Seasoned sneakerheads will identify this model as the Dunk High AC TZ, which swapped the usual cupsole for a vulcanised type. This overall design is very much a time capsule of the NSW era, featuring hallmarks such as smooth black leather uppers, tonal melton wool ankles and tongues, and a stamped ACRONYM tongue tag.

Old heads may also remember a matching Blazer that accompanied this promo pair – strong Google-fu will uncover pics of these rare kicks on golden era sneaker and streetwear blogs.

Of course, being a sneaker from over a decade ago, and also being drastically different from their later colabs, it’s extremely unlikely the ‘Blunk’ will ever release. Thanks for the memories, Errolson.