After a few delays, the long-awaited Nike SB Dunk Low “Rodeo” is finally set to drop — and it’s more than just a sneaker. Also referred to as the Tourmaline and BHM (Black History Month) edition, this Nike SB Dunk “Rodeo” is a layered tribute to the overlooked legacy of Black cowboys and the rich history of early rodeo culture.
A Tribute to Forgotten Riders
While the modern image of the cowboy is often tied to Hollywood’s portrayal of white gunslingers, the reality of the American West tells a much broader story. Roughly one in four cowboys during the late 1800s were Black. Among them was the legendary Bill Pickett, a trailblazing rodeo performer who invented the art of “bulldogging” — wrestling steers to the ground using sheer grit and courage. Pickett’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the fearless spirit that defined Black cowboys, whose contributions have too often been erased from mainstream history.
The Nike SB Dunk “Rodeo” taps into this spirit, celebrating their rugged elegance and unbreakable pride with rich textures and thoughtful design cues.
Nike SB Dunk “Rodeo” Design Details
The sneaker features a green suede upper, a nod to the earthy tones of the western landscape. The laces are extra thick and rope-like, instantly evoking the imagery of lassos and rodeo gear.
A black suede Swoosh cuts cleanly across the side panel, while orange piping adds an energetic contrast, mirroring the vibrant colors of a desert sunset. Around the heel, Sonora-style embroidery offers a subtle reference to southwestern textile patterns — a detail that connects the aesthetic to cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Inside, yellow textile lining creates a warm, sunlit atmosphere — “like a cowboy riding off into the sunset after saving the town,” as Nike puts it. The insoles feature a graphic of a cowboy herding cattle, a direct and heartfelt homage to the working cowboys who shaped the American West.
Rounding out the design, the dual-colored outsole in red and yellow echoes the fiery skies of a rodeo dusk, and is finished with bold Nike branding.
Final Thoughts
The Nike SB Dunk “Rodeo” is more than a standout colorway — it’s a storytelling piece. With its textured materials, cultural symbolism, and nods to unsung history, this Dunk honors the enduring legacy of Black cowboys and pioneers like Bill Pickett. As we celebrate Black History Month and beyond, this release stands as a powerful reminder that style and substance can coexist — and that every sneaker can carry a story worth telling.
The Nike SB Dunk “Rodeo” will be a hard one to cop for retail. There have been some drops at skate shops like Premier out of Grand Rapids Michigan. The SNKRS app will be releasing this pair on May 9th via draw. So there is a chance albeit slim to pick these up for retail. Make sure to lock in your draw by 10:10 a.m. EST on release day. For more releases check out our weekly release rundown.
