Nike's all-star sneakers

The Dunk, a basketball shoe with a low sole, was originally part of the company's drive to get university teams to wear Nike shoes. The shoe sold well, but it wasn't until 1998 - when Nike re-released it - that it became a top-seller. This time, the Dunk was embraced not by basketball players, but skateboarders; its flat sole was perfect for skateboarding, and the sneaker became a subcultural hit. Nike's SB Dunk, which was unveiled in 2002 and designed specifically for skaters, now commands a hefty chunk of the skateboard shoe market, which Footwear News values at $3 billion.

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