Nike’s upcoming LEGO Dunk Low collab is already sparking controversy and it hasn’t even dropped yet. Official images of the shoe have fans on X calling out its resemblance to the signature style of artist Joshua Vides.
The new LEGO x Nike Dunk features bold, cartoon-like black outlines on white leather panels, creating a hand-drawn effect that mirrors Vides’ well-known visual language. Vides has built a career off that exact look, applying it to everything from custom Air Force 1s and New Balances to full-blown installations.
Naturally, comparisons flooded the timeline. One user joked, “Joshua Vides has to sue lol,” while another said his whole “art style [was] being stolen.” Others shared side-by-side shots showing how close the LEGO collab looks to past Vides customs, including a nearly identical Air Force 1 with the same outlined aesthetic.
To be clear, Joshua Vides isn’t officially part of the LEGO x Nike release. And that’s where the frustration lies. While brands often find inspiration online, this pair feels a little too close for many people online.
Vides helped pioneer this black-and-white sketch art style in the sneaker world years ago. He’s collaborated with big names like Fendi, The Shoe Surgeon, and New Balance. Now, he’s watching a similar idea hit the mainstream without his name tied to it.
