Finland's Beyond Store Now Has a Nike SB Dunk High Collab

Finland isn't the first place you might think about when thinking about skateboarding, but the Nordic country has long had select individuals who've promoted the sport, its style, and culture from Helsinki to Nuorgam.

One such figure has been Juho Haapala, who founded Beyond Store in December 2006.

Currently celebrating its 20th anniversary, the team at the Jyväskylä and Helsinki-based retailer has partnered up with Nike SB to release a special-edition SB Dunk High inspired by the work of Alvar Aalto, renowned Finnish architect and designer. Dubbed "Lines That Never End," the first-time collaboration by Beyond and Nike SB features a "White/Sand Dune/Blue Void/Ivory" color scheme that has been carefully-considered by Haapala and company.

Proud of its Finnish roots, Beyond Store has looked to Aalto's modernist work for inspiration, landing on an unexpected link to skateboarding. The architect designed the freeform pool at Finland's Villa Mairea in 1939 (pools being popular skate spots).

Furthermore, Jyväskylä is a foundational city to both Beyond and Aalto. The Beyond Dunk, then, references the designer's architectural legacy (i.e. birch-toned Swooshes nod to iconic furniture; a red outsole reflects the rich red brick favored in building designs; glossy collar panels recreate the signature blue, glazed ceramic tiles seen across many famous projects) and has been approved by the Alvar Aalto Foundation.

The Beyond Dunk, rooted in Scandinavian functionalism, is scheduled to see a global launch on Saturday, July 25. Enjoy detailed shots of the Nordic collaboration ahead.

Download the House of Heat° app (iOS/Android) to stay on top of the year's hottest releases.