Comparing the Jordan 1 vs Nike Dunk is tricky given they're both so beloved within the sneaker community, with sneakerheads filling out their collections with these iconic Nike models.
Despite being over 35 years old and originally starting life as some of the best basketball shoes on the market, both sneakers have become staples for everyday wear and are up there as some of the most popular footwear Nike has at its disposal. A testament to their popularity is the fact new designs are still being made to this day and feature among some of the best sneakers around.
We appreciate choosing which we prefer is subjective. However, we have taken great care to objectively evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of both models to make selecting between some of the best Air Jordans and Nike Dunks that bit easier. But we start at the beginning to give you a better idea as to how these two shoes revolutionized the industry...
History
The Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk both debuted in 1985, looking to take the world of basketball shoes by storm. Starting with the Jordan 1, whose story began following the 1984 NBA draft when a young Michael Jordan made a groundbreaking decision to sign with Nike over market leaders adidas and Converse.
During that period, Nike was still striving to establish itself in the basketball industry, lagging behind the aforementioned frontrunners. So, to sign this exceptionally gifted young athlete, Nike made an unprecedented move by offering Jordan a groundbreaking deal: instead of a fixed fee, they agreed to compensate him with 5% of the earnings from the newly launched Jordan brand. Such a gesture was virtually unheard of, particularly for a rookie player.
It was certainly a risk, but one that paid off. Nike debuted Jordan's signature shoe the Air Jordan 1 in 1985 in two colorways, the first a white and black "Chicago" design, the other in red and black which later became known as the "Bred" or "Banned" colorway.
The reason for the "Banned" label is attributed to the story that the NBA issued fines on Jordan whenever he wore those particular sneakers during games. This action was taken due to the shoes' violation of the league's uniform policy.
Despite the circumstances, Nike seized the opportunity and turned it into the focal point of their "Banned" advertisement. This, alongside Michael Jordan's remarkable displays on the basketball court, propelled the Jordan 1 into superstardom, making it one of the most coveted sneakers of its era and to this day.
Alongside creating the Jordan 1, legendary sneaker designer Peter Moore also applied his expertise to create the Nike Dunk. Similar in many ways to the Jordan 1, it too was designed to dominate on the court and be one of the best Nike shoes on the market at the time.
However, while the Jordan 1 was designed specifically for one of the brightest young talents in the NBA, the Dunk was marketed for the college scene. It was used as part of the "College Colors Program" which saw the shoe dressed in the tones of 12 of the top American basketball colleges at the time.
The Dunk took a backseat after the immense popularity of Michael Jordan and his signature sneaker throughout the 1985 season. Realistically, the shoe had to go in another direction. So, by the early 2000s, Nike created a slightly modified version of the Dunk known as the Dunk Low Pro SB which, structurally, was made with comfort and safety in mind while skating.
This initiated a whole line of SB Dunks which, alongside the original Dunk silhouette, is still thriving to this day, just like the Air Jordan 1.
Price
When choosing between the two models, your initial consideration is likely to be their cost. However, this decision isn't always straightforward due to the wide variety of colorways available.
Generally, some of the best Jordan 1 Highs are more expensive than comparable Dunks. For instance, the "Palomino" Dunk Highs retailed for $125, whereas the "Palomino" Jordan 1 Highs were priced at $180 when they released in 2023.
That said, the price gap can be narrower than you might expect, especially in the second-hand market. For example, the "Bleached Aqua" Jordan KOs, considered one of the best budget-friendly Jordan 1s, are slightly cheaper than the average resale price of some Dunks.
Unfortunately, though, original Air Jordan 1s typically fall towards the higher end of the market, not only surpass Nike Dunks in price but are also among the most expensive sneakers available today.
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Designs and features
It should come as no surprise that these two shoes have many similarities in their designs, considering they originate from the same era and are produced by the same company.
Peter Moore created both shoes. However, while one was made for one of the hottest prospects in the NBA at the time, the other was targeted toward college students. In fact, the first Dunk designs were based on America's most renowned basketball universities in the '80s.
That being said, there are a few subtle differences to note. For example, as seen in these amazing high-top AMBUSH x Nikes, Dunks have fewer panels compared to Jordans, as well as less stitching.
The biggest difference between the two though is what lies underfoot. The Nike Dunk comes with a soft foam midsole. However, the Jordan 1 features Nike's Air technology. This should deliver even more comfort and protection if you plan on using them on the court.
Some Jordans go a step further, such as these "Dark Powder Blue" Highs, and incorporate Zoom technology for extra cushioning and maximum support both on the court and during everyday wear, making them some of the most comfortable trainers on the market.
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Jordan 1 vs Nike Dunk: Which should you buy?
To summarise, choosing between Jordan 1s and Nike Dunks will depend on personal preference and intended use. However, the Jordan 1 may be a better choice for both everyday wear and basketball due to its use of Nike's Air technology for added comfort and support, hence why some of the best Jordans for basketball over the years have been 1s. The Jordan 1 also carries a reputation and prestige due to Michael Jordan's iconic status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
In terms of price, Jordan 1s and Nike Dunks are similarly matched, although Jordan 1s can sometimes be slightly more expensive. However, the price difference is minimal, and it may be worth spending a little extra to own a piece of history. Therefore, if you're interested in picking up a pair of 1s, check out our list of the best places to buy Jordans.
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And with that, we're wrapping things up. Hopefully, our guide has pointed you in the direction of your next sneaker purchase!