The Nike Dunk and Air Force 1 are two legendary sneakers, each with their own unique characteristics that not everyone may recognize at first glance. This can make it hard to know what the differences are, and which of the two to buy. Don't worry, though, because this guide is here to walk you through it all.
Table of Contents
Not only does this guide cover some of the major physical differences between the two, but we also cover any price differences. In our eyes, this makes it the perfect resource for both new sneakerheads and veterans in need of a wardrobe refresh. We also touch on their origins, with the idea being that by understanding the unique features and historical contexts of these two sneaker icons, you'll be better equipped to decide which pair suits your style and needs best. Let's begin then with a history lesson...
History
Before transitioning into an icon of fashion, style, and comfort, the Air Force 1 originally debuted in 1982 as one of the best basketball shoes on the market, competing against the likes of Converse and adidas on the court.
It was the first shoe designed by legendary designer Bruce Kilgore whose forward-thinking design set the standard for basketball footwear for years to come and created a new wave in popular culture.
The Air Force 1 didn't have an easy start in life though, despite now being one of the best Nike shoes ever made. Although Nike used six of its most popular NBA players to promote the Air Force 1 in '83 as part of the "Original Six" campaign, the original #4190 design was eventually discontinued.
However, consumers and retailers demanded it back, particularly three stores in Baltimore which lobbied for the Air Force 1 to return. According to Nike, the company agreed, but only if the retailers would take 1,200 pairs of two initial colorways.
The retailers eagerly embraced 1,200 pairs of sneakers, adorned in a striking combination of white and Royal Blue, as well as the refined pairing of white and Chocolate Brown. This collection, later renowned as the "Colour of the Month" series, played a pivotal role in rescuing the Air Force 1 from obscurity and propelling it toward the status of an enduring classic.
You then have to fast forward to 1985 to see the debut of the Nike Dunk designed by Peter Moore who, at the time, was also credited with creating the original and arguably the best Jordan 1 colorway of all time - the "Banned" 1s.
As a result, you may notice several similarities between the Jordan 1 and Nike Dunk. However, while the Jordan 1 was designed for one of the top stars in the NBA, the original 12 Dunk colorways all took inspiration from America’s leading schools for basketball, thus aiming them toward the college market. Where things really took off for the Dunk though was when Nike decided it wanted in on the skateboarding scene.
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 added comfort and safety when skating in mind, thus making them one of the best skate shoes on the market.
Today, both the Dunk and Dunk SB lines are thriving, with Nike releasing multiple new designs and collaborations throughout the year which celebrate both the model's history whilst also reinventing the silhouette to keep the designs fresh well over 30 years after their original debut.
Price
Now that you've delved into the history of Nike Dunks and Air Force 1s, you might be thinking about picking up a pair for yourself. If so, you’re probably curious about which model is more affordable.
Currently, both Low and High Air Force 1s are priced similarly to some of the best low-top and high-top Dunks, including most SBs. For example, you can buy a pair of "Panda" Dunk Lows at the same retail price as a pair of "White Swoosh Panda" Air Force 1 Lows.
However, it’s important to note that both Nike Dunks and Air Force 1s can be significantly more expensive on the resale market, especially when it comes to collaborations. For instance, the Cactus Plant Flea Market Air Force 1s and the CLOT Nike Dunks are prime examples of how costly these special edition releases can become. This is worth keeping in mind if the Dunks of Air Force 1s you desire are sold out. If so, make sure you do your research and assess where you can buy the shoes you want at the best price on the resale market.
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Design
From a design standpoint, it's no surprise that the Air Force 1 and Nike Dunk share numerous similarities. Both models emerged during a golden era of basketball, debuting around the same time and reflecting the style and innovation of that period.
The key difference between these two sneakers is the Air Force 1's integration of Nike's Air technology within its midsoles, a feature notably absent in the Dunk. It is all about the Air, in essence, as this technological distinction sets them apart, despite their shared origins and similar design influences.
Nike Air is essentially a collection of air bubbles that are designed to compress under feet to improve cushioning and, in turn, comfort. As a result, you may find Air Force 1s to be the slightly more comfortable of the two, particularly if you're wearing them all day.
Design and looks-wise, Dunks and Air Force 1s are still closely related, despite the lack of Air in Dunks. This makes them some of the closest relatives to the Air Force 1 in Nike's lineup. Both shoes feature prominent midsoles, large Swooshes on the sides, and a comparable panel layout. While the color combinations might differ slightly, the overall aesthetic remains similar.
A key difference, however, is in the midsole size. The Air Force 1 typically has a larger midsole, thanks to its integrated Air technology. Additionally, Air Force 1 Highs usually include ankle straps, a feature often absent in Dunk Highs. Finally, a closer look at the toebox will reveal there are more air hole perforations in a Dunk than there are an Air Force 1, although you really do have to get close to spot this minor separation.
Despite these differences, the similarities between the two designs can make it difficult to distinguish them at times, hence why choosing between them can be such a headache.
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Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1: Which is best?
Choosing between the Nike Air Force 1 and the Nike Dunk is a tough decision. Both have a great look and a rich history of innovation.
The Air Force 1 is the older of the two, which gives it a deeper background and a longer legacy. It's also slightly more comfortable, thanks to the Nike Air bubbles in the midsoles. As an owner of Air Force 1s, I can personally attest to how comfortable they are.
By contrast, the Nike Dunk has a rich history too and even has a dedicated Dunk SB range for skateboarding. This means choosing between them will come down to personal preference since they're both fantastic sneakers that are hard to separate.
If you are struggling to pick between them though, then we'd recommend heading to your local sneaker store and seeing if you can try on both models to see which of the two you prefer on your feet.
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That's it! We hope you can figure out which shoe to go for out of the Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1. Stay tuned for more like this at RealKit.
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