Finding the best Nike Dunk is trickier than you might think right now with so many great sneakers to choose from. Fortunately, we've compiled a list of some of our favourites based on their price and designs, thus helping you figure out which pair to add to your collection.
However, with the model widely considered one of the best sneakers around for the past 35 years, there have been almost too many great Dunk designs to choose from. In fact, the sneaker is so popular that it is still being made to this day with it being one of the best Nike shoes ever created.
As a result of there being so many Dunks on the market, we've decided to focus our list on some of the more recently released sneakers to narrow the selection pool to shoes which are currently more attainable than some of the '80s and '90s basketball shoe classics.
So, whether you're after some standout low-tops, like these "Industrial Blue" Lows, or you're looking for a pair of Nike SBs, like these "White Gum" Dunks, then we've got you covered right here.
Best Nike Dunk
- Nike Dunk Low "Industrial Blue"
- Nike Dunk Low "Light Orewood Brown"
- Run The Jewels x Nike SB Dunk High "Active Pink Black"
- Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "White Gum"
- Nike Dunk Low "Valentine's Day Yellow Heart"
- Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift"
- Nike Dunk Low "Reverse Brazil"
- Nike Dunk Low "Chicago Split"
click to enlarge
+ 81. Nike Dunk Low "Industrial Blue"
The Nike Dunk Low "Industrial Blue" draws inspiration from Japan, incorporating traditional Sashiko stitching into the design to make it stand out from the crowd as one of the best low-tops on the market.
The shoe boasts denim uppers with white contrast stitching and features Sashiko designs on the toe box and heel tab. The white Nike branding on the tongue and insoles adds a clean finishing touch to the overall aesthetic.
The use of Sashiko stitching is a nod to Japanese tradition and brings a unique element to the Dunk Low "Industrial Blue" that sets it apart from previous releases. The denim material used for the uppers adds to the shoe's industrial feel while still remaining stylish and versatile.
Overall, we feel this show showcases Nike's attention to detail and willingness to draw inspiration from various cultures. The use of Sashiko stitching adds depth, making it a must-have for sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward individuals alike.
- Read More: Best places to buy Nike Dunks
click to enlarge+ 82. Nike Dunk Low "Light Orewood Brown"
Continuing with the Japanese Sashiko stitching theme, Nike also utilised this intricate technique for this incredible "Light Orewood Brown" Low, arguably one of the best Dunks released this year.
The shoe boasts a Pale Ivory upper, accentuated with contrasting Orewood Brown throughout. As mentioned, they also feature Sashiko-style stitching on the toe box, eyelets, and heel tab, with understated red Nike branding appearing on the tongue and insoles.
It's another stunning design inspired by Japanese history, making it an excellent option to consider for your sneaker collection.
- Read More: Best low-top shoes
click to enlarge+ 83. Run The Jewels x Nike SB Dunk High "Active Pink Black"
Moving on to one of the most sought-after Dunk Highs on the market right now - the Run The Jewels x Nike SB Dunks. These remarkable sneakers arrived earlier this year in two distinct colourways, but this "Active Pink Black" design truly steals the show with its bespoke design and unique detail.
They feature chiselled-out, jewel-like Swooshes on each side, complemented by golden lace dubraes engraved with the signature insignias of Killer Mike and El-P.
What's more, they're crafted from sleek black leather and vibrant pink faux fur to match the laces and a striking outsole. Adding to this, the heel tab introduces a splash of yellow that harmonises with the insoles, which, once again, pay homage to Run The Jewels.
So, if you're on the lookout for a pair of sneakers that effortlessly blend artistic flair and undeniable style, the Run The Jewels x Nike SB Dunk Highs are an absolute must-have.
- Read More: Best high-top shoes
click to enlarge+ 84. Nike SB Dunk Low Pro "White Gum"
The Nike SB line also saw the debut of the stunning Dunk Gum Pack earlier this year, which included the Dunk Low Pro in two distinct colourways.
Out of the two, the "White Gum" design stands out as a particular highlight to us as it's crafted from high-quality tumbled white leather, complemented by black nubuck Swooshes down either side.
These sneakers then rest above a gum-coloured outsole and showcase black Nike branding on the heel, tongue, and insoles to round off the simple yet effective aesthetic.
It's a classic SB Dunk Low in many ways, featuring a simple colour scheme and a stunning gum outsole. It's definitely a top-tier Dunk that would fit in nicely into almost any sneaker collection.
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click to enlarge+ 85. Nike Dunk Low "Valentine's Day Yellow Heart"
This "Valentine's Day Yellow Heart" Dunk Low is an excellent Nike Dunk to consider adding to your collection. Don't be put off by its Valentine's Day theme either, as we feel it's an excellent pick to wear all year round.
Nike has essentially left the Dunk silhouette completely blank by using white leather to construct the upper, thus making it easy to style. However, there are hints of yellow throughout, including on the tongue, heel, and insole branding.
A final touch of yellow can be found through the love heart emblem placed just below the Swoosh. It's a classic symbol that, put simply, works for almost any Valentine's Day release, especially here.
So, if you're after a super-wearable shoe that's more than just one of the best Nike sneakers for Valentine's Day around, then give this "Yellow Heart" colourway some thought.
- Read More: Best sneakers for Valentine's Day
click to enlarge+ 86. Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift"
The Nike Dunk Low "Sand Drift" is a stylish women's-exclusive sneaker that pays homage to the classic '80s aesthetic.
Featuring a captivating colour combination of Sand Drift and Hemp, this low-top showcases a blend of leather and suede in various shades of brown. The attention to detail is evident with contrasting stitching accents, adding a nice visual touch.
The heel tab displays an embossed Nike logo, while a stitched tag graces the leather tongue, further emphasising the brand's signature style and rounding off this stylish women's-exclusive Dunk in classic Nike fashion.
- Read More: Best sneakers for women
click to enlarge+ 87. Nike Dunk Low "Reverse Brazil"
The Nike Dunk Low "Reverse Brazil" takes a trip all the way to South America with a design that harkens back to Nike's original "Brazil" Dunk Low from 2001, which was later reintroduced in retro-form in 2020. This 2023 release, however, brings a whole new perspective to the iconic design.
The colour scheme is inspired by the bright tones of the Brazilian national flag, showcasing a delightful blend of yellow and green hues across the uppers. The difference is that this time, the colours are reversed, with yellow dressing the Swooshes and overlays, while green appears everywhere else, including the outsole.
The only exception here is the midsole, which is made from white rubber as a nod to the more traditional Nike Dunk aesthetic, giving the sneaker even more of a retro feel despite technically featuring a fresh take on a classic colourway. Overall, an excellent low-top that won't look out of place in your collection.
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click to enlarge+ 88. Nike Dunk Low "Chicago Split"
Breaking away from the traditional Dunk aesthetic, the "Chicago Split" Lows reimagine a timeless colourway with a split design inspired by one of the best Air Jordans ever made - the "Chicago" 1.
The upper showcases a combination of University Red and bright white, but then deviates from the traditional design with light silver and black on the iconic Swoosh logo, hence the 'split' element of its name.
Adding to the already unique upper is a slightly off-white, almost pre-aged midsole complete with a black and white outsole to continue the whole split-in-half concept.
It's an incredibly unique sneaker with a ton of history behind the colour scheme. Therefore, if you're a hardcore sneaker fan, this "Chicago Split" Low is definitely worth checking out.
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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
There are often a ton of questions that pop up when looking for Nike Dunks. Don't worry though because we've answered some of the most commonly asked queries right here.
Where can you buy Nike Dunks?
There are several places to check out if you want to buy a new pair of Dunks, many of which we go more in-depth on in our lists of the best places to buy sneakers.
Our number one recommendation is to visit the Nike store as it's the first place you'll find new Dunks drop, plus Nike offers a 60-day (30 in the UK) returns policy in case you're not 100% satisfied with your order.
Nike also has a useful launch page called SNKRS. New Dunks usually get listed here ahead of their release, with the website allowing you to sign up for push notifications about specific sneaker drops as well.
If the Dunks you're after are sold out at Nike, then we'd suggest heading over to the resale market on websites like StockX and GOAT, both of which authenticate every purchase to ensure your second-hand sneakers are legit.
Are Nike Dunks better than Jordan 1s?
Whether Nike Dunks are better than Jordan 1s is a subjective matter, as both sneakers have their unique features and appeal to different individuals.
In fact, both have similar backgrounds, with Nike Dunks first introduced as basketball shoes in the 1980s. However, they became popular among skateboarders in the 1990s due to their durability and versatility, and are more worn as a lifestyle shoe these days.
Jordan 1s, on the other hand, were designed specifically for Michael Jordan in 1985 and are widely regarded as a significant part of sneaker culture. They typically feature a high-top design and come in various colourways, making them a fashionable choice for both athletic and casual wear.
Both sneakers have their respective strengths and appeal, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may prefer Nike Dunks for their comfort and casual look, while others may prefer Jordan 1s for their history and iconic design.
Are Nike Dunks comfortable?
Nike Dunks are generally considered to be comfortable sneakers. They feature a cushioned midsole that provides impact absorption and support, making them suitable for everyday wear and various activities.
The level of comfort may vary though depending on factors such as the specific model, materials used, and personal preferences. You find Nike Dunks to be very comfortable, while others may have different experiences based on factors such as foot shape and size. Therefore, it's important to get the fit right above all else when determining comfort.
The simplest way to do this is to draw an outline around your foot and measure its length and width before comparing your measurements to one of Nike's size charts to determine what size Dunks you need. Make sure you're aware of any differences between Nike and adidas sizing, for example, to ensure you're not just choosing a size based on your size elsewhere.
Once you've established the size shoe you need, you should be well setup to find Dunks comfortable.
Are Nike Dunks suitable for wide feet?
Dunks can be a favourable choice for individuals with wide feet. Although they may not offer the same level of spaciousness as Nike's Extra Wide Fit collection, they do tend to provide more room compared to certain performance footwear like running spikes or football boots.
The origins of Dunks in basketball could explain their slightly roomier design, which accommodates comfortable manoeuvring during quick turns and lateral movements.
However, the ultimate method to ensure a proper fit with Dunks is to try them on at a local sneaker store. Once you determine the ideal size for both the width and length of your feet, you can confidently make future purchases.
How do you lace Nike Dunks?
As mentioned in our guide on lacing Dunks, the most common method is to cross the two lengths of your shoelaces over in the middle as you work your way up to the top eyelets.
There are a few alternative techniques though. For instance, the straight bar method involves taking the left length and feeding it through the third eyelet up on the right from underneath before threading it through the opposite eyelet over the top to create a bar across the tongue.
This is then repeated on the right side and continued until you reach the top once again.
Ultimately, there are many ways to lace a pair of Dunks, so choosing the right one will come down to your own personal taste.
Can you customise your own Nike Dunks?
Yes, Nike provides customisation options for certain models, including Nike Dunks. You can do this on the Nike website under Nike By You. Here, you can personalise your own Nike Dunks by selecting various colour combinations, materials, and sometimes even adding personalised text or graphics.
It's important to note that not all Nike models are available for customisation, and the specific customisation options may vary based on the available design choices at any given time. It's best to check Nike's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding customising Dunks if you're going through Nike itself.
You can, of course, customise your Dunks by hand as well. However, this requires a significant amount of skill and precision to get right. So, if you're new to customising your own shoes and don't really want to ruin a pair of Dunks, then you may be better off sending them off to a professional personalisation service.
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