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 basketball shoes 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.
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 classics.
So, whether you’re after some standout low-tops, like these Jackie Robinson-inspired Lows, or you’re looking for a pair of Nike SBs, like these “Sour Apple” Dunks, then we’ve got you covered right here.
Best Nike Dunk
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk Low “Racer Blue”
We feel these “Racer Blue” low-tops are one of the best Nike Dunk releases as of late, which is backed up by their immense popularity among sneaker fans.
What we like about their design is that it stays relatively true to the original colour blocking from 1985, and some of the more recently released shoes like Dunks that have aimed to replicate the design.
Read More: Best places to buy Nike Dunks
However, the tones appear inverted as the white leather, which usually adorns the base layers, features across the mudguards, eyestays, heel counters, and Swooshes instead.
The sides and toe boxes then arrive in blue to match the collars, laces, and outsoles, thus rounding off this two-tone design by keeping everything simple and, as a result, easy to pair with nearly any outfit.
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk Low “Jackie Robinson”
For the 75th Anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut in MLB, Nike released these incredible “Jackie Robinson” Dunk Lows which are covered from head to toe in subtle nods to a legendary and groundbreaking baseball career.
Jackie Robinson was the first African American baseball player to play in the American major leagues during the 20th century. His career subsequently broke down the colour barrier in the sport for athletes thereafter.
Read More: Best Jordan 1 Lows
With so much history to go off of, we feel Nike has done an excellent job with the design of these sneakers. For instance, they come dressed in Dodgers colours, Robinson’s home for his entire championship-winning MLB career, which has inspired several of the best baseball cleats over the years.
The “Jackie Robinson” Lows also reference his famous quote, “I’m not concerned with your liking or disliking me. All I ask is that you respect me as a human being.” We feel this is just another reason why these Dunks deserve a place on our list.
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk High “Panda”
While Dunk Lows are a consistent fan favourite, we appreciate that the high-tops are still the go-to pick for many. Therefore, if it’s high-tops you’re after, then these “Panda” Dunks might just be your answer.
Their simple black and white colour scheme make them incredibly versatile and easy to match to any outfit, plus their high collars will likely mean you’re a little more support around your ankles if you decide to wear them on the court.
Read More: Best Jordan 1 Highs
Although the sneakers arrive predominately in black and white, you do get subtle hints of red coming through with the Nike branding on the tongues. We feel this gives these sneakers the edge that helps them stand out from the crowd.
Credit: Nike
Nike SB Dunk Low “Sour Apple”
Nike SB is a subsection of Nike that designs shoes, clothing, and gear designed primarily for skateboarding.
These “Sour Apple” Dunks, in particular, are a great example of Nike’s SB variations as they mix uncommon materials such as suede and leather with the iconic Dunk Low silhouette.
Read More: Best skate shoes
The sneakers do, in fact, make direct reference to the fruit, with the inside face of the tongues featuring a cartoon-style apple character that adds to the playful look of the design.
On the whole, we feel these fruit-themed Dunks are well worth considering if you’re searching for something from Nike’s SB range of Dunks.
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk High “I Got Next”
The “I Got Next” Dunks celebrate street basketball as the name is a nod to a phrase often used by basketball teams looking to play the next game on the court.
That said, what we like most about these high-tops is their predominately light blue colour scheme that resembles a bright blue sky, making them some of the best sneakers for summer around in our opinion.
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Overall, we feel their standout colour scheme and high-top collars make these sneakers some of the best Nike Dunks to add to your summer rotation.
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk Low “Industrial Blue”
Moving on to another excellent low-top, 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.
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 add a clean finishing touch to the overall aesthetic.
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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.
Credit: Nike
Nike Dunk Low “Light Orewood Brown”
Contuining with the Japanese Sashiko stitching theme, Nike also utilised this intricute 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.
Read More: Best sneakers under 100
It’s another stunning design inspired by Japanese history, making it an excellent option to consider for your sneaker collection.
Credit: Nike
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.
Read More: Best sneakers for Valentine’s Day
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.
Frequently asked questions about Nike Dunks
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?
It is subjective to determine whether Nike Dunks are better than Jordan 1s, as both sneakers have their unique features and appeal to different individuals.
They both have similar backgrounds though, 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 can be particularly comfortable sneakers for everyday wear with their fairly wide fit and cushioned construction.
However, it’s important to get the Dunks in the right size to ensure they remain comfortable.
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 though, and check out a more detailed summary of how to measure shoe size right here.
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.
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