Nike Dunk Low Review 2024: Everything You Need to Know About This Classic Shoe

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Nike’s “Just Do It” tagline inspires a sense of determination, resilience and courage. As one of the most recognized athletic and running shoe brands, this sentiment implies breaking barriers and pushing boundaries. While this rings true in the context of Nike running shoes, it also applies to Nike's lifestyle footwear, encouraging wearers to express themselves by confidently choosing and wearing a style that represents their individuality.

The Nike Dunk Low is an everyday staple for sneakerheads and casual wearers alike. This versatile shoe has been a popular choice across generations since its release in 1985, and is still widely favored by diverse demographics. This cross between the Air Jordan, Air Force 1, Terminator and Legend models was released in the 1980s as a basketball shoe. However, it gained popularity among the skating community and mainstream recognition, prompting Nike to release several variants, including the Nike SB Dunk and the Nike Dunk Low Retro.

Aside from streetwear, these shoes are versatile enough to be worn with workout clothes and can be stylishly incorporated into business casual attire or a suit. In this Nike Dunk Low Review, I’ll break down the specifics of the construction, including the different versions and materials used, my experience wearing these shoes, cost and customer reviews, plus compare similar shoe models and more.

Nike Dunk Low Features At A Glance

• Sizes: 6–15 men’s, 7.5–16.5 women’s
• Material: Rubber outsole, foam midsole, upper materials vary between versions
• Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Best for: Everyday wear, casual and semi-formal occasions, skateboarding
• Price: $110–$160 (varies between versions and colorways)

What Is the Nike Dunk Low?

Released in August 1985, the Nike Dunk High, true to its name, was designed for basketball, allowing the wearer to defend the rim and pivot to victory on the court. These shoes coincided with the Air Jordans but brought its unique silhouette that has been developed over the years to what we know as the current-day Nike Dunks. Today, three cuts are offered—high, mid and low—each with its own features and following.

So why is the Nike Dunk Low so popular? This sneaker has a clean and straightforward silhouette with a low-top design. Since it doesn’t have excessive embellishments, it's a blank canvas for various color and styling options. Typically, two or more contrasting colors are on the upper, outsole, midsole and Swoosh—the iconic Nike check mark. Over the years, the design and branding have remained consistent, contributing to its timelessness and identity. The Nike Dunk Lows are also at an approachable price point, ideal for those on a budget or those just starting their sneaker collection. The brand’s regular version is typically priced between $110–$115, with other versions or special editions increasing in price. Nike uses its website, its shoe app called SNKRS and skate shops to unveil diverse versions and colorways, enhancing the sense of exclusivity.

What we love:

• Versatile style ideal for multiple occasions
• Lower price point as compared to other Nike shoes
• Different versions offer a variety of colorways, from bold to neutral
• Padded collar and lining are soft and reduce friction
• Comfortable, can be worn for daily activities
• Low-top is easy to put on and take off

What to consider:

• Cushioning may be lacking for those who stand or walk for long periods
• Reviews note that certain materials used aren’t as durable as those in other versions
• High-demand releases sell out quickly

Nike Dunk Low Construction

Upper

The upper material varies between versions, but the most commonly used are leather, suede and synthetic materials. Leather is frequently used because it was utilized in the original version, plus it’s durable and cleans easily. Other versions have synthetic uppers made from a textile such as canvas; these are more breathable and flexible but are often less durable than leather. Still, synthetic materials are popular because they can be dyed in various colors. Suede has a soft, fuzzy consistency that gives the shoe a unique texture and appearance. It’s a durable material that can also be dyed in many colors, but it is not easy to clean and becomes stiff and brittle after getting wet.

Midsole

The EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) midsole uses a lightweight, flexible foam to absorb impact and cushioning. This foam mixes air bubbles into soft plastic to create tiny bubbles throughout the midsole. These bubbles support the feet during wear, compressing and expanding with each step. The midsole, however, is less thick than cushioned running shoes because it is designed for everyday wear.

Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men

Outsole

These shoes have a durable rubber outsole with a waisted design—meaning it is wider at the top, narrowing at the arch and widening at the heel to mimic the foot's natural shape. It's flat and grippy, with a distinct hoop pivot circle at the ball of the foot and a multidirectional pattern from midfoot to heel to accommodate forward and lateral movement. The durable midsole and outsole combination prevent premature crumbling and cracking from dehydration, and many versions feature stitching around the midsole to keep it intact with the outsole.

Nike Dunk Low Versions

Over time, Nike has introduced multiple iterations of the Dunk Low shoe in response to evolving demands and changing trends, some having significant differences and others with more subtle changes. Here’s a breakdown of the brand’s most popular versions.

Nike Dunk Low Retro

This version is designed for casual wear and fashion, showcasing components that pay homage to the 1980s version. The leather upper has well-defined layers and features college sports team colors and other retro colorways. There are also subtle differences between the Retro and Dunk Low. For instance, the Retro has a flatter outsole, and the Dunk Low has a slight curve. The Retro’s collar is also more contoured and has a more elongated, slimmer silhouette. There is also a Premium version of the Retro, and one noticeable difference is that it does not have the perforations on the toe box. It also seems to have a narrower toe box than the Nike Dunk Low Retro.

Nike SB Dunk Low Pro

In 2002, Nike released the SB Dunk Low Pro, a re-engineered version designed for skateboarding. This line has a puffier tongue, softer midsole and more padding around the ankle than the Dunk Low. This version is sold online, on Nike’s SNKRS app and at other retailers. Some designs are exclusive to skate shops or have limited releases, making purchasing them more challenging. Many have an orange label, which indicates it’s a part of the SB Dunk Low Pro line. Users on Reddit argue that the orange label Dunk’s quality is superior to other versions, which may be the case because of the added support and durability for skateboarding. This skate shoe is also known for having more playful colorways so wearers can make a bold statement or add a pop of color to a neutral outfit.

Nike Dunk Low Premium

This version features colorways with a premium leather upper and unique colorways, in addition to the foam midsole and grippy rubber outsole seen in the regular Dunk Low.

Nike Dunk Low SE

The Nike Dunk Low SE has the same midsole and outsole as the standard version. The critical difference is that this line is Special Edition (SE), so Nike releases it in limited quantities. The upper material varies between each unique design and colorway, and due to the exclusivity, these shoes are typically highly sought after by sneaker enthusiasts and go out of stock quickly.

Nike Dunk Low Panda

Technically, the Nike Dunk Low Panda is just a colorway, but its noteworthy popularity earns it an honorable mention. This shoe is also commonly referred to as Panda Dunks, and the colorway on the Nike website is listed as "white/white/black." The Nike Dunk Low black and white color scheme came out in 2021 and exploded on Instagram, TikTok and other social media channels. There are no standout features or exciting collaborations to speak on; these shoes have gained popularity for seemingly no reason.

The upper has a white leather base with black overlays and Swooshes. The midsole is white, and the outsole is black. Whether you think they’re overplayed and basic, or you’re into the hype, we believe there’s a strong argument that this neutral colorway matches a variety of outfits. These are frequently out of stock and listed by resellers on third-party websites. However, if you really want this colorway, you can make your own on Nike By You—a customizable version of the Dunk Low where you can choose the colors and some of the materials used. A custom pair does come at a premium, costing $150.

Our Experience Wearing the Nike Dunk Low

Design and Upper

I chose the Nike Dunk Retro Premium because of the sleek look and neutral colorway. The upper is a nice blend of leather and canvas, so there’s a mix of textures. On this shoe, there are four leather sections, including the tip (area around the toe box), Swoosh and backtab, heel and eyestay (under the laces). The leather has a modern matte finish that I thought was a nice touch. The quarter (behind the Swoosh), collar, toe and tongue are made of a soft canvas material. The variation in fabric adds depth and character to the design, creating an attractive visual appeal despite the muted color. The black Nike logo on the tongue and backtab doesn’t overpower the neutral color and adds to the classic aesthetic.

Fit

This shoe is technically listed as a men’s shoe on the Nike website, but the brand notes men’s and women’s sizing for all the Dunk Lows. I found these fit true to size, but the toe box feels a little snug. I wouldn't go so far as to say it feels uncomfortable, and my opinion may be biased because I'm used to wearing gym shoes with wide toe boxes. Since these are casual everyday shoes for me, I’m okay with the fit, but if you prefer ample room for toe splay you may want to size up a half size. Aside from that, I really like that my heels feel supported and don’t slip, and the tongue gently secures my feet.

Comfort

Given how flat the outsole looks, I was a little nervous that these shoes would be stiff, but the upper and outsole are flexible. Even though the leather seems rigid, it’s forgiving, and I think the mix of canvas really helps. The midsole feels comfortable and supportive during trips to the store or while I’m on my feet at social events. I was also pleasantly surprised by the padded collar. After exploring a new city in the Nike Air Max 97 and getting blisters, the soft lining and cushioning of the Dunk Lows were a welcome change, and I didn’t experience any friction or discomfort.

Durability

The rubber outsole feels sturdy and durable, and I felt comfortable walking on wet and dry pavement. The stitching on the upper and midsole helps reinforce the material and structural integrity. While creasing is always a concern, I haven’t noticed any signs of creasing thus far. On this particular pair, there is canvas material in areas prone to creasing, which may effectively mitigate this issue. I probably wouldn’t wear these during wet weather conditions given the absorbability of canvas and the light tone. As with any light color, dirt is bound to show up, but I used a wipe to spot-clean the midsole and it came right off.

How Much Does Nike Dunk Low Cost?

The Nike Dunk Low is typically priced in the lower $100 range on the Nike website and the SNKRS app. Specific versions, such as the Nike Dunk Low SE and Nike Dunk Low Premium, are priced from $125, or you can design your own for $150.

What Customers Say About Nike Dunk Low

These shoes are rated 4.8/5 on the Nike website, and reviewers rate them as true to size with average comfort. Many note that the shoes are comfortable for day-to-day wear and like the design. One says, “Comfortable and will go with anything! I love that you can dress them up or down.”

While many reviews state that these fit true to size, a handful state that you may need to size up a half size. We recommend using the size guide and considering a larger size if you prefer more room or have a wide foot. Some reviews mention that the color pictured on the site differs from how it looks in person. Nike Members get free 60-day returns, and it’s free to sign up.

Who the Nike Dunk Low Is Best For

The Nike Dunk Low is best for those who want a stylish, comfortable everyday shoe. It has a responsive midsole and a padded collar to keep your feet comfortable. These shoes are also a good choice for those who prefer a low-top version of basketball shoes, and the SB Dunk Low Pro line is ideal for skaters or people who like more cushioning. If you’re working with a tighter budget, many models of the Nike Dunk Low cost less than $115, which is a more affordable option than other classic Nike shoes such as the Jordans.

Who the Nike Dunk Low Will Not Work For

We don’t recommend these for walking and standing all day because the midsole lacks sufficient cushioning for prolonged periods on your feet. Instead, you may want to opt for a cushioned running shoe. Those looking for a cross-training shoe need a more breathable upper and flexible outsole than the Nike Dunk Low has to offer.

Related Post: The Best Shoes for Standing All Day

If you're looking for a running shoe, we recommend the Nike Infinity RN instead because it's designed to support running and repetitive motion. Given the variety of materials, those looking for an outdoor basketball shoe may choose a shoe designed for outdoor use exclusively. These are also not ideal for those seeking orthopedic shoes or those who use orthopedic insoles since the insoles are glued in place.

Nike Dunk Low vs. Nike Air Jordan 1 Low

The Nike Dunk Low and Nike Air Jordan 1 Low combine vintage and modern elements into the design and have a low-cut silhouette. One key difference is that the Air Jordan 1 has more panels, detailing, stitching and lace holes than the Dunk Low's simple, bold color blockings. There is also an Air unit in the heel for more lightweight cushioning. Still, the upper is similar to the Dunk Low—a mix of synthetic and leather materials that varies between versions and colorways. The Air Jordan 1 starts at $120, a slightly higher price than the Dunk Low.

Nike Dunk Low vs. Nike Air Force 1

The other iconic basketball shoe, the Nike Air Force 1, has a low-cut silhouette for a streamlined look. Like the Dunk Low, there are perforations on the toe, and the padded collar and EVA midsole are similar. However, the Air Force 1 has Nike Air cushioning, adding to the overall comfort. The upper materials vary depending on the colorway, and both shoes have a grippy rubber outsole. The Air Force 1 starts around $115, similar to the Dunk Low, but there are only a handful of colorways at this price point. More colorful options range between $130–$155.

Nike Dunk Low FAQs

Does the Nike Dunk Low run small?

Reviews on the Nike website state that the shoes fit true to size, but if you prefer more room, you can size up a half size.

Does the Nike Dunk Low crease?

Like any shoe, the Nike Dunk Low will eventually crease due to the natural shaping of material around the feet. If you are concerned about creasing, we recommend choosing a pair with canvas on top of the toe box, which does not crease as easily.

Are Nike Dunks the same as Jordans or Air Force 1s?

No, but these shoes share common characteristics such as a low-cut silhouette, a mix of modern and vintage design elements and the fact that they were all originally made for basketball.

The Takeaway: Is the Nike Dunk Low Worth It?

I think the Nike Dunk Low is absolutely worth it, given the price point, variety of colorways and versatility of the shoe. If you’re a Nike fan, you’ll appreciate the combination of vintage and modern design elements brought together by the iconic Nike Swoosh. While they don’t provide as much cushioning as arch support shoes, the EVA midsole and flexible upper are comfortable enough to wear casually or dress up in a business or formal setting. There are a variety of versions with bold and neutral color blocking and different textures so everyone can find something to suit their fit or wear to the skate park or on the court. These shoes are also at a very approachable price point, whether you are shopping on a budget or starting a new sneaker collection.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.