Nike Dunk Low Review

Nike Dunk Low is one of the most iconic sneakers of all time. First debuting in 1985 as a basketball shoe, Dunk went on to transcend sport and become engrained in culture as a streetstyle staple and fashion essential.

With its rich heritage, timeless design and array of coveted colorways, Dunk Low has become a globally recognized and collected silhouette. Its cultural impact goes beyond just sneakerheads - Dunk Low has been embraced by artists, musicians, skaters, designers and everyday enthusiasts.

Almost 40 years after its introduction, Dunk Low continues to excite - with both OG retros and fresh new interpretations hitting shelves. But what's the secret behind this sneaker's enduring appeal?

This comprehensive review will break down everything you need to know about Nike Dunk Low. From history and design details to performance and styling, read on for the ultimate guide to one of sneaker culture's most iconic models.

Key Features and Technologies

Nike Dunk Low retains the same features and construction as its predecessor, with a few modern updates:

Low-profile design - Dunk Low has a low cut collar for enhanced mobility and a streamlined look. It drops the high-top silhouette of the original basketball Dunk.

Leather/suede upper - Premium layered panels made of leather, suede or nubuck lend Dunk Low a broken-in vibe straight out of the box. Varied textures keep the upper looking fresh.

EVA midsole - A lightweight foam midsole provides cushioning and disperses impact while you walk or play. The responsiveness makes transitioning from heel to toe feel natural.

Rubber outsole - Durable solid rubber with a pivot circle and traction pattern allows smooth stops, starts and direction changes. Great grip for the streets or court.

Perforations - Small perforations on the toe box, side panels and collar enhance breathability and airflow to the foot.

Padding - Plush foam padding around the collar and tongue delivers a comfortable, secure fit.

Design and Aesthetics

Nike Dunk Low features a clean, paneled design that represents a near-perfect balance of aesthetic and performance.

Retro profile - The silhouette embodies simple 80's sportswear appeal with its even proportions and heritage hoops styling.

** Iconic paneled build** - Overlapping layers of premium leather and suede create depth and texture. The construct looks hand-crafted.

Classic color blocking - Contrasting white midsoles draw focus to vibrantly colored uppers in heritage team tones, neutrals and statement hues.

Timeless style - Coming onto its 4th decade, Dunk Low has achieved truly iconic status. Its low-key minimalism ensures enduring versatility and wearability beyond passing trends.

Premium touches - Branded tongue tags, printed insoles and colored outsoles add subtle charm. The details nod to Nike heritage.

Dunk Low aesthetic brilliantly honor the past while still feeling current. Nike has mastered updating the retro Dunk with new color schemes and fabrications that keep it perennially relevant.

Materials and Construction

Nike utilizes premium materials to create the tactile, broken-in vibe of Dunk Low:

Genuine leather - Buttery full-grain leather on many heritage colorways lends a luxe shine and texture. The leather molds beautifully to your feet.

Suede & nubuck - Alternate versions often feature plush brushed suede or nubuck for added depth. The adventurous grain and matte nap give a modern edge.

Textiles - Some new iterations and collabs incorporate textile bases for experimentation. These feature knits, jacquards and denim, though leather/suede remains most iconic.

Foam padding - The tongue and collar padding use soft, flexible foam to prevent irritation and add comfort.

EVA foam midsole - Lightweight EVA foam provides cushioning. It compresses to absorb shock before springing back.

Rubber outsole - The non-marking solid rubber outsole is durable and grippy. Flex grooves aid movement.

The layered build clearly demonstratesNike's attention to material quality and construction techniques. It's more refined than the typical mass-produced sneaker.

Comfort

Despite the firmer EVA midsole and lack of modern cushion tech, Dunk Low still rates highly for comfort:

Feels "broken-in" - The plush leather/suede needs minimal break-in time and molds quickly to your feet for a glove-like fit.

Lighter than looks - The foam midsole and low-profile build create a fairly lightweight feel compared to bulkier retro models.

Impact protection - While simple, the EVA midsole cushions landings and reduces foot fatigue from prolonged wear.

Ankle mobility - The low collar allows greater freedom of movement compared to high-top styles while still supporting the ankles.

All-day comfort - The materials are smooth against the skin with no irritating stitching or joins, making Dunk comfy for continuous wear.

Overall, the Dunk Low live up to expectations for day-long comfort, especially once the upper molds to your feet. The pared-back styling helps minimize bulk and pressure points.

Durability

Dunk Low holds up well to regular thanks to its quality materials and construction:

Resilient leather/suede - The premium uppers are inherently tough. Natural creasing adds character over time rather than wear and tear.

Reinforced stitching - Tight stitching and overlays prevent the paneled upper from losing shape or separating.

Durable rubber outsole - Solid rubber compounds stand up to everyday use without excessive wear. The pivot is also protected.

Proven design - Near 40 years in, Dunk Low design still performs. This test of time proves its lasting durability.

Given proper care and rotation, a pair of Dunk Lows can remain part of your rotation for many years before needing to be retired. The durability matches far more expensive leather sneakers.

Breathability

Dunk Low runs moderately warm, as expected from a leather/suede basketball retro:

Mediocre ventilation - The layered upper and collar foam inhibit airflow to the foot. Perforations on the toe help somewhat.

Warmer in summer - Leather and suede aren't optimal in hot climates. Dunk Lows are better suited to fall through spring use based on breathability.

Poor moisture-wicking - The non-mesh materials tend to absorb foot sweat rather than ventilating it away.

Better over socks - Wearing socks (ankle or crew length) creates a moisture barrier and improves comfort versus barefoot wear.

For warm regions or seasons, a textile or mesh version of the Dunk may be a better option. But for normal to cool conditions, breathability isn't an issue given socks are worn.

Support and Stability

Despite the low collar, Dunk Low still provides a supportive ride:

Snug collar padding - The ample foam padding around the collar comfortably locks down the heel and ankles without rub or slippage.

Lace-up adjustability - The flat laces and layered panels allow the upper to be tightened to your desired snugness and support level.

Flexible stability - The grippy outsole rubber and contouring footbed keep you stable on your feet without feeling rigid.

Light, secure footing - At just over 1 lb per shoe (size 9), Dunk Low gives a light and fast feel with sure-footed traction.

While no match for modern running/basketball models, Dunk Low supplies ample support for lifestyle wear, short runs or recreational play. The heritage build feels more minimal but in a liberating way.

Fit and Sizing

Dunk Low accommodates most foot shapes with a true-to-size fit in mind:

Runs true-to-size - Length-wise, most wearers can stick with their normal size as Dunk Low fits true. Wide-footers may want to size up.

Average width - The last isn't overly roomy or narrow in the forefoot, suiting medium/average width feet best. Wider options now exist.

Consistent fit - Unlike newer sneakers, sizing remains stable and consistent across releases. You can rely on the same size fitting comfortably.

Unisex styling - Dunk Low is categorized as a unisex model. Men who fall between sizes could consider sizing down for a sleek look.

With the growing range of widths and sizes now offered, finding your perfect fit in Dunk Low is easier than ever. The profile accommodates most foot types.

Performance

Despite origins as a basketball sneaker, Dunk Low now falls into the lifestyle category:

Traction - The outsole rubber provides grippy traction on smooth indoor courts comparable to modern sneakers.

Impact protection - The EVA foam midsole absorbs shock during play or walks. It lacks advanced cushioning tech but gets the job done.

Low-profile stability - The low ride keeps you agile and stable during pivots and transitions rather than high-top ankle bracing.

Court feel - The minimal midsole and barebones upper enhance ground feel and control during play.

Support - Ample padding and secure lacing keep you locked in. The fit caters to straight-forward play rather than extreme cuts.

Versatile grip - The outsole performs well indoors and outdoors, offering crossover lifestyle appeal.

So while not a cutting-edge performance shoe, Dunk Low still holds its own for casual play or training sessions. The balanced blend of flexibility, control and comfort allow you to break them out on court.

Value for Money

Considering premium materials and cult popularity, Dunk Lows deliver value:

Craftsmanship justifies cost - Details like soft leather and thorough stitching justify the $100+ price tag versus mass-market brands.

Priced below competing models - Dunk Low costs less than comparable leather sneakers from brands like Common Projects.

** Worth cost for cultural icon** - As a head-turning, influential classic, Dunk value relies on intangibles beyond pure performance metrics.

Cost per wear decreases - When spread across months and years of wear, the "milestone" purchase pays dividends.

Retains resale value - Rare and coveted colorways actually appreciate in value over time rather than depreciate.

While not cheap, the Dunk Low delivers tangible value through premium materials, comfort, styling versatility and heritage appeal. For sneaker collectors especially, cost fades against owning an icon.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Timeless, versatile design with cultural clout
• Premium leather/suede wears in nicely and ages well
• Lightweight and comfortable with ample padding
• True-to-size fit for most foot shapes
• Colors appeal to diverse personal styles
• Better traction than most retro models
• Durable, long-lasting construction
• Dressed up or casual potential

Cons:

• Runs warm due to minimal ventilation
• Lacks advanced performance technology
• Collectible colorways can be difficult to obtain
• Expensive compared to basic athletic shoes
• Creasing and scuffing on leather overtime is unavoidable
• Not suitable for harsh outdoor use

Comparison to Key Rivals

Vs. Air Jordan 1 High

• Dunks have a sleeker, low-profile look on foot
• Dunk construction feels more premium
• Jordans offer fuller Nike Air cushioning
• Jordan 1 colorways drive more hype and resale value

Vs. Adidas Stan Smith

• Dunk has more padding and cushioning for comfort
• Dunk offers way more variety and colorways
• Stans better for minimalist, understated style
• Stans cheaper at retail and more accessible

Vs. Converse Chuck Taylor

• Dunk provides better quality leather and materials
• More tech in Dunk sole for grip and cushioning
• Chucks excel at really pared-back, vintage vibe
• Chucks remain lower cost option

Dunk Low carved its own lane by blending sport heritage, premium details, and streetwise appeal. It holds its own against other legends.

User Experience

Dunk Low delivers an experience unmatched by most sneakers:

Unboxing - That new leather and suede smell right out of the box never gets old. Branding on the tongue tag and insoles feel special.

Breaking In - After just a few wears, the upper molds flawlessly to your feet and starts developing character.

All-Day Wear - From walking city streets to waiting in lines, Dunk Low keeps feet happy hour after hour.

Styling - The colorways and versatile design make the Dunk work with endless casual fit options and outfits styles.

Collecting - Amassing different Dunk Lows becomes addictive. The diversity of collaborations and color schemes makes it a hobby.

Twenty years on from my first pair as a kid, my love of the Dunk Low user experience has only grown. That timelessness is what cements its greatness.

Conclusion

Nike Dunk Low is quite possibly thebrand's most perfect sneaker. By tweaking its iconic high-top hoops shoe into a more wearable low-cut, Nike created an instant classic.

Its masterful balance of sport heritage and premium style spawned a phenomenon that was bigger than just basketball. Dunk Low carved its lane as a cultural streetstyle icon through grassroots adoption.

Even through the ebbs and flows of trends, Dunk Low has remained desirable. With an endless array of color and collab possibilities, its versatility and appeal is unmatched.

For sneaker lovers, owning your first pair of Dunk Lows is a rite of passage. Breaking them in and making them your own grants membership to an exclusive club. One that now spans generations.

In another decade, new enthusiasts will still be discovering Dunk Low and adding it to their rotation. Some silhouettes come and go - but the Dunk Low is undoubtedly here to stay.

Ultimate Dunk Low Styling Guide

Nike Dunk Low's versatile design makes it endlessly easy to style. Here's how to unlock the silhouette's styling potential for any occasion:

Streetwear Style

The Dunk is right at home with streetwear staples:

• Hoodies in neutral tones allow Dunk to pop as a statement piece
• Relaxed fit pants like tapered joggers or cargos complement the chunky Dunk silhouette
• Trucker jackets, overshirts or flannels layered on top balance out the proportions
• Let leather or graphic Dunks shine against pared-back hoodies and tees
• Maximize color coordination with similar hues on caps, socks or shirts

Business Casual Style

Dunks work in the office with tailored pieces:

• Button-down oxfords lend polished flair, keeping sneakers professional
• Tailored shorts or chinos in tan, grey or olive tones pair well with neutral leathers
• Blazers or knit cardigans layered over shirts pulls looks together
• Muted collaborations (like Grateful Dead) nod to personal style discreetly
• Contrast rubber soles against sleek chinos for an unexpected touch

Date Night Style

Dress up your Dunks for a night out:

• Dark denim is a fail-safe pairing for Dunk Lows in most colors
• Oxfords or casual shirts in white, black or pastels create balance
• Sophisticated wool coats complement leather Dunks when temperatures drop
• Patent leather or metallic Dunks amplify any outfit's lux factor
• Ladies can style Dunk Lows with mid-length skirts or dresses

Game Day Style

Rep your team with coordinating Dunks:

• Match your Dunk Low colorway to team jersey colors
• College PE colorways (like Kentucky or Syracuse) support your school
• Custom Dunks using team logos and motifs make a bold statement
• Vintage snapbacks and team jackets complete the fan look
• Keep branding consistent rocking team socks and lace tags

Essential Tips

• When starting out, opt for simple tees, jeans and jackets to let the Dunks shine
• Monochromatic fits (like all black or white) create an elegant aesthetic
• Don't be afraid to dress up Dunk Lows with tailored pieces - they can look refined and luxe
• Have fun with accessories and colors to complement statement Dunk releases

Dunk Low is your ideal blank canvas for creativity and self-expression. Use these tips to unlock limitless styling potential. From the streets to the office, your Dunks will quickly become your go-to sneaker.

Alternatives:

• Nike Blazer Low
• Asics Gel-Lyte III
• Vans Sk8-Hi