Our verdict

The Dunk Low is a basketball-inspired silhouette from Nike that needs no introduction. It has long become a closet staple for many people, including ourselves. We just couldn't get enough of this sneaker's retro aesthetics! The shoe elevated our style no matter what outfit we paired it with. Even though it's not our first choice for long walks due to its firm sole, this Nike sneaker earned us bonus style points on casual outings, social events, and even in the office!

Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche Pros

  • Retro basketball aesthetics
  • Real leather (suede) upper
  • Excellent durability for the price
  • Low and grounded platform (loved by skaters)
  • Nike Air Max 97 Ultra 17 'Obsidian Blue'
  • Surprisingly flexible in the forefoot
  • True to size and fit
  • Extra eyelets

Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche Cons

  • Nike Zoom MMW 4 Baroque Brown
  • Firm and rigid sole
  • Not for all-day wear

Audience verdict

91
Great!
  • nike air force mint

Who should buy

We believe that the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day deserves a spot in your sneaker stack if:

  • you appreciate basketball-inspired retro sneakers with the '80s vibe
  • you can't resist the iconic Nike sneaker designed by Peter Moore
  • you want to complete a clean look with a real leather/suede sneaker

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day review

Who should NOT buy

Its rigidity and lack of cushioning make the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day a poor choice for all-day wear. If you want to feel comfortable and supported for hours on end, we recommend the ASICS EX89.

the matching Nike Mercurial soccer cleats Nike Air Max 1 Nike Air Presto Fly.

nike dunk low lab test 21438140 main

Cushioning

Heel stack

The Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day is a very grounded, low-profile sneaker. No wonder it became so popular for skateboarding!

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Heel stack

With a heel stack of only 23.1 mm, this kick is over 8 mm lower than average. It is also notably lower than the Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 (a kick it's often compared to).

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day vs Nike Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 heel stack

Test results
Dunk Low 23.1 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche | Forefoot stack

The Dunk Low also feels very close to the ground in the forefoot. Based on our caliper measurements, its forefoot stack is only 15.5 mm.

It made the balls of our feet quite sensitive to stepping on rocks and other sharp objects.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Forefoot stack
Test results
Dunk Low 15.5 mm
Average 19.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

The lower difference in stack height between the heel and the forefoot also contributes to the Dunk Low's grounded profile.

We measured the shoe's drop at 7.6 mm which is lower than the average for sneakers. Normally, the heel is a bit more elevated in casual sneakers which gives added support to the heels and the Achilles.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Drop
Test results
Dunk Low 7.6 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

If you want a sneaker that feels like walking on clouds or pillows, the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day is NOT for you. The platform of this sneaker is quite firm and unforgiving.

Pressing our durometer against the shoe's half-cut midsole, we got 32.0 HA. It's not much firmer than the average sneaker but is notably harder than the Nike Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 (by 35%!).

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Midsole softness

Because of the Dunk Low's firmness and lack of shock absorption, we cannot recommend it for all-day wear. After walking for about 5 hours in this Nike shoe, our feet were begging for a massage.

Test results
Dunk Low 32.0 HA
Average 29.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 75 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Insole thickness

The insole inside the Dunk Low doesn't help the shoe's cushioning as much. We measured its thickness at only 3.7 mm which is less than the average.

Overall, cushioning is not this Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day's forte.

nike dunk low insole thickness 21438123 main
Test results
Dunk Low 3.7 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day is true to size (330 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 110 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Purchase the Nike Air Max 2016 if

We found that the Dunk Low offers an ample amount of space in the toebox. And the gel mold of its interiors confirmed it.

Using a caliper, we measured the widest part of the replica at 94.0 mm. Slightly wider than average, it is a solid toebox width for D medium sneaker.

nike dunk low toebox width widest part 22620308 main
Test results
Dunk Low 94.0 mm
Average 92.3 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
85.4 mm
Purchase the Nike Air Max 2016 if
96.8 mm

Nike Dunk noire et blanche

This Nike sneaker doesn't taper much towards the front showing an above-average width of 70.5 mm near the big toe. Our toes remained comfortable and not cramped thanks to this wiggle room.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Nike Dunk noire et blanche
Test results
Dunk Low 70.5 mm
Average 68.8 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
63.9 mm
Nike Dunk noire et blanche
74.1 mm

Toebox height

A decent toebox height of 26.0 mm also helped to prevent any pressure or pinching on top of the toes.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Toebox height
Test results
Dunk Low 26.0 mm
Average 27.7 mm
Compared to 74 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
20.7 mm
Toebox height
35.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

But there is a bright side to the Dunk's sturdy midsole - it provides an amazingly stable platform!

In addition to being firm, the sneaker's stitched cupsole construction makes it feel more supportive too. In this setup, the upper is connected to the sole with 360-degree stitching. As a result, the foot ends up sitting inside the cupsole.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day logo

We think that even folks with flat feet and moderate overpronation will find enough stability in the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day.

Torsional rigidity

A combination of its firm midsole, cupsole design, and hard rubber makes it nearly impossible to twist the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day.

As our manual test shows, the torsional rigidity of this Nike sneaker deserves a high stiffness score of 4 out of 5.

You can rest assured that this kick won't let you roll the ankle so easily.

Test results
Dunk Low 4
Average 3.6
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
1
Torsional rigidity
5

NIKE AIR MAX 1 OA YT TOKYO MAZE BLACK WHITE-HABANERO RED 25.5cm

The Dunk Low has a moderately stiff heel counter.

We found that it has a little give to it but not enough to let the heel and ankles shift around or slip out of the shoe.

On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest heel counter possible, we rated the Dunk Low with an average score (3 out of 5).

If you prefer a more secure wrap around the ankle, why not consider the Nike Dunk High?

Test results
Dunk Low 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
1
NIKE AIR MAX 1 OA YT TOKYO MAZE BLACK WHITE-HABANERO RED 25.5cm
5

Midsole width - forefoot

Unlike many oversized kicks that are popular today, the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day keeps its platform reasonably wide.

Measuring the widest part of the Dunk Low's forefoot, our caliper showed 104.3 mm. It is a few millimeters narrower than the average sneaker. It is nearly identical to that of the Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 (104.0 mm).

nike dunk low midsole width in the forefoot 21438126 main
Test results
Dunk Low 104.3 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Nike Air More Uptempo Pre School Shoes

Checking the widest part of the Dunk Low's platform in the heel, our caliper returned 80.9 mm.

Even though it is a couple of millimeters narrower than average, it was not enough to make us feel wobbly or unstable in this sneaker.

nike dunk low midsole width in the heel 21438128 main
Test results
Dunk Low 80.9 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
67.7 mm
Nike Air More Uptempo Pre School Shoes
103.1 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

When we first got our hands on the Dunk Low, we honestly thought that it was going to be impliable.

But to our surprise, this Nike sneaker offered just enough give in the forefoot to let our feet bend comfortably.

Measuring how much force it would take to bend the Dunk Low to a 30-degree angle, our shoe fleixng tester showed 14.2N. That's just about the same as the average of sneakers. And it relaxes even more after a few break-in walks.

Actually, The Dunk Low is even more forgiving than the Nike Air Max 1 and the Nike Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07!

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Flexibility / Stiffness
Test results
Dunk Low 14.2N
Average 14.0N
Compared to 33 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
27.6N

Weight

Its sturdy leather upper and substantial cup sole make the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day a bit more heavy-set than the average sneaker.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Weight

Weighing it in a men's US size 9, we got 14.8 oz (420g) per shoe. It is lighter than the Nike Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 but a little heavier than the Nike Air Max 1.

Nike Air Max 1 13.4 oz 378g
Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day 14.8 oz 420g
Nike Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche 07 16.4 oz 465g

nike dunk low style 21438145 main

Test results
Dunk Low 14.82 oz (420g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

For an all-leather sneaker, we were surprised to feel the airflow inside the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day!

At first, we thought that the sneaker was ventilated through the toebox perforations. But as our smoke-pumping test revealed, most of the heat escaped through the gaps in the tongue area.

The perforations don't seem to help breathability as much. They are not very large and are lined with textile from the inside.

nike dunk low breathability microscope test 21438101 main

All things considered, we gave the Dunk Low a moderate breathability score of 3. It is not ideal for a hot summer day but is just right for moderate temperatures below 77°F (25°C).

Test results
Dunk Low 3
Average 3
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

The Dunk Low is one of Nike's classic silhouettes featuring premium leather or suede uppers (depending on the model). We are here to test the quality of the leather variant.

As usual, the brand didn't disappoint. Using a butane torch and a leather scratch awl, we made sure that the sneaker was indeed made of real leather.

We tested the primary upper panels, the Swoosh, and the top overlays - they all proved to be genuine. No melting.

Test results
Dunk Low Real leather

Toebox durability

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day GS Acid Wash.

It was one of the reasons why the silhouette became so popular with the skateboarding community in the late '90s. Hard-wearing leather (or suede) uppers with thick overlays on the sides stood up to the aggressive wear and tear of skateboarding.

We didn't get a chance to test this Nike sneaker's durability on a skateboard but we did have a Dremel with a sandpaper tip close by.

After 12 seconds of drilling the shoe's toebox at 5K RPM speed, we really liked what we saw.

nike dunk low toebox durability comparison 21438107 main
Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day vs. New Balance 990 v3

The tool left a minor scuff without affecting the sneaker's integrity. Comparing it to other kicks in our lab, we gave it a solid 4 out of 5 for toebox durability.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day flexibility

Our only gripe with this part of the Dunk Low is that it creases a bit more than other silhouettes. It is more of a cosmetic issue though.

Test results
Dunk Low 4
Average 3.7
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The shoe's inner lining is not so frail either. We wouldn't worry about it tearing so easily.

As our 4-second Dremel test shows, the mesh lining inside the heel counter can handle the abrasion better than the average sneaker.

nike dunk low heel padding durability comparison 21438109 main

On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the most durable, we rated the shoe's heel padding with 4.

Test results
Dunk Low 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Stemming from basketball shoes, it is no surprise that the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day comes with a very hard rubber outsole.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day durable outsole

Measuring it with an HC durometer, we got a reading of 90.3. It is harder than 92% of our lab-tested sneaker outsoles.

Even though hard rubber makes the shoe feel firmer underfoot, it's hard to beat when it comes to durability.

nike dunk low outsole hardness 21438115 main
Test results
Dunk Low 90.3 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
76.1 HC
Outsole hardness
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

Setting our Dremel speed high (10K RPM), we drilled the shoe's rubber relentlessly for 22 seconds.

Even though the Dunk Low hasn't outperformed other sneakers, it still showed great results! Measuring the depth of the damage with a tread gauge, we got 1.0 mm which is the same as the average among sneakers.

nike dunk low outsole durability test 21438110 main

Test results
Dunk Low 1.0 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 92 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Measuring the shoe's outsole thickness with a caliper, we got a standard 5.7 mm of rubber.

It will most likely take you the same amount of time and effort to wear through the Dunk Low's outsole as it takes in similar kicks (more than one season, for sure!).

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Outsole thickness
Test results
Dunk Low 5.7 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

As a basketball shoe successor, the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day inherited a very solid outsole grip. We didn't have any sliding hazards even on wet concrete.

nike dunk low outsole 21438141 main

It even comes with the good old pivot point as a nod to the shoe's hooping past.

Reflective elements

nike talaria boot summer.

nike dunk low reflective elements 21438122 main
Test results
Dunk Low No

Tongue padding

The tongue of the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day is very well-padded and is made puffier in the areas where it's most needed.

Using a caliper, we measured the thickest part of the tongue at 11.4 mm which is a bit thicker than average. Lace bites will never be a problem in this Nike kick.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Tongue padding
Test results
Dunk Low 11.4 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 93 sneakers
nike hyperdunk 08 solar red solar red solar red triple
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day doesn't have any gussets on the sides of the tongue. But it's okay given the kick's retro appeal.

The good news is that the tongue doesn't slide as much anyways.

nike dunk low tongue gusset type 21438133 main
Test results
Dunk Low None

Heel tab

There are no pull tabs on the Dunk Low.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day Heel tab

But we found it easy to slide in and out of the shoe thanks to its structured heel collar and easy-to-unlace setup.

Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day fit

Test results
Dunk Low None

Removable insole

You can further customize the Dunk Low by replacing the insole. We found the stock one to be so plain and basic that it wouldn't be such a bad idea.

nike dunk low removable insole 21438135 main
Test results
Dunk Low Yes

Extra eyelets

We don't see this often in lifestyle sneakers, but the Air Max 95 Have a Nike Day features three additional pairs of eyelets for various lacing options.

nike dunk low laces 21438143 main

So, if you have narrow feet or prefer to get an extra secure lockdown, you can play around with different lacing patterns thanks to these added collab.

Back to 1985

The Nike Dunk first came out as a high-top sneaker back in 1985.

It was brought to life by Peter Moore, an American designer famous for creating the Біле худі на флісі nike silhouette and the Jumpman logo.

nike dunk low profile 21438137 main

To design the basketball-inspired Nike Dunk High, Nike Air Max 94 OG Біле худі на флісі nike, Nike Training SuperRep Go 2 Sneakers bianche, and the Terminator - all highly popular hoop shoes at the time.

nike dunk low shoe pieces 21438138 main

The Dunk quickly caught fire on the market partially due to its upper paneling which allows for numerous color-blocking options. This made the sneaker very appealing to college basketball teams and fans as they had the option to choose the color schemes of their schools.

nike dunk low background 21444876 main