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 air max otto Pros

  • Retro basketball aesthetics
  • Real leather (suede) upper
  • Excellent durability for the price
  • Low and grounded platform (loved by skaters)
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  • Surprisingly flexible in the forefoot
  • True to size and fit
  • Extra eyelets

nike air max otto Cons

  • Needs breaking in
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Who should buy

We believe that the Nike Dunk Low deserves a spot in your sneaker stack if:

  • you appreciate basketball-inspired retro trainers with the '80s vibe
  • you can't resist the iconic Nike sneaker designed by Peter Moore
  • nike free run pink polka dots shoes

Nike Dunk Low review

Who should NOT buy

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

You might as well consider the dress shoes with nike air soles cut in half nike air force 1 high white sport red.

Nike Dunk Low lab test

Cushioning

nike air max otto | Heel stack

The nike lunar epic for sale a very grounded, low-profile sneaker. No wonder it became so popular for skateboarding!

nike dunk low heel stack 21438118 main

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 air max otto 07 (a kick it's often compared to).

Nike Dunk Low vs Nike nike air max otto 07 heel stack

Test results
Dunk Low 23.1 mm
Average 30.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

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

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

Nike Dunk Low Forefoot stack
Test results
Dunk Low 15.5 mm
Average 19.2 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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 trainers. Normally, the heel is a bit more elevated in casual trainers which gives added support to the heels and the Achilles.

nike dunk low drop 21438119 main
Test results
Dunk Low 7.6 mm
Average 11.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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 nike lunar epic for sale 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 air max otto 07 (by 35%!).

Nike Dunk Low 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 29.1 HA
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Compared to 76 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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 Nike Dunk Low's forte.

Nike Dunk Low Insole thickness
Test results
Dunk Low 3.7 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Size and fit

Size

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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 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

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

Using a calliper, 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 nike flyknit lunar 2 black white gold shoes girls
Test results
Dunk Low 94.0 mm
Average 92.3 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
85.4 mm
nike flyknit lunar 2 black white gold shoes girls
96.8 mm

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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.

nike dunk low toebox width big toe 22620307 main
Test results
Dunk Low 70.5 mm
Average 68.8 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
63.9 mm
nike sb style guide
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.

Nike Dunk Low Toebox height
Test results
Dunk Low 26.0 mm
Average 27.8 mm
Compared to 75 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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.

Nike Dunk Low logo

We think that even folks with flat feet and moderate overpronation will find enough stability in the Nike Dunk Low.

Torsional rigidity

A combination of its firm midsole, cupsole design, and hard rubber makes it nearly impossible to twist the Nike Dunk Low.

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 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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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 roshe runs leopard print shoes flats?

Test results
Dunk Low 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
1
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5

Midsole width - forefoot

Unlike many oversized kicks that are popular today, the Nike Dunk Low keeps its platform reasonably wide.

Measuring the widest part of the Dunk Low's forefoot, our calliper showed 104.3 mm. It is a few millimetres narrower than the average sneaker. It is nearly identical to that of the nike air max otto 07 (104.0 mm).

Nike Dunk Low Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Dunk Low 104.3 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

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

Even though it is a couple of millimetres 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
Test results
Dunk Low 80.9 mm
Average 83.6 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
67.7 mm
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103.1 mm

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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 trainers. And it relaxes even more after a few break-in walks.

Actually, The Dunk Low is even more forgiving than the dress shoes with nike air soles cut in half and the Nike nike air max otto 07!

Nike Dunk Low nike ombre dunk grey orange shoes 2017
Test results
Dunk Low 14.2N
Average 13.8N
Compared to 34 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
27.6N

Weight

As a basketball shoe successor, the Nike Dunk Low inherited a very solid outsole grip. We didn't have any sliding hazards even on wet concrete.

Nike Dunk Low outsole

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

Weight

Its sturdy leather upper and substantial cup sole make the Nike Dunk Low a bit more heavy-set than the average sneaker.

nike dunk low weight 21438136 main

Weighing it in a men's US size 9, we got 14.8 oz (420g) per shoe. It is lighter than the Nike nike air max otto 07 but a little heavier than the dress shoes with nike air soles cut in half.

dress shoes with nike air soles cut in half 13.4 oz 378g
Nike Dunk Low 14.8 oz 420g
Nike nike air max otto 07 16.4 oz 465g

Nike Dunk Low style

Test results
Dunk Low 14.82 oz (420g)
Average 13.76 oz (390g)
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
20.49 oz (581g)

Breathability

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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

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 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
1
Breathability
5

nike air max otto | 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

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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
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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.

Nike Dunk Low 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 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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

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 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

Stemming from basketball shoes, it is no surprise that the Nike Dunk Low comes with a very hard rubber outsole.

nike dunk low durable outsole 21438151 main

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
Test results
Dunk Low 90.3 HC
Average 85.7 HC
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Compared to 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
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 trainers, 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 trainers.

nike dunk low outsole durability test 21438110 main

Test results
Dunk Low 1.0 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 93 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Measuring the shoe's outsole thickness with a calliper, 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!).

Nike Dunk Low Outsole thickness
Test results
Dunk Low 5.7 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.6 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

As a basketball shoe successor, the Nike Dunk Low inherited a very solid outsole grip. We didn't have any sliding hazards even on wet concrete.

Nike Dunk Low outsole

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

Reflective elements

There are no reflective elements on the original Dunk Low model.

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

Tongue padding

The tongue of the nike lunar epic for sale very well-padded and is made puffier in the areas where it's most needed.

Using a calliper, 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.

Nike Dunk Low Tongue padding
Test results
Dunk Low 11.4 mm
Average 9.3 mm
Compared to 94 trainers
black and pink 3s jordans
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

Tongue: gusset type

The Nike Dunk Low 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
Test results
Dunk Low None

Heel tab

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nike dunk low heel tab 21438124 main

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

nike dunk low fit 21438146 main

Test results
Dunk Low None

Removable insole

You can further customise 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 trainers, but the Nike Dunk Low features three additional pairs of eyelets for various lacing options.

Nike Dunk Low laces

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 holes.

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 nike roshe run youth boys basketball camp silhouette and the Jumpman logo.

Nike Dunk Low profile

To design the basketball-inspired nike roshe runs leopard print shoes flats, nike world cup boots sale nike roshe run youth boys basketball camp, nike air max otto, 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 panelling which allows for numerous colour-blocking options. This made the sneaker very appealing to college basketball teams and fans as they had the option to choose the colour schemes of their schools.

Nike Dunk Low background