Nike Dunks Sizing & Fit Guide

There’s no disputing that the Nike Dunk is one of the hottest sneakers on the market, with a global cult following. Originally created as a basketball shoe in 1985, the skate community would later go on to adopt the shoe in the early aughts after the introduction of more innovative b-ball models (read: see Jordans).

The skate-specific SB Dunk created by Nike’s skateboarding division was officially born in 2002. Over the years, both the classic Dunk and SB Dunk have been released in tons of colorways and boast an impressive number of hype-worthy collaborations. Offered in low, high and mid iterations, the effortlessly cool shoe is a renowned streetwear staple today that is sought after by men and women alike.

Looking to cop a pair, but unsure of how they fit and what size to get? The answers to all your questions ahead.

Do Nike Dunks run big or small?

With a bit of research that included scanning some helpful Reddit threads, the overall consensus is that Dunks run true to size (or TTS). This applies to all low, mid and high-top versions of the silhouette, including women’s exclusive and kids’ sizing.

That said, keep in mind that some have stated that classic Dunks can run slightly large but not enough to buy a half-size up. Depending on whether you have narrow or wider feet, you may consider wearing a thicker sock with regular Dunks.

On the other hand, the extra padding used for SB Dunks can make the shoe feel bulkier and on the snugger side. You may want to wear a thinner sock with SB Dunks or go a half size up if your feet are wider.

Are Dunks true to size?

Yes, they are. Generally, Nike Dunks as well as Swoosh’s SB Dunks are said to run true to size. This is the same for all variations of the shoe for men’s, women’s and kid’s sizing. Depending on how you like your shoe to fit (roomy or snug) and whether you pick up a lifestyle version or an SB version, you may select a size up or down.

How do Dunks fit?

While the classic Dunk silhouette is said to boast a roomier fit, SB Dunks can be somewhat on the snugger side due to the increased padding designed for skateboarding. When purchasing SB Dunks, some may want to go half a size up.

Reddit users have expressed that the toe box can be a bit tight in the SB Dunks. In 2023, one commenter said they felt the toe area had gotten narrower in recent years, leading them to order a half size up.

Nike Dunk Low vs. Nike SB Dunk Low

While the silhouettes appear nearly identical, there are some key differences between the original Dunk Low and the later SB Dunk Low. Essentially, the Nike SB has some performance updates that make it a more ideal option for hitting the skate park.

The tongue is the most obvious difference, with the SB tongue being noticeably puffier and almost pillowlike. The SB’s tongue also features elastic straps that hold it down to allow the wearer to easily slip the shoe on and off without needing to fuss with the laces. Speaking of laces, SB laces are round and puffy, making them more durable and less likely to fray than the flat laces you’ll find on lifestyle Dunks.

What’s more, while the regular Dunk Low features a standard foam midsole, the SB includes cushy Poron foam at the forefoot and a Zoom Air Pod at the heel. The thicker insoles of SB Dunks are also crafted in a terry material towel material to reduce a sweaty foot environment. Finally, the outsoles of the SB-specific rendition are made to be more flexible, as well as grippier, for skating.

Nike Dunk History

The Swoosh debuted the Nike Dunk a performance basketball shoe for college athletes in the mid-’80s. While the shoe was originally supposed to be called the College Color High, upon realizing its scheduled release date corresponded with the 40th anniversary of the first-ever slam dunk, Nike decided to call the shoe the Dunk.

The Dunk debuted with the “Be True to Your School” campaign, which encouraged college players to coordinate the team colors of their uniforms with their basketball shoes. Twelve high-top colorways that matched some of the country’s top schools, including the University of Michigan and Georgetown, were unveiled. The original Dunk was designed by Peter Moore, the designer of Nike’s Air Jordan 1.

The color-blocked shoe featuring defined paneling would have its time on the court before eventually becoming obsolete due to higher-performing models. But skaters soon realized the rugged shoe was perfect for their needs on the pavement. Sandy Bodecker was at the helm of the Nike Dunk SB project.

In 2001, Stüssy was the Dunk’s first collaborator, creating two high-tops and a low-top version. Supreme would link with Nike to outfit the Dunk’s upper in the Jordan 3’s iconic elephant print a year later. Another legendary collaboration of the early aughts saw skateboard brand Diamond Supply Co. design the Dunk in a colorway inspired by Tiffany & Co.’s signature robin egg blue color scheme.

While the excitement surrounding the shoe cooled off in the 2010s, it had a remarkable resurgence around 2018. Retro archival Dunks were seen on the feet of popular culture tastemakers, including Virgil Abloh and Travis Scott, who would both go on to create their own innovative Dunks with their respective brands. Today, some of the most popular Dunk collaborations range from Ben & Jerry’s ‘Chunky Dunky’ to the Grateful Dead’s ‘Bear’ series.

The classic black and white ‘Panda’ Dunk and the ‘Paris’ Dunk featuring artwork by French painter Bernard Buffet are also considered some of the most recognizable and beloved iterations around.

How much do Nike Dunks cost?

Today, different variations and colorways of the average Dunk retail from $115 to $130 on Nike’s website. However, more exclusive iterations can cost hundreds, and even thousands, of dollars on the resale market.