Make our Nike Dunk sizing guide your trusty reference as you attempt to pick up all the Dunks that will drop this year.

We’ve also included some quick styling tips for good measure.

The Nike Dunk first popped up on basketball courts in 1985 as a team sneaker for the top schools working with Nike. The shoe evolved and soon skateboarders started getting into Dunks as well.

To better cater to skaters’ needs, Nike introduced the Pro Dunk, now known as the SB Dunk. SB Dunks come with features that help hold the feet in place and absorb the impact that comes with executing crazy stunts on a board with four wheels, including a signature fat tongue, reinforced padding all around the sneaker and a Zoom unit in the heel of the insole.

Like all sneakers that go on to become popular, the Nike Dunk family of sneakers are now worn not just by its original intended user, but by all sneakerheads.

Sizing for the Dunk

The Nike Dunk is actually a little wider than the average Nike sneaker. The Dunk Low offers more room in the forefoot, making comfortable enough for daily wear. The very simple sneaker has a basic leather upper reminiscent of an Air Force 1 – not too thick, with just enough padding.

A snug fit: Go down half a size. If you fit a US 9 Air Force 1 comfortably, pick up a US 8.5 Dunk.
A roomier fit: Stay true-to-size. If you fit a US 9 Air Force 1 comfortably, stick to US 9 for the Dunk.

Sizing for the SB Dunk

Now the SB Dunk is trickier. To make the sneaker more suited to skating, Nike jam-packed padding into the tongue, forefoot and heel of the sneaker. This can cause true-to-size SB Dunks to feel a little snug. If you like a tight fit, you can stick to your usual size. But if you prefer some space or regularly rock thick socks, you might want to go up half a size.

A tight fit: Stay true-to-size. If you fit a US 9 Air Force 1 comfortably, stick to US 9 for the Dunk.
A roomier fit: Go up half a size up. If you fit a US 9 Air Force 1 comfortably, go for the US 9.5 for the Dunk.

Styling the Dunk and SB Dunk

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The Dunk is a wide sneaker. Its toe box is of a rounder shape when compared to the Air Jordan 1 or even the Air Force 1. Its thinner midsole doesn’t help either, really amplifying its width. So ideally, pair the Dunk with slim to baggy fit pants. Throw on an oversized tee or a loose hoodie and you’re good to go.

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If you’re all about that early 2000s aesthetic, you can rock the Dunks with skinny fit denim or pants. Instead of cuffing the pants up, let them fall naturally – this creates some weight or layers around the ankles, allowing the sneaker to appear more streamlined. To balance all that emphasis on the sneaker, go with a larger t-shirt or puffy jacket up top instead of a tight-fitted top.

Caring for your Dunks

Even though there are notable differences between the Nike Dunk and Nike SB Dunk, the way you clean them is the same. We recommend checking out this effective sneaker cleaning kit which offers the perfect ratio of cleaning solution to water for quick removal of dirt off your shoes.

Do you own a pair of Dunks or SB Dunks? Share your Dunk collection in the comment section.

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