The Nike Dunk VS Jordan 1 is a timeless, endless debate that has been going on for 35+ years! For people who aren’t experienced in the industry, they might think it’s the same sneaker! Of course, they’re definitely NOT. But, we do understand the confusion.Â
And, considering all the rage that the Dunks have been getting lately – especially since 2020 – we gotta talk about them! So, given how popular both models are, it’s easy to get them mixed up sometimes. Therefore, it’s definitely worth diving into what makes them so alike, but different at the same time! Why should you buy an Air Jordan 1 as opposed to a Nike Dunk for example? Or vice versa!
So, let’s find out more and discuss the Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 debate. Putting the debate to rest once and for all, and making a decision. Which one is the better sneaker?
Guides: Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1
– Nike Dunks size guide
– How to style your Dunks
– Air Jordan size guide
– How to clean Jordans
– The BEST Nike sneaker bots
NIKE DUNKS VS JORDAN 1 DEBATE
WHO CAME FIRST?
The best way to start with the Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 debate is through a little history lesson. Who came first? The chicken or the egg? The Dunk or the J? Which one is it!
So, according to Nike, the Air Jordan 1 dropped just a few months before the Nike Dunk did. Thus making the Jordan timeline and the Dunk timeline pretty confusingly close. Also, to make things even worse, their design came from the same brilliant mind – the late Peter Moore. But, although the Nike Dunk shares a lot of similarities with the Jordan, it also shares similarities with other sneakers: the Terminator and the Nike Legend!
However, although they looked like fraternal twins, the Air Jordan 1s were a HUGE hit right off the bat. This is because this was all around the same time that Michael Jordan’s NBA superstardom was kicking off! The Air Jordan 1 dropped in 1985 in the OG Bred colorway. The Nike Dunk dropped later that year in the College Color High in several colors including: Syracuse, Georgetown, and Kentucky.
DUNKS VS JORDAN 1: THE COMPARISON
So, to put the final Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 debate to rest, we’re gonna present their similarities and differences. Put it all out in the open and remove all traces of confusion! You should note that both sneakers were influenced by the high-top trend of the 80s. Something that a lot of people still prefer to this day!Â
Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 SIMILARITIES:
– Both dropped back in 1985
– Peter Moore designed them both
– Nike built both of them for the basketball court
– They both have the same number of eyelets (9 eyelets)
– Both have a perforated toe box
– And, their mid panels share the same Swoosh
– Similar traction patterns on the outsoles
– They both feature the same Nike brandingÂ
Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 DIFFERENCES:
– The Jordan 1 features 6 panels on the uppers while the Dunk features 4
– The Dunks have bigger toe boxes
– Also, the Nike Dunks feature the OG tongue from the 80s with the tongue tab
– The Jordan 1 has the iconic Jumpman logo directly on the tongue
– The Air Jordan 1 has the Wings logo on the back while Dunks have Nike branding
– And, one of the biggest differences comes from the midsoles! The Dunks have foam midsoles while the Jordans have an Air-sole unit
– Finally, Dunks have ankle straps just before the top eyelet. Jordans have straps at the last eyelet!
THE VERDICT?
So, in the Nike Dunks VS Jordan 1 debate, who wins? In all honesty, any sneaker enthusiast will tell you that sneakers are integral to any collection. We’ve had more Air Jordan 1 colorways than we can count. But, that also applies to the Nike Dunks! Therefore, with so many amazing colorways out there, why not get both!
The final verdict is: get an epic sneaker bot and buy them both! And, make sure to keep it locked on our blog for all the latest updates on Nike, Jordans, Yeezys, and more! Keeping you in the loop of it all!