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Nike Dunks vs. Jordan 1: What You Need to Know

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Nike Dunks vs. Jordan 1: What You Need to Know

Jan 17, 2025

Air Jordan 1s always make the list of most-favorite sneakers among sneakerheads, but Nike Dunks have been sharing the spotlight with the silhouettes, too, thanks to Nike’s emphasis on new and classic Dunk High and Low colorways over the past few years. 

But why are the two sneaker models so similar in style? And what’s the difference between Dunks and Jordan 1s? To understand Dunks vs. Jordans, you need to know about Nike basketball shoes and Peter Moore. 

History of the Air Jordan 1 and Dunks - Air Jordan 1 Retro "Yellow Ochre"

Nike Dunk vs. Jordan: The Origin Story

When Nike tapped designer Peter Moore to create a basketball shoe for Chicago Bulls phenom Michael Jordan, Moore didn’t hesitate to create a sneaker that embodied Jordan’s powerful persona. From their 1985 release, the Air Jordan 1s were much-hyped, riding the wave of MJ’s NBA superstardom and giving way to generations of Air Jordan models and colorways.


’85 was a busy year for Moore, who was also tasked with designing the men’s shoe Nike would use to break into the college sports market. The same energy Moore brought to the table when creating the Jordan 1, he brought to the drawing boards for the Swoosh brand’s college sports market shoe. Originally named the College Color High, the Nike Dunk was made for the basketball court. Were the Dunks inspired by the Jordan 1s? Absolutely. While the Jordans came first, the Nike Dunk launched in several collegiate colorways, including Syracuse, Georgetown and Kentucky, as part of a “Be True to Your School” marketing campaign.

Nike Dunk vs. Jordan 1 Side by Side

Here are a few of the similarities and differences between Nike Dunks Low vs. Jordan Lows — and their high and mid cut counterparts: 


 

Both sneakers include:

  • A perforated toebox gives breathability to the Dunks and Jordans. 
  • Mid panels on both shoes include the Swoosh.
  • Each sneaker has a similar traction pattern.
  • Both shoes incorporate leather or synthetic materials, depending on the cut and model.
  • Both the Nike Dunk High vs. Jordan 1 High include nine eyelets.
  • Each features similar Nike branding.

Both Nike Dunks and Jordan 1s run true to size.

The Difference Between Jordan 1 and Dunks

The Difference Between Jordan 1 and Dunks

  • Air Jordan 1s have a more dense inner padding.
  • Jordan 1s have an Air-Sole unit for cushioned comfort.
  • Dunks feature a firm rubber foundation.
  • Dunks have a roomier toe area, while the Jordan 1s taper in slightly.
  • The Swooshes on the Jordan 1s run around the heel bisected by a collar overlay, whereas the Swooshes from the Dunk meet in the middle with a small heel tab.
  • Jordan 1s include the Wings logo.
  • Jordan 1 ankle straps get stitched to the upper for a more structured feel.
  • Dunks feature ankle straps just before the top eyelet, while the Jordan straps hit at that last eyelet.
  • Jordan 1s are wider at the arch.
  • Since Dunks lack the Air of the Jordan 1 and some of the more dense padding, the Jordan wins in terms of comfort.

Which One Should You Cop?

Not sure which to choose in the battle of Nike Dunks vs. Jordan 1s? We’re in the business of helping sneakerheads and sneakeristas build their dream collections of kicks. Is there a right or wrong answer to which 1985 Nike basketball shoe you should buy? Personally, we think you should get both. After all, both Dunks and Jordan fall under the Nike umbrella, a brand that remains committed to quality, innovation and style. 


And at Hibbett, we’re stocked with pairs of both styles, and we continue to add more to our assortment.

Stay up to date with all the latest releases from the Air Jordan 1 line and Nike’s Dunk collection by following our official Launch Calendar and browse our current inventory of sneakers!

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