Nike Dunks: A Classic Footwear Choice You Need in Your Wardrobe

In a world where there’s special focus on simplicity, versatility, and balance in all parts of life, including fashion, it’s understandable why classics in terms of shoes like Nike Dunks have become such a huge trend and staple even years after their first release. And no, they’re not only meant for the cool kids – look for inspiration online and you’d see everyone, people from all walks of life, wearing them proudly in all sorts of combinations.

Their story, what they represent, the cultural phenomenon they created for three decades, and the endless possibilities they provide fashion-wise are some of the reasons why they’re as relevant now as they were when they first appeared on the scene. 

What Are Dunks Designed For?

Although when designer Peter Moore first created them he had basketball in mind back in 1985, the golden age of the sport with legend Michael Jordan as the star, it didn’t take long for these iconic kicks to make it into other sports and cultures as well. As a combination of models like the Air Force 1, the Terminator, the Air Jordan 1, and the Legend, their signature features include comfort, durability, and stability all in one. 

The appeal to a broader audience and clientele would explain why there was the creation of Dunks varying in height, like the lows, mids, and the well-structured Nike Dunk high made from top-quality materials, which helped them quickly make it into the world of skateboard too. This led to the creation of the special SB Dunk line with signature wide laces, thicker tongue, and more support in the ankle and foot – crafted for extra comfort and safety. 

This revamping of the iconic model was the reason the line was still popular well into the 2000s too. The many colourways and collaborations that followed afterwards made the Nike SB and Dunk specifically so much sought after. There may be more advanced models when it comes to basketball shoes, but the hype behind these timeless shoes certainly makes them a solid choice of footwear to this day.

How to Wear Nike Dunks or Nike SB? 

Whichever model of Dunk or Nike SB Dunks you choose, rest assured you won’t make a mistake as these trendy shoes have plenty to offer in terms of style too, so it’s not just the comfort and support they’re known for. 

A Classic Denim Combination

Sneakers and jeans are a no-brainer combination that you can’t go wrong with, especially when the sneakers in question are Dunks. Straight-leg jeans, baggy jeans, loose-fitting jeans, or even skinny jeans make for great options for the clean silhouette of Dunks. Out of these specifically, the skinny ones are perfect for high-tops, whereas straight-leg ones are great with Dunk lows. 

And, you can count on casual tops like T-shirts, shirts, Nike SB hoodies, knitwear like sweaters, or even leather jackets and blazers for a neat ensemble that can get you from the mall to the café. In terms of colour, if the shoes you choose are more on the colourful side, staying neutral with the clothing is the key to balancing it all out. Or, you can also choose one of the colours from the sneakers and use it also for one of the clothing items. 

A Casual Outfit

Perhaps for you there’s nothing more comfortable than sweatpants, or you’re one of the military cargo pant fans who would love to use them with most clothing combinations. If this is the case, feel free to use your chosen Dunks with one of these casual and comfy bottoms. Khaki and black colours are perfect options here. This is true even if the chosen bottom is a cosy tracksuit one as it goes well with classic black and white Dunks. 

Blue, green, brown, or a more colourful choice like bold orange with the shoes would still do as you’re keeping it neutral with the bottoms. Feel free to style up with graphic tees, oversized hoodies, and accessories like baseball caps and bucket hats for a nice laid-back result. The Nike SB caps range can provide you with some neat options, and for an extra pop of colour besides that with the shoes, you can browse from the brand’s socks and bags collection. 

In the summer days, when the weather can be particularly hot in the Land Down Under, you can give the shorts a go. Again, the colour combinations are all up to you here, so whether you’re up for something more down-to-earth and monochromatic or neutral, or wouldn’t mind to go a bit bolder, you can’t make a mistake. 

In case you’re up for something more on the smart-casual side, however, there’s always the right pair of chinos in the right neutral colour. Women can have fun adding the Dunks in the mix with maxi dresses, cyclist shorts, leggings, styled with the right jewellery, sunnies, and bag.