It’s always hard to choose a favorite when it comes to classic sneakers. But if you’re looking for a new pair, you need to know your kicks! And today, we’re gonna do a little Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 comparison… for science. Or you know, if you’re looking for your next kicks, this discussion will help you make a decision! From the age to the design and more, here’s a breakdown of all the similarities and differences between both silhouettes. Now, let’s take a look at everything you need to know about the kicks.
Whichever one you choose, here are some guides that will come in handy:
Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 – Origins
Air Force 1 – 1982
First things first, we gotta talk about the original release dates of the sneakers. So, in the 80s, Nike was trying to infiltrate the basketball world. And before the Air Jordan craze that started in 1984, the Swoosh was struggling. However, in 1982, Nike took a bold step by using the Air technology for the first time in a basketball shoe. Hence, the birth of the Nike Air Force 1 High, with the low-top following in 1983. If you wanna know more stats about the silhouette, check out the full story of the Air Force 1 here.
Nike Dunk – 1985
Now, what’s interesting about the Dunks, is that they had almost the same beginning as the Air Force 1. They were high-top basketball sneakers that Nike dropped on the market in 1985. However, the goal of Dunks was to drop sneakers that college basketball players and their fans could wear. However, Dunks became at one point a more accessible option than the very popular Air Jordans! But well the Dunks blew up differently, and that, in turn, led to Nike Skateboarding becoming a thing.
Some Tech and Style Talk
Cushioning
As we already mentioned, the Nike Air Force 1 features Air cushioning in the soles. And that was totally groundbreaking at the time! In fact, Nike Air remains one of the most impressive sneaker technologies even today. As for the Nike Dunk, the Swoosh went with EVA foam instead of Air. It probably is cheaper, and definitely is more durable, so there’s that. Now, choosing between these two is a matter of personal preference that we’ll leave to you!
Design
We’re gonna keep it short here, but here’s what you should know. If you’re really new to the industry, you might have trouble spotting the difference between the Dunks and AF1s. However, as a veteran, you can definitely settle the Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 debate on the design level. And well, we’re gonna let you in on the differences now!
Hype and Silhouettes
When it comes to hype, the Nike Air Force 1 isn’t really a big baller. However, it’s one of the most popular silhouettes. It’s so popular that about 10 million pairs are sold per year! Now, moving on to the Nike Dunk, the silhouette went through many hype cycles throughout its life. Although it’s currently in its low phase, we’re still getting some hot collab here and there!
Settling the Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 Debate
This is a tough call to make, honestly. That’s why we’re not gonna side with either… sorry! But if you really wanna make a call, we recommend you decide your priorities first. If you’re looking for money, you’re more likely to find what you want with Nike Dunks. But if you’re looking for a pair of very simple kicks, the all-white Air Force 1 is the perfect lifestyle pair for you! And finally, why limit yourself to these two when you can get more? There are always the extensive Air Jordan and Air Max lines! If you wanna learn more about these kicks and more, our blog has your back. Godspeed!
