Do Nike Dunks run big or small

With new covetable colourways of the iconic Nike Dunk seemingly dropping every month, everyone’s asking about the Nike Dunk sizing. Does the Nike Dunk run true to size? What’s the Dunk sizing like? Understandable questions if you’re looking to cop your first pair of Nike Dunks or Nike SB Dunks online, because who really wants the faff of having them arrive to small then inevitably having to send them back? Nobody. So, lucky for you, the Nike Dunk has some fans in The Sole Supplier office and they’re going to let you in on all the sizing secrets.

Scroll for the Nike Dunk/Nike SB Dunk size guide you’ve been waiting for…

Nike Dunk Sizing – What’s the Verdict?

• FIT: The Nike Dunk and the Nike SB Dunk both fit true to size
• COMFORT: The Dunks aren’t the comfiest pair from Nike but they're still great for all-day wear
• CARE: Nike Dunks look their very best when they’re a bit beaten up
• SIZING: Dunks come in unisex sizing. The women’s fit true to size, so do the men’s

Nike Dunk – What Our Product Specialists Think

"If I’m being honest, a Dunk looks better beaten up."

Jack, Fashion Writer

How does the Nike Dunk fit?

They fit perfectly for me. I have a wider foot so most shoes fit a little snug, but I never differ from my usual UK10.

How do Dunks fit in comparison to Nike Air Force 1?

How do you style your Nike Dunks?

With the Dunk traditionally being a skate shoe, I go for a baggier trouser and oversized fit on the top half. The play on the sleek silhouette and larger clothing pieces complement each other perfectly.

How do you keep yours clean?

If I’m being honest, a Dunk looks better beaten up. I try not being too precious about them and just let them age naturally.

Are Nike Dunks comfortable?

They are comfortable but not for all day wear. If you’re just out and about for an hour or two it’s the perfect shoe, but for a long walk around a city this shoe doesn’t offer the support like its newer Nike counterparts.

What’s your favourite colourway?

The “SB Dunk Paisley”, easily.

I love the Nike SB Dunk "What The", the details throughout are crazy!

Emily, Digital Marketing & Acquisitions Exec

Do Nike Dunks fit true to size?

Yes! The Nike SB Dunk always fits true to size. Sometimes they feel slightly narrow, so perhaps if you have wide feet then going up 0.5 size would be more comfortable, but I've always gone true to size and never had any issues.

How do Nike SB Dunks fit in comparison to the Nike Air Force 1?

Nike SB Dunks fit 0.5 size down from the Nike Air Force 1. If you follow this size recommendation, I personally feel that they feel very similar (slightly less chunky) on foot than the Nike Air Force 1. The main difference is the chunky tongue which features on the Nike SB Dunk, which provides additional comfort along the top of the shoe.

How do you keep yours clean?

Nike SB Dunks don’t look too out of place if they are slightly dirty, as they’re traditionally used within the world of skating. However, if you do decide you want to keep them super clean, then a Jason Markk wipe after wearing them will do the trick.

Are SB Dunks comfortable?

Yes, they are very comfortable but personally don’t beat the comfort level of the Nike Air Force 1. This could be due to my feet being slightly wider, but I do still find them comfortable!

What’s your favourite colourway?

I love the Nike SB Dunk "What The", the details throughout are crazy! My favourite SB Dunk which I missed out on was the Nike x Strangelove SB Dunk – I didn’t manage to get my hands on them!

I tend to wear the SB Dunk with shorts or joggers, I find the profile is too wide for wearing with slim cut jeans.

Christian, Head of Content

How do Nike Dunks fit?

Dunks fit pretty much true to size for me. I’ll go for a UK 9 in most Nike trainers and this also applies to the Dunk.

How do they fit in comparison to Nike Air Force 1?

Very similar. The Air Force 1 is a tad roomier so you could arguably go half a size down, but I still go for a UK9 in both.

How do you style your Nike Dunks?

I tend to wear the SB Dunk with shorts or joggers, I find the profile is too wide for wearing with slim cut jeans. With it being a skate shoe, I think they look best with some loose denim shorts and a baggy tee.

How do you keep yours clean?

I don’t. This is one of those sneakers that needs to show its wear.

Are Nike Dunks comfortable?

Like most retro sneakers, I find that the Dunk is not overly comfortable but it more than suffices as an everyday shoe. I like the low-profile cushioning; it feels better to me than an oversized midsole.

What’s your favourite colourway?

I couldn’t help but cop the recent “Island Green” colourway. Suede uppers, a gum outsole – what’s not to love?!

The Nike Dunk: What You Need to Know

Initially released in 1985, the now-iconic Nike Dunk was originally designed for the basketball court but was quickly adopted by skateboarders who applauded it for its grip, durability and niche design. By 2002, the Dunk silhouette was re-designed specifically for skateboarding and so the Nike SB Dunk was born. Fitted with a larger, padded tongue that protected skaters’ bones, a Nike Zoom airbag was built into the sockliner for extra padding and protection.

Now a favourite in the collections of sneakerheads, A-listers and professional skaters alike, the Nike Dunk has secured a place in the sneaker hall of fame thanks to its urban design and exclusive technology.

Check out our other size guides for all your favourite Nike releases below: