Facts
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Top
Low Top
Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.
Mid Top
Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.
High Top
Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.
Good to know
Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.
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Inspired from
Sports
Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.
Casual
Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.
Good to know
Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.
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Collection
Good to know
Shoes sharing the same inspiration, history, materials, or technologies are routinely assembled under one compilation for the convenience of those who may wish to categorize or label their own collection as such. The classic collections like the Adidas Originals, Air Max 1, Air Force 1, new balance classic sneakers, and the Classic Leather head the pack of frequently asked about collections.
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Price$120
Summary
We spent 6.8 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
14 reasons to buy
- Majority of the buyers are impressed with how durable the Nike Dunk Ultra is considering the good quality leather material of the shoes’ upper and the solid rubber outsole.
- Several reviewers commented on how the retro sneakers are easy to clean.
- A large number of reactions focused on the shoes’ comfortable IU midsole and tough outsole making the shoe ideal for everyday wear.
- Quite a lot noted that the shoes’ outsole was very protective of the feet and doesn’t wear out easily on various types of surfaces.
- Some commented that the roomy toe box and slightly wider fit makes them very comfortable for the feet.
- A good number of users commented on how fashionable and versatile these old-school sneakers are for shorts or pants.
- Vibrant colorways of the shoes make them stand out and can make a very good fashion statement, according to some reviews.
- Despite its all-leather upper, many buyers were surprised to claim that the shoes are cooler and well-ventilated.
- A few older sneaker fans love the shoes because of its nostalgic vibe as these are the shoes coming from their generation in the 1980s.
- Numerous reviewers praised them for its all-weather factor that can withstand heavy rains in its trendy leather upper keeping the feet warm and comfy even if there’s a downpour.
- Some pointed out that the plush flannel detailing and soft inner lining makes the in-shoe feel very comfortable and well-cushioned.
- A group of reviewers online pointed out that the solid rubber outsole of this former basketball kicks is still promising in terms of traction and durability on the court.
- Some reviewers mentioned the umbrella detailing on the tongue gives it a character that it can weather the storm.
- A reviewer liked that this retro shoe still runs true to size with a great fitting that has never changed through the years.
3 reasons not to buy
- Some reactions focused on suggesting more colorways for the Nike Dunk Ultra for additional mix and match options with their outfits.
- A few noted that the shoes’ tongue and the lacing on the ankle usually get too tight and uncomfortable when walking.
- A couple of reviews thought the entire sneaker is bulky and needs a bit of smaller makeover.
Bottom line
A true blue shoe for all seasons, the Nike Dunk Ultra is armed with water-resistant rubberized leather upper that can withstand inclement weather. This popular sneaker has been one of the brand’s most reliable sellers simply because it has a versatile silhouette suited for everyday wear.
The former basketball trainer’s sole has terrific traction while its durable IU midsole is stitched tightly to the upper making these sneakers a tough sneaker that can withstand a daily beating. For its $120 regular price tag that often goes on sale for as low as $80 per pair, the Nike Dunk Ultra is a steal for many retro sneaker fans looking for value for their money.
Rankings
Nike Dunk Ultra History
The Nike Dunk came at a time when the multi-billion dollar shoe company was only a decade old and slowly making its name in the footwear industry. Released in 1985, the Nike Dunk came at a time when the company is still gaining an audience among basketball fans.
Nike designer Peter Moore was the man who sketched the first designs of this iconic shoe. Initially dubbed as the College Color High as a way to introduce team colors into footwear, the Nike Dunk was a result of combining elements of four other basketball shoes including the Nike Air Force One, the Nike Terminator, the Nike Legend and the Air Jordan I.
Known for their low profile and lightweight upper, the shoes were initially aimed to improve pivotal movements and blocking in the hard court. To further draw the basketball crowd, the company signed up 8 universities by sponsoring shoes for their teams. The earlier Dunks featured in colorways of the schools and often dubbed as the Be True to Your School series.
Eventually adopted by the skateboard community, the Nike Dunk was loved by skateboarders. For their superior traction and lightweight design, the shoes were often identified with a low midsole and a lateral support, cushioning, and traction that is ideal for pivoting and leaping in skateboards.
The dunk is also a favorite among retailers collaborating for new designs and colorways which made this shoe an enduring design for its adaptability to new colorways and materials. Now more than 30 years since it was first released, the company released the Nike Dunk Ultra in 2016 with its Umbrella logo at the tongue and high top silhouette to boost the iconic shoes’ identity as an all-weather type of sneaker.
Nike Dunk Ultra Style
Transcending decades and has evolved from a basketball shoe to a fashion statement, the Nike Dunk established 30 years ago is now a skater-slash-casual street sneaker coveted for its simple aesthetics overlays. The basketball shoe became popular for its street style influences from the older Nike Air Force 1 but with low cut and bold designs and color.
However, through the years the venerable shoe has taken its style off the court and into the streets. Coming from this long-running legacy of the Nike Dunk basketball sneaker, the Nike Dunk Ultra now comes in exciting and vibrant Black, Racer Blue, Red, and String/Sail colorways. Don’t forget the tartan lining on the tongue, the plaid inner lining, and the umbrella logo on the tongue that gives the shoe a versatile all-weather edge over other sneakers.
Fit & Sizing
The Nike Dunk Ultra has remained true to size through the years. The shoes have a tight fitting collar that is secured by a round shoe lacing system that starts from above the ankle all the way down into the toe box for a snug fit. The Nike Dunk Ultra is available in men’s sizes in medium –D width. Shoe size for this popular sneaker ranges from US size 6 to 14.
Notable Features
The retro silhouette and vibrant colors of this trainer turned lifestyle sneaker is its major draw. But beneath its stylish looks, most notable is the weather-resistant rubberized leather in a sleek silhouette that makes these sneakers prepared rain or shine for inclement weather. Further boosting its features is the stitched rubber outsole that gives it a durable character.
Additional Info
- The high top sneaker has a heel pull tab for easy on and off.
- Solid rubber was used on the outsole for additional traction while a perforated vamp enhances airflow all over the foot.
- Celebrities who have worn the Nike Dunk Ultra include NBA star Jeremy Lin, musicians Trinidad James, Chris Brown, DJ Steph Floss, rocker Joel Madden, and actor Jerry Ferrara.
