Facts
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
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
Popularity
Ratings
My Rating
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.