The Nike Dunk has cemented its place as one of the most iconic sneakers in history. Originally designed as a basketball shoe in 1985, it evolved into a streetwear staple — and today, certain colorways command serious attention from collectors and casual wearers alike. Here are the 10 best Nike Dunk colorways of all time.
1. Nike Dunk Low “Panda” (2021)
The black-and-white “Panda” Dunk Low is arguably the most popular Dunk of the modern era. Clean, versatile, and endlessly wearable — it goes with virtually any outfit. Browse our Nike Dunk collection for available sizes.
2. Nike SB Dunk Low “Paris” (2002)
One of only 202 pairs ever made, the “Paris” SB Dunk is the holy grail of Dunk collecting. Bernard Buffet artwork on the insole, hand-painted mudguard — a wearable piece of art. Resale values consistently exceed $30,000.
3. Nike Dunk Low “University Blue” (2021)
Dropping during peak Dunk hysteria, the University Blue colorway channels classic UNC energy. The clean white leather base with powder-blue overlays made this one of the cleanest Dunks in years. Pairs beautifully with neutral fits.
4. Nike SB Dunk Low “Chunky Dunky” x Ben & Jerry’s (2020)
One of the most creative collaborations in sneaker history. Cow-print swoosh, tie-dye sock liner, and pint-inspired colorblocking make the Chunky Dunky instantly recognizable. It’s the intersection of food culture and sneaker culture — and it works perfectly.
5. Nike Dunk High “Syracuse” (2020 Retro)
The original 1985 “Be True to Your School” pack gave us the Syracuse orange-and-white Dunk High. Its 2020 retro proved its staying power. Bold orange overlays over white leather — effortlessly timeless. Check our full Nike Dunk selection.
6. Nike SB Dunk Low “Staple NYC Pigeon” (2005)
When Jeff Staple designed the Pigeon Dunk for his NYC store, he triggered a near-riot on Lafayette Street. Only 150 pairs dropped. This collab put limited-edition sneaker culture on the map forever.
7. Nike Dunk Low “Kentucky” (1985 / 2020 Retro)
Royal blue and white — the original college colorway that started it all. The Kentucky Dunk Low retro proved that some designs never age. Pair with our Air Jordan 1 collection for more classic Nike Heritage.
8. Nike SB Dunk Low “What The Dunk” (2007)
A mashup of 31 different SB Dunk colorways on a single shoe, the What The Dunk is a love letter to SB Dunk history. Only 504 pairs were made. Every panel references a classic release — the result is chaotic, bold, and brilliant.
9. Nike Dunk Low “Photon Dust” (Women’s, 2021)
The women’s exclusive “Photon Dust” Dunk brought a muted lavender-grey palette that quickly crossed over to unisex appeal. Soft, tonal, and elevated — it’s the Dunk for minimalists. Shop our full sneaker collection for more premium colorways.
10. Nike Dunk Low x Off-White “50 of 50” (2021)
Virgil Abloh’s final major Nike collaboration featured 50 unique Dunk Lows, each a different colorway. These are museum pieces as much as they are sneakers. Also explore our Adidas Yeezy collection for more premium drops.
How to Choose the Right Nike Dunk Colorway
- For everyday wear: Panda, University Blue, or Kentucky — clean and versatile
- For collectors: Paris, Chunky Dunky, or Pigeon — historic and rare
- For fashion fits: Off-White collabs or Photon Dust — editorial appeal
- Budget-friendly: Most standard Dunk retros retail at $110–$130
Nike Dunk Size Guide
Nike Dunks generally run true to size. If you have wide feet, consider going up half a size. The leather upper softens over time. For more sizing advice, check our sneaker size guide.
| US Men’s | US Women’s | EU | UK |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8.5 | 40 | 6 |
| 8 | 9.5 | 41 | 7 |
| 9 | 10.5 | 42.5 | 8 |
| 10 | 11.5 | 44 | 9 |
| 11 | 12.5 | 45 | 10 |
FAQ
Are Nike Dunks true to size?
Yes, Nike Dunks generally fit true to size. Wide-foot wearers may want to go half a size up.
What is the most valuable Nike Dunk colorway?
The Nike SB Dunk Low “Paris” (2002) holds the record — one pair sold for over $50,000 at auction.
What’s the difference between Nike Dunk and SB Dunk?
The SB Dunk features extra padding, a zoom air unit, and a thicker tongue designed for skateboarding. Standard Dunks are lifestyle-focused and slimmer.
Are Nike Dunks still popular in 2024?
Absolutely. While peak hype has cooled slightly from 2021, Nike Dunks remain one of the best-selling silhouettes globally and new colorways continue to sell out.
Where can I buy authentic Nike Dunks?
Shoes886 carries authentic Nike Dunks with free worldwide shipping. Every pair is verified authentic. Browse our Nike Dunk collection now.
