The Nike Dunk and the Air Jordan 1 Low are both 1985-born Nike basketball originals that outgrew the court — the Dunk built around clean, swappable colour-blocking, the Jordan 1 Low built around Michael Jordan's rebel-era heritage.

Updated August 2026.

PUSHAS, the global marketplace for authenticated hype sneakers, streetwear and collectibles. The global secondary sneaker market was valued at more than US$10 billion in 2025, according to DataM Intelligence and other industry trackers, and both of these silhouettes remain two of its most consistent movers.

Two silhouettes stand out in Nike's back catalogue for how far they've travelled from their original brief: the Nike Dunk and the Nike Air Jordan 1 Low. Both shoes were introduced for basketball and both defied that original designation to become fixtures of streetwear and popular culture.

This comparison walks through their history, design, cultural impact, notable colourways, and how each has performed in the secondary market.

The Origins of Two Icons: Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1

Nike unveiled the Dunk in 1985 as part of the "College Colors" program, an initiative built around producing shoes in official college basketball team hues to bolster school spirit across American campuses.

With its colour palettes and comfort, the Nike Dunk rapidly caught the attention of athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike, gaining popularity across diverse demographics.

That same year, the Nike Air Jordan 1 made its debut, marking the start of the partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan. The AJ1 shook up sneaker design and marketing with its black and red colour scheme, which famously fell foul of the NBA's uniform policy.

Design Showdown: Comparing the Aesthetics

Aesthetics play a big role in a sneaker's appeal, and both the Dunk and the AJ1 have made a lasting mark here. The Nike Dunk runs a minimalist, versatile design, with clean lines and colour combinations that catch the eye.

The Dunk's simple architecture presents a canvas that invites creativity, leading to countless interpretations over the years. Available in both low and high versions, the Dunk offers something for most sneaker collectors.

The Air Jordan 1 Low, by contrast, runs a more assertive design. Its silhouette, accented by the Nike Swoosh, carries bold confidence.

The AJ1's colour-blocking potential and use of premium materials have produced some of the most coveted colourways in sneaker history, reinforcing its iconic status.

Deep Dive into Iconic Colourways

The Dunk's history includes numerous eye-catching colourways. Widely recognised versions include those tied to university teams, such as the "University Red" and "Kentucky" colourways.

The Nike SB Dunk, a variant built for skaters, has hosted some genuinely out-of-the-box designs, including the "What The Dunk", which blends design elements from dozens of previous Dunk SB releases into a single pair.

The Air Jordan 1 has been a canvas for many iconic colourways, with the "Banned" or "Bred" colourway holding a special place in sneaker lore due to its NBA controversy. The "Royal" colourway, with its black-and-blue design, is another that has captivated fans worldwide.

Cultural Impact: From the Court to the Streets

Both the Nike Dunk and the Air Jordan 1 have etched their names into sneaker culture, each taking a different path.

The Dunk moved from the basketball court to skate parks and the street, becoming a symbol of streetwear and skate culture. Its adaptable design has made it a favourite canvas for collaborations, producing renditions shaped by the distinct visions of different designers, artists and cultural figures.

The Air Jordan 1 Low sits at the intersection of sport and fashion, and has helped set trends well beyond the basketball court.

The shoe's early reputation as a symbol of rebellion, thanks to Michael Jordan's fearless on-court attitude, has only grown over the years.

The AJ1 remains a fixture in the wardrobes of athletes, celebrities and sneaker collectors alike.

Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1 Low: Market Value

Both the Dunk and the Air Jordan 1 Low carry a strong secondary market presence, including on platforms like PUSHAS.

Limited-edition releases, coveted collaborations and rare colourways often command higher prices than general releases, keeping select pairs in ongoing demand well after their original drop.

Some colourways stay sought-after years on from release, which reflects how much cultural weight both of these models still carry.

Nike Dunk vs. Air Jordan 1 Low: The Personal Touch

Choosing between the Nike Dunk and the Air Jordan 1 Low comes down to personal preference and individual style. The Dunk's understated design, adaptability, and ties to skate culture suit those who value flexibility and street style.

The Air Jordan 1 Low, with its distinctive silhouette, heritage, and ties to basketball royalty, suits those who appreciate bold design and iconic status. It also shares its nameplate with other Air Jordan classics.

Conclusion

Long-time collectors and newcomers alike keep coming back to both models: the Nike Dunk and the Air Jordan 1 Low have each earned a lasting place in sneaker and sports history.

With their blend of style, comfort and cultural relevance, both remain shoes for almost any occasion in 2026.

Explore our collections of Nike Dunks and Air Jordan 1 Lows to find the design that speaks to you.

FAQ

Is the Nike Dunk or the Air Jordan 1 Low better?

It comes down to personal style. The Dunk suits collectors who want understated, adaptable design with skate-culture roots, while the Air Jordan 1 Low suits those drawn to a bolder silhouette and basketball heritage.

What year did the Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1 come out?

Both launched in 1985 — the Dunk as part of Nike's "College Colors" program, and the Air Jordan 1 as the first shoe in Michael Jordan's partnership with Nike.

What is the most famous Air Jordan 1 colourway?

The "Banned" or "Bred" colourway is one of the most famous, thanks to its black-and-red design falling foul of the NBA's uniform policy at the time.

What is the Nike SB Dunk "What The Dunk"?

It's a Nike SB Dunk that blends design elements from dozens of earlier Dunk SB releases into a single pair, making it one of the more collectible entries in Dunk history.

Where can I buy an authentic Nike Dunk or Air Jordan 1 Low?

Every pair sold through PUSHAS is authenticated by hand before it ships, so you can shop with confidence wherever you're buying from.