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People often ask me (and Google) about comparative sizing, wondering if they can buy the same size in different models. In this instance, we’re going to examine Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1 sizing.
Do Nike Dunks Fit The Same As Air Force 1?
The Air Force 1 and Nike Dunk definitely have different fits. Either will fit true to size, but Nike Dunks have more of a regular fit while Air Force 1s have a larger fit.
If you are used to wearing other types of Nikes, Air Force 1 sizing may throw you off a bit. You can always default to your true size when initially trying a pair out. However if you are like others, you may find the AF1 to have a much larger-feeling fit.
Nike Dunks tend to have a standard fit, pretty much true to size. For some foot shapes this may feel slightly big, and for others a bit on the narrow side. Regardless, the differences aren’t so extreme that true to size won’t work in most cases.
This is in contrast to the Air Force 1, which compared to a Dunk has a roomier fit. This might even feel loose for some at true to size. My preference is to go a half size down on Air Force 1s vs Nike Dunks.
You can look up Nike’s official size chart here.
Should I Size Up Or Down In Nike Dunks?
Nike Dunks fit true to size. Older Dunks can be a bit more roomy, depending on the materials used and what year they released.
Older dunks like these definitely fit on the
roomier side of true to size.
Buy Dunks: eBay
The Nike Dunk has a somewhat roomy fit, but not enough to change size in most cases. The toebox design is on the wider side. There are some dunks that release that have stiffer materials than others which plays a part in how long the sneaker will take to break in.
With older dunks, the materials tend to be a bit more pliable. Dunks from the late 90s through the mid-late 2000s have an even more accommodating fit than modern pairs. This means that when confronted with a lack of a true-to-size option, older dunks can work at a half size down and still be wearable.
Keep in mind we are discussing regular dunks here and not SB Dunks. SB Dunks follow a similar trajectory; earlier pairs fit a bit more loosely with better materials. However, modern pairs can be very snug. I often have to size up on modern SB Dunks, but never on regular dunks.
I do find the cheaper materials on some of the newer general release Dunks to inspire a roomy feel, but in a different way to older dunks. Instead of soft, pliable materials providing a looser feeling fit, its the very thin leather composition that gives the extra room. The end result is that newer dunks tend to feel and look less quality on feet, and hug the foot less. Additionally, the creasing looks a bit different as the low quality leather breaks in.
With all that said, when it comes to Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1, I definitely give the edge to AF1s on roominess.
Do Dunk Highs Fit The Same As Lows?
The Nike Dunk fits true to size whether the cut is high or low. Dunk lows don’t have ankle support like a pair of highs, however they have about the same width and length.
I would get true to size whether these
were a high or a low
Again, this applies only to regular dunks. I’ve often found SB Dunk lows to have more padding than highs, which results in highs feeling slightly roomier in some cases. For regular dunks though, the fit surrounding the feet is about the same, even though highs obviously feel taller with more ankle support.
Dunk lows trade this ankle support for the ease of use of sliding on a pair of lowtops. At the end of the day, there is less to lace up on a pair of lows. I often just lace up a pair of Dunk lows and then slide my foot in and out of the shoe to take them on and off. I’m lazy though! With highs, I often have to lace and unlace the top eyelets every time I wear or take off the sneaker.
I think the same could be said when pitting the Nike Dunk vs Air Force 1, as AF1 highs maintain a similar fit to the lows. This is pretty common throughout the Nike catalog; the actual fit of a sneaker doesn’t change much from low to high.
Do Nike Dunks Make You Taller?
Nike Dunks have a lower profile than some other Nikes. The midsole is also a fairly standard height, and so Dunks will give you a slight height boost, but nothing out of the ordinary vs any other casual sneaker.
The AF1 will definitely make you
taller than a pair of Dunks will
All shoes with a midsole of any kind will give you a slight height boost. When it comes to a Nike Dunk vs another sneaker, the height of the midsole is nothing to get excited about. This is unlike the Air Force 1, which has a notably tall midsole. Even a pair of Air Max will give you a bit more height than some dunks.
Even as the Nike Dunk has evolved, the amount of height you get by putting a pair on seems to be about the same or slightly taller than an Air Jordan 1. A main difference there is the Dunk does not contain an encapsulated Air unit to help get the midsole weight down like a pair of AJ1s.
A pair of Dunk lows or highs will give you roughly 3cm of height in the heel and 2cm by the toe. This is in contrast to the Air Force 1, which is more like 4cm in back and 3cm up front. So if you are looking for a height boost from a sneaker, the AF1 will get you an extra centimeter overall vs the Dunk.
One benefit to the lower profile is that Nike Dunks do not make your feet look big, while a pair of Air Force 1s might. I find a pair of Dunks to look proportionate when wearing skinny or baggy jeans. AF1s on the other hand might look a bit large with a narrower pant.
One thing is for sure, AF1s and Dunks feel and look different on feet at the same size. Both are also classics, and are streetwear standards for a reason. They are both going to look great in your wardrobe. Just keep in mind that Air Force 1 sizing and appearance is generally larger when compared to the Nike Dunk.
Need to translate your size from Mens -> Women’s, UK or JP sizes? Try my new shoe size calculator.