Air Jordan 1 Low SE ‘Varsity Red’ Source Nike.com
Nike Dunk Low ‘Grey Fog’ Source Nike.com
If you’re torn between the Nike Dunk Low and the Air Jordan 1 Low, you’re not alone. These two sneakers are among the most popular lifestyle shoes on the market, loved for their style, history, and versatility. But which one is actually better for you?
In this post, we’ll break it down by design, comfort, sizing, price, materials, hype/resale value, and overall value to help you choose the right pair.
Design & Aesthetic
Both sneakers have roots in basketball, but they bring different vibes to the table.
- Nike Dunk Low: The Dunk Low features a clean, skate-inspired design with more paneling and bold colorways. The toe box is slightly rounder, and the overall shape is chunkier. It’s seen everywhere from skateparks to streetwear fits.
- Jordan 1 Low: Sleeker and more athletic-looking, the Jordan 1 Low is more refined. It takes the iconic Jordan 1 high-top and chops it down while keeping a classic silhouette. The wings logo on the heel adds an OG touch.
Winner: Tie – It depends on your personal style. Dunks = streetwear/skater vibe. Jordan 1 Lows = cleaner and more classic.
Comfort & Fit
Both models are casual sneakers, but comfort varies slightly.
- Nike Dunk Low: Minimal cushioning. Feels flat underfoot, similar to many older Nike models. They get the job done for casual wear but aren’t made for long walks.
- Jordan 1 Low: Slightly more padding in the collar and tongue. Still flat, but more supportive overall. The leather is usually softer too.
Winner: Jordan 1 Low – More comfortable for all-day wear, especially around the heel.
Sizing
- Both sneakers fit true to size for most people.
- If you have wide feet, the Dunk might feel a bit snug.
- The Jordan 1 Low tends to be more forgiving in the forefoot.
Winner: Jordan 1 Low – Slightly better for more foot shapes.
Price & Availability
- Retail Price: Both usually drop around $110–$125 USD.
- Resale: Dunks used to be cheaper, but hype has driven prices up.
- Some collabs (like Panda Dunks) resell for $200+
- Jordan 1 Lows (especially OG colorways) can also climb in value
Winner: Tie – Similar pricing, but depends on the colorway.
Material Quality
This is where things can get inconsistent.
- Nike Dunk Low: GR (general release) Dunks often use stiff leather or synthetic materials. Collabs or SB versions are better, but most standard pairs feel budget.
- Jordan 1 Low: Typically uses softer leather, and the OG versions (with Nike Air branding) use even higher-quality materials.
Winner: Jordan 1 Low – More consistent quality for your money.
Hype & Resale Value
Both shoes are extremely popular, but Dunks have been more hyped in recent years.
- Dunks: Collabs with Travis Scott, Off-White, and others have made the Dunk a streetwear icon.
- Jordan 1 Lows: Still very respected, especially OG colorways like Bred or UNC.
Winner: Dunk Low – Slightly more hype, especially among teens and younger sneakerheads.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
If you’re after comfort, materials, and a classic look, the Jordan 1 Low is probably the better daily sneaker.
If you want a trendy, bold sneaker with more hype and street cred, the Nike Dunk Low is the move.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either — they’re both versatile, iconic, and worth having in your rotation. Both have amazing colorways and are easy to style with almost anything.
Comparison Chart
| Feature | Dunk Low | Jordan 1 Low |
|---|---|---|
| Style | Bold, skater | Clean, classic |
| Comfort | Flat, minimal | Slightly better |
| Fit | TTS, snug toe | TTS, better for wide feet |
| Materials | Often stiff | Usually softer |
| Hype | High | Moderate–High |
| Resale | High for collabs | Moderate–High |