Nike Dunk High

The Nike Dunk High is a basketball sneaker originally released in 1985 and designed by Peter Moore. Recognizable for its high-top silhouette, padded ankle collar, and bold two-tone color blocking, the Dunk High was created for collegiate basketball teams as part of Nike’s “Be True To Your School” campaign. While it shares some design cues with the Air Jordan 1, the Dunk High stands out with its distinctive color blocking. Its relevance traces back to the 1980s college basketball scene, where team-specific colorways made the Dunk High a symbol of school pride. Fans return because of its versatile style that transitions from sport to streetwear, amplified by collaborations with skate brands and artists that highlight its cultural adaptability. Collectors prioritize original vintage models and limited-edition releases featuring unique color combinations and materials, cementing the Dunk High’s role as a bridge between basketball heritage and modern sneaker culture.

Sign Up to get access to the latest drops, exclusive products and insider updates.
By entering your email, you agree to receive customized marketing messages from us and our advertising partners. You also acknowledge that this site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and that our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Featured

Latest Stories

Wu-Tang Nike Dunk High
Sneakers

A Complete Guide to This Weekend's Sneaker Releases

Wu-Tang Nike Dunks, 'Bred Velvet' Air Jordan 11, and more.

Victor Deng626 days ago
Wu-Tang x Nike Dunk High HJ4320-001
Sneakers

Here's How to Buy the Wu-Tang Clan x Nike Dunks

The legendary collab returns in November.

Victor Deng637 days ago
Nike Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Release Date
Sneakers

Nike x Doernbecher Freestyle XIX Collection Releases in December

Six patient designers unveil unique sneakers and apparel to benefit OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital.

Brandon Richard1001 days ago
Sneakers

New 'Doernbecher' Nike Dunk High Colorway Surfaces

Expected to drop as part of this year's Nike Freestyle collection.

Victor Deng1012 days ago
Nike Dunk 1-of-1 USC 1985 Sample Gifted by Sandy Bodecker Profile Box
Sneakers

1-of-1 Nike Dunks Gifted by Sandy Bodecker Up for Auction

Proceeds go to the NM Bodecker Foundation.

Brandon Richard1038 days ago
Advertisement
Air Jordan 4 IV Thunder DH6927-017 Pair
Sneakers

A Complete Guide to This Weekend’s Sneaker Releases

From the 'Thunder' Air Jordan 4 to the latest Aimé Leon Dore x New Balance 550, here is a complete guide to all of this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1172 days ago
Nike Dunk High Gold Mountain Release Date FD0776-100 Heel Detail
Sneakers

Nike Dunk High 'Gold Mountain' Celebrates San Francisco's Chinatown

The 'Gold Mountain' Nike Dunk High celebrates San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia, with Gold Rush details.

Brandon Richard1182 days ago
Sole Collector Release Date Roundup April 4 2023
Sneakers

Release Roundup: Sneakers You Need to Check Out This Weekend

From the Nike Air Foamposite One 'Penny PE' to the latest Gucci x Adidas collection, here is a complete guide to all of this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1207 days ago
Nike Air Foamposite One White Penny Hardaway PE Release Date DV0815-100 Pair
Sneakers

A Complete Guide to This Weekend’s Sneaker Releases

From the Nike Air Foamposite One 'Penny PE' to the latest Gucci x Adidas collection, here is a complete guide to all of this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1207 days ago
Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 'Baklava' (Pair)
Sneakers

A Complete Guide to This Weekend’s Sneaker Releases

From the Action Bronson x New Balance 990v6 to the 'Faded Spruce' Nike Dunk High, here is a complete guide to this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1228 days ago
Advertisement
Bodega Sneaker Collaborations
Sneakers

The Stories Behind Bodega’s Best Sneaker Collaborations

We spoke with Bodega product designer Drew White and marketing director Matthew Zaremba about the boutique's most recognizable sneaker collabs.

Mike DeStefano1323 days ago
Sole Collector Release Date Roundup November 29 2022
Sneakers

Release Roundup: Sneakers You Need to Check Out This Weekend

From the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Orange Lobster' to the CPFM x Nike Flea 1, here is a detailed look at all of this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1333 days ago
Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Orange Lobster' FD8776 800 Pair
Sneakers

A Complete Guide to This Weekend’s Sneaker Releases

From the Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low 'Orange Lobster' to the CPFM x Nike Flea 1, here is a detailed look at all of this week's best sneaker releases.

Mike DeStefano1333 days ago
Nike Dunk High Women's Court Purple Release Date DC5382 100 Pair
Sneakers

'Varsity Purple' Nike Dunk High Returns This Week

The women's exclusive 'Varsity Purple' Nike Dunk High is returning to retail for $120 in December 2022. Click for an official look and additional details.

Brandon Richard1333 days ago

Stay ahead on Exclusives

Download the Complex App