Nike Dunk High: A Basketball Icon That Became a Must-Have
The Nike Dunk High arrived on American college basketball courts in 1985 with a simple idea: to give each major university its colors on their feet. Forty years later, it's still here. Its high-top, padded collar, and bold color blocks make it recognizable at first glance. At The Last Step, we've been following this model since the opening of our first store in Toulouse in 2021: re-releases of historic colorways, collaborations, sizes that sell out quickly elsewhere. Each pair is authenticated before shipping, then sent from our stores or warehouse. The selection of Dunk Highs presented on this page changes with arrivals, so it's a good idea to check back regularly.
From College to Skatepark: The History of the Nike Dunk High
Peter Moore designed the Dunk for college basketball as part of the "Be True to Your School" program. Twelve teams, twelve color combinations, each modeled after their university's jersey: Michigan in blue and yellow, Syracuse in orange, Kentucky in sky blue. At the time, no one talked about collectibles. It was a game shoe, plain and simple.
It disappeared off the radar in the 90s. Then skaters adopted it for a very pragmatic reason: the leather is thick, the sole grips, and the pair can take a beating. Nike observed, understood, and launched Nike SB in 2002 with a Dunk re-engineered for skateboarding. The Supreme x Nike SB Dunk High in 2003 cemented the model's place in streetwear culture.
The real comeback was in 2020. Nike re-released the college colorways, queues returned, and the Dunk once again became one of the most sought-after silhouettes on the market.
The Visual Signature of the Nike Dunk High
What strikes you first is the collar. High, padded, it wraps around the ankle and gives it that massive look that separates the Dunk High from its low-top version. The rest lies in a deliberately simple construction: a leather upper cut into clean panels, a side Swoosh that extends slightly towards the heel, a thick tongue, and a rubber cupsole.
It's this panel design that explains the model's longevity. Each area can receive a different color, opening up a huge number of combinations without ever altering the silhouette. A black block on a white base, a university color-block, a monochrome total look: it's always the same shoe, yet it never really looks the same. Underfoot, the herringbone pattern of the sole hasn't changed since 1985.
Sizing, Fit, and Outfit Ideas
The Dunk High fits true to size in the vast majority of cases. Wide feet? Go up half a size: the forefoot remains quite narrow and the leather needs a few wears to loosen up. The same logic applies if you often wear thick high socks.
In terms of style, the high top requires attention to your pants hem. Baggy jeans that break just above the collar work very well, as do cargos tightened at the ankle. Those who are more comfortable can show off a high sock between their shorts and shoes, echoing one of the pair's colors. A loose hoodie or oversized t-shirt, a cap, and the outfit effortlessly comes together.
One detail that makes a big difference: the lacing. Laced all the way up, the Dunk High takes on a sporty and structured look. With two eyelets left free, it sags a little and the result becomes significantly more casual. Try both before deciding.
Why Buy Your Nike Dunk High from The Last Step
We opened in Toulouse in 2021, then in Biarritz and Montpellier. Three physical stores, a warehouse, and over 4,000 models across all our sneakers. Every pair that leaves here passes through the hands of our team: systematic authentication, without exception.
The rest is concrete. 24/48h delivery, free returns in France, Click and Collect if you prefer to try it on site before leaving with the pair. And customer service that truly responds, even when it comes to deciding between two sizes. To broaden your search, the Nike collection brings together all the brand's silhouettes currently in stock.
If the high top holds you back, check out all available Nike Dunk models, including the low version. And for pairs originally designed for skateboarding, with Zoom Air soles and reinforced tongues, head to Nike Dunk SB.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nike Dunk High
Does the Nike Dunk High run big or small?
It fits true to size. Wide feet benefit from going up half a size, as the toe box is rather narrow. If in doubt, our customer service will compare models with you.
What's the difference between a Dunk High and a Dunk Low?
The height of the upper and the padded collar around the ankle. The rest (leather panels, Swoosh, cupsole, herringbone sole) is common to both versions.
Are the Nike Dunk Highs sold on thelaststep.fr authentic?
Yes. Every pair is authenticated by our team before shipping, whether it comes from the warehouse or one of our three stores.
Can I try on a Dunk High in store before buying?
Yes, via Click and Collect in Toulouse, Biarritz, and Montpellier. You reserve online, try it on site, and leave with the pair if the fit is good.