Nike Dunk Low vs New Balance 550
Get the Dunk Low. Unless you walk on wet streets a lot — then the 550 grips better.
Nike Dunk Low
The retro basketball shoe that goes with everything. Tough, stable and roomy at the toes, but firm and stiff at first.
New Balance 550
The clean 90s basketball look, well built and grippy. Firm, stiff, heavy and warm.
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Both scored 85/100 in RunRepeat's lab and both are firm retro basketball shoes. The Dunk Low is lighter, roomier at the toes and breathes better; the 550 grips better and has a little more cushioning, but it's heavier and warmer.
- —You want the lighter, roomier shoe.
- —You wear them in warmer weather.
- —You like Nike's retro colourways.
- —You walk on wet pavements a lot.
- —You want a leather sneaker that wipes clean.
- —You like a higher heel.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Tough leather that lasts
- +Roomy at the toes
- +Lower and lighter than an Air Force 1
- −Stiff and firm for the first weeks.
- −Breathes only moderately — warm on hot days.
- −Runs true to size.
- +Clean, retro leather look
- +Grips on wet and dry streets
- +Durable and easy to clean
- −Stiff and firm underfoot, with a dull, flat ride.
- −452 g per shoe — heavier than most.
- −Runs warm; the leather barely breathes.
- −Runs true to size.
- Is the Dunk Low worth it?
- Is the NB 550 worth it?
- Air Force 1 vs Club C 85
- Gel-1130 vs NB 9060
- Samba OG vs Club C 85
- Samba OG vs Air Force 1
- Best sneakers
How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RunRepeat: ASICS Gel-1130, RunRepeat: adidas Samba OG, RunRepeat: adidas Gazelle, RunRepeat: New Balance 530, RunRepeat: New Balance 9060, RunRepeat: Nike Air Force 1 '07, RunRepeat: Reebok Club C 85, RunRepeat: Nike Dunk Low, RunRepeat: New Balance 550, manufacturer specifications.