How much do Nike Dunks boost height?

2.3 cm (≈0.9 inches) – The Dunk’s chunky sole gives only a modest height lift, keeping you relatively grounded.

Why People Ask This Question

The Nike Dunk started as an 1985 basketball shoe but soon became a streetwear icon. StockX notes that over time it “became iconic in streetwear and sneaker culture, worn by athletes, musicians, and enthusiasts alike”. Its retro look and high-profile colorways have cemented its status among fashion-minded fans. Naturally, any sneaker with a thick sole prompts the question of height gain – especially among shorter wearers curious about a confidence-boosting lift. In short, the Dunk’s popularity in both sports and street fashion leads many people to wonder exactly how much taller it makes them (spoiler: just a little).

Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement

Nike does not publish an official “stack height” for the Dunk’s midsole (much like other lifestyle sneakers). In product specs you’ll find materials and drop, but not an exact thickness. Independent lab measurements fill the gap. For example, a Dunk Low’s heel stack was measured at about 23.1 mm and a Dunk High at 22.6 mm – roughly 2.3 cm of foam + rubber under your heel. These figures align with the Dunk’s reputation for a very low profile. Note that the visible sole sidewall might seem taller (the outsole and foam together look like ~3 cm), but the foot actually sits a bit recessed, so the effective lift is smaller. In other words, while the Dunk’s sole looks chunky, the real-world height gain is modest.

How We Measured

We followed our standard protocol: take a brand-new UK size 9 (US 10) pair and use a precision vernier caliper at the centre-rear of the heel. We measured from the footbed (where your heel rests) down to the ground, with the insole in place. Each reading was repeated to 0.1 mm accuracy (±0.2 mm tolerance) and averaged. The shoe was unworn (no compression from body weight), placed on a perfectly flat surface. As with most sneakers, size has minimal effect on the result. In practice, a Dunk in a women’s size 5 or men’s 11 would only differ by a couple of millimetres from our UK 9 measurement. Reports suggest only very large sizes might approach an extra millimetre or two of sole height. In summary, our UK9 result should hold within ±2 mm for almost any common Dunk size.

Exact Height Increase

Putting it all together, a pair of Nike Dunks adds about 2.3 cm (≈0.9 in) to your height when worn. That’s the net “boost” under your heel once you account for foot placement and slight foam compression. This number is a bit smaller than the outsole’s sidewall might suggest. As with similar sneakers, the Dunk’s interior footbed and insole sit slightly below the outer rim of the midsole. In practice, you stand on maybe 2.3 cm of material even though the shoe looks thicker from the outside. The key takeaway: expect roughly 2.3 cm extra height (just under an inch) from Dunks – enough to notice if you look down, but not a dramatic platform.

On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes

Despite the added height, Dunks feel very flat and stable. The firm EVA midsole and sturdy cupsole construction make the Dunk a “grounded, low-profile” ride. In lab tests, reviewers found the Dunk’s rigid midsole gives it an “amazingly stable platform”. Lateral stability is excellent – torsional rigidity scored 4/5 in one test – so your foot feels locked in, and it’s hard to twist or roll the ankle. The trade-off is that the ride is fairly firm: the midsole measured around 32 HA on a durometer, significantly harder than average. Thus you feel the ground more and get little cushioning underfoot.

The Dunk’s heel-to-toe drop is only about 7–8 mm, so your foot remains nearly level. Unlike a thick running shoe that tilts you forward, wearing Dunks doesn’t force your posture into a steep lean – in fact, one TikTok stadiometer test even found a very slight downward heel angle when on foot. Overall, Dunks keep you upright and secure: the thick flat sole spreads your weight evenly, and the leather upper locks the foot in. In day-to-day walking you probably won’t notice any awkward gait change – you simply feel sturdy and a bit elevated, but not off-balance.

Comparison Chart

Each figure above is the approximate height added under the heel. The Dunk’s ~2.3 cm boost is lower than many modern “chunky” sneakers (for example, the Air Max 97 and AF1 give around 3+ cm), but a bit more than a classic flat shoe like Converse. This chart provides context for how the Dunk’s lift compares to other popular trainers and lifestyle shoes.

Styling & Sizing Tips

• Outfit Pairings: Dunks are versatile in streetwear looks. With shorts, style guides recommend wearing them with knee-level or slightly above-knee shorts – avoid baggy or overly long shorts that hide the shoe. Neutral or coordinating colors keep the focus on the sneakers. For pants, slim or straight-leg denim (cuffed at the ankle) or joggers tend to work well. Dunk Lows blend smoothly under the ankle, while Dunk Highs make a bolder statement by cutting off at the calf – Highs look best with trim, above-ankle pants. Overall, treat Dunks like any retro sneaker: they pair nicely with jeans, chinos or casual shorts and graphic tees for an authentic 80s/90s vibe.
• Pant Length: The goal is to show the shoe’s profile. With high-top Dunks, a cropped or rolled pant leg accentuates the silhouette. Low-tops pair well with socks or slightly cropped pants that reveal the collar. As Captain Creps notes, “Dunk Low’s silhouette blends seamlessly with shorts,” whereas “Dunk High offers an unmatched edgy vibe” when styled correctly.
• Sizing & Fit: Nike Dunks generally run true to size. The leather upper and padded collar give a snug initial fit, so most people stick with their normal size. If you have very wide feet or plan heavy use of insoles, a half-size up can add comfort. Importantly, Dunks have removable insoles, so you can swap in custom orthotics if needed. In most cases, however, no up/down sizing is required – just wear medium socks and they should fit just like your usual trainers.

Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases

• Pros: Iconic retro style with a durable leather/suede upper. Provides an “amazingly stable platform” underfoot, so it won’t feel tippy or sloppy. True-to-size fit and removable insoles make it easy to customize comfort. Thick rubber cupsole means great longevity – the toebox durability is rated high for skate use.
• Cons: Very firm cushioning (midsole is hard EVA foam), so it’s not plush or forgiving on rough ground. After a day of walking you might feel foot fatigue due to low shock absorption. The shoe is moderately heavy (about 420 g each in US9), which some notice compared to lightweight runners. Breathability is limited by the thick leather, so feet can get warm on hot days.
• Ideal Uses: Perfect for casual everyday wear, street outfits, and skate-style vibes. The stable, flat ride also makes Dunks popular for weightlifting and gym use (since they keep you close to the ground). They’re not ideal for long-distance running or activities requiring high cushioning. In short, Dunks shine as a fashion sneaker and city rider – sturdy, stylish, and season-less – rather than as performance running shoes.

FAQ

Q: Can I use custom insoles or orthotics in Nike Dunks?
A: Yes. The Dunk’s insole is removable, so you can swap it out for your own orthotic inserts. This makes the shoe friendly for people with foot support needs. (RunRepeat explicitly notes the Dunk High’s insole can be taken out if needed.)

Q: How durable is the Dunk’s cushioning? Will the sole collapse over time?
A: The Dunk uses a simple EVA foam midsole, which is quite firm. In lab tests, the cushioning retained about 78% shock absorption after repeated impacts. In practice, this means the foam is durable and won’t sag dramatically like some ultra-soft foams. Expect longevity similar to other classic leather sneakers. There’s no special air or gel unit to fail – just solid rubber and foam – so under normal use your height boost and comfort should remain consistent for years.

Q: Are Nike Dunks heavy or do they feel bulky?
A: A single Dunk Low (US9) weighs around 14.8 oz (420 grams). This is heavier than a lightweight mesh running shoe but about the same as many retro basketball sneakers. It’s lighter than an Air Force 1 (which is chunkier), but noticeably more than a canvas plimsoll. In wear they feel solid but not unmanageably heavy. Most people say the leather upper and thick sole give a sturdy feel, but you generally won’t get tired legs just from weight alone in everyday use.

Conclusion

In summary, Nike Dunks add only about 2.3 cm (≈0.9 in) to your height. They look chunky, but the sole is actually quite low-profile, so you get a subtle boost without feeling perched in a platform. The ride is flat and firm, giving a stable, skate-friendly feel rather than a cushy lift. If you like the Dunk’s classic style (and its solid leather build), you’ll get a small height gain as a bonus. For comparison with other trainers and more on how they measure up, check out our other sneaker height guides and the comparison chart on HowMuchHeight.com. Whether you’re after fashion or function, we cover the lift for all your favourite models – lace up and explore more height-boosting sneakers on our site!