Nike Dunk High “Spartan Green”

Looks: 

The Dunk High has a striking resemblance to the Jordan 1, and this is not by chance. The Dunk High and Jordan 1 were designed by the same individual, Peter Moore, and both reflect Nike's basketball shoe style of the early to mid-1980s — with both shoes taking cues from the Air Ship series, the Air Force line, and other comparable sneakers.

The toe guard, lace reinforcements, swoosh, wings, outsole, and lining are all made of Michigan State Green (formally referred to as "Pro-Green" on the box). The sole other color is a bright white that covers the midsole, toe box, vamp, collar, and tongue.

Unlike other shoes from the era, the Dunks have a somewhat molded sole that is stitched into the top, with the line between the outsole and midsole rising and falling across the shoe, and a touch extra rubber in key spots. The sole design is similar to those of other mid-80s Nike traction patterns, although the Dunk has a bit more of a curve around the heel of the foot.

The tongue is made of an old-school nylon that is slightly luminous and is topped off with a nylon Nike tag. Just to be safe, Nike included two trademark logos. A wide padded collar on the other side of the couch enables the lining to peek through just a little. A green tiny pull tab is stitched in where the swooshes meet to finish off the rear. To tie it all together, some ornamental white switching right over the heel counter.

Fit & Comfort: 

The Dunk High runs longer and narrower than other sneaker brands, although it does run a little broader in the toe box than most Nikes. Nike, as a brand, prefers to run quite narrow in their sneakers. This implies that for many people, like me, the width of the shoe decides your size. 

From a comfort standpoint, these shoes are almost 35 years old, and it shows. Unlike other modern Nike sneakers of the time, the Dunk does not have an air unit beneath your heal. Only a few millimeters of rubber and a very cheap-feeling footbed keep your foot from touching the ground.

Furthermore, while the padding around the throat is substantial – about an inch thick in most areas – it is not dense. Expect it to cup your heel, but don't hold your breath waiting for it to do so. This, paired with a tongue with almost minimal cushioning, results in a shoe that doesn't provide much ankle support. Nike intended this shoe to be worn loosely at the top.

One feature that stands out, especially when compared to other retro versions, is the very supple leather. While a thorough wear test is required, this appears to be the sort of leather that will adapt to your foot, offering a bit of give as you wear the shoe during the day.

Materials: 

While Nike remains tight-lipped about the materials used in its retros, a cursory investigation reveals that the green portions are composed of a thin, supple leather with a plasticy/vinal covering on top. The white parts of the top are made of a synthetic material that does not feel as good as the green.

The midsole and outsole are fused together to form a cup, which Nike has bonded and stitched onto the top. The stitching is structural, so you won't see the upper separate from the midsole as you would with Chucks or Vans. There were a few misplaced stitches, though. The midsole and outsole are both made of strong rubber, which means they will last a long time.

Inside the shoe, Nike has employed the rougher mesh lining that they began to phase out on most retros a few years ago. The modern material feels smoother and appears to last longer — in a shoe with simple rubber outsoles, the back of the heel rubbing through is likely to be the first area of serious wear. That being said, if you're searching for a genuine vintage vibe, this is the place to go.