Nike Air Force 1 & Dunk price comparison

The Air Force 1 launched in 1982 as the first basketball shoe with Nike Air cushioning in the heel. Its hallmarks are the thick, full-length cupsole, the rather chunky look and the leather Swoosh. The Dunk followed in 1985: it has a slimmer cut and a flatter sole without a visible Air unit, which makes it look sportier. The skateboarding version, the Nike SB Dunk, gets a padded tongue and a more cushioned insole.

In everyday wear the Air Force 1 feels a little heavier and stiffer, but it is tougher and copes better with rain and city pavements. The Dunk sits closer to the foot and is lighter. Both models come in Low, Mid and High versions – the Low is by far the most common.

Many people find the Air Force 1 runs large, so lots of buyers go half a size down from their running-shoe size. The Dunk fits true to size or slightly snug; if you have wide feet, your usual size or half a size up is often more comfortable. Nike uses its own size chart, in which men's US 9 corresponds to roughly EU 42.5 (UK 8).

Most Air Force 1 and Dunk pairs are made of smooth or coated leather, while some special editions use suede or canvas. Smooth leather is best cleaned with a soft brush, lukewarm water and a little mild soap; the sole can take a stiffer brush. Suede should only be brushed dry and protected with a proofing spray. The washing machine is a bad idea for both shoes, as glue and toe caps can come loose.

Creases in the toe box are unavoidable with smooth leather. Shoe trees made of cedar or plastic help the shoes keep their shape when you're not wearing them.

The standard "Triple White" colourway is available almost all year round and is therefore often discounted. Limited collaborations, on the other hand, are traded well above their original retail price. An offer that is far below the usual street price of a limited model is a warning sign. Check the style code (e.g. "CW2288-111") on the box and the inside label, look at the seller's ratings and make sure the retailer sells commercially.

For everyday wear, the Air Force 1 Low in white or black is the most versatile choice: it works equally well with jeans, chinos and joggers. The Mid with its ankle strap makes more of a statement and keeps you a little warmer in winter. With the Dunk, the colourway is what matters most: two-tone classics such as black and white are almost always available, whereas limited colourways are hard to get hold of. If you wear the shoe a lot, a smooth-leather model is worth it – suede versions look smart but need more care and handle rain less well.