Nike Dunk Low versus Dunk Low Twist: Breaking Down the Differences
The is arguably representative of the current sneaker zeitgeist, especially in its low-cut ‘Panda’ guise. While practising the adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ is a sure-fire way to ensure success, the Swoosh aren’t afraid to push the envelope a little. Enter the Twist, a remixed women’s version of the basket du jour with a host of updated details worth taking a closer look at. A plethora of colourways have landed at select stockists like Australia, including the 'Panda' and 'Jade Ice'! Let's unravel the mysteries of the Twist ahead of the other colourways set to land across the coming months.
That Swoosh
With the sole situation out of the way, it’s time for the main event – that Swoosh! While the standard Dunk uses a stitched-on leather Swoosh that runs from the mid panel, overlapping the rear overlay before joining the ankle tab, the Dunk Low Twist logo takes an eye-catching twist. They’re moulded rubber and stitched to the sides, save for an extra long ‘tail’ that comes to a point and sits off the rear of the heels. While not officially verified by Nike, it’s safe to say they’ve experimented with this Swoosh effect before on some collaborative editions of the Dunk.
Hardware
The big Swoosh of the Dunk Low Twist isn’t the only piece of hardware used. Reinforcing the toe and heel are hard rubberised plastic bumpers – again possibly inspired by a prior Nike exploration – for some extra textural depth. For the ‘Panda’ iteration, these bits are slightly translucent and ‘jelly’-like with a touch of gloss, accenting nicely against the matte surface of the big Swoosh and simultaneously complementing the glossy heel panel. Another area of interest is the branding on the Twist’s tongue that protrudes to boldly proclaim the Swoosh and Nike wordmark.
Not that it’s a contest, but the standard Dunk holds its own texturally. The leather has an even grain throughout the upper – the Twist uses the same variety – and the nylon tongue has its own consistent weave, too. Its traditional branding sees grosgrain woven tongue tags and all-caps Nike embroidery on the heel, both features absent from its modern remixed sibling.
Plush Padding
Nike Dunks are adequately cushioned underfoot and comfortably lined up top. The mesh lining of the ankle collar is breathable, while the nylon tongue used on editions like the ‘Panda’ nod to the model’s 1985 build. While this is plenty plush, the Dunk Low Twist ramps it up with extra foam in the lining and back of the leather tongue, which is also extended to make room for the aforementioned tongue branding. The additional padding means the horizontally quilted ankle ‘window’ puffs out, eschewing the usual embroidered tab in the process.
Sole Story
There’s little point in wearing a good-looking pair of sneakers if they aren’t comfortable to walk in. Thankfully, Nike Dunk soles don't have that issue, with their durable EVA foam construction and grippy rubber tread providing ultimate support. The standard version of the Dunk has used its sole since 1985, and the Dunk Low Twist honours its predecessor by using the same reliable foundation.
The Small Stuff
It wouldn’t be a ‘Breaking Down the Differences’ feature without observing some of the less observable details! For example, the toe box perforations are slightly different between the Twist and regular Dunk. The former’s approaches the tip of the toe overlay panel, while the latter’s is centred on the toe box, leaving a consistent perimeter of negative space to the overlay edge.
Another tiny tidbit is the extra rows of stitching sewn onto the upper ankle strap of the Twist, right underneath the set of four eyelets. It’s almost imperceptible at a glance, but a closer eye will notice the threads adding some visual weight to the panel. Even more discreet is the varied texture of the shoe laces between the two Dunk variants and the slightly different lace width between the pairs.
Colour Me Crazy
Since the Dunk Low Twist is the newest kick on the block, Nike are rolling out plenty of palette options for all looks and rotations. Besides the tried and true black and white combination, there are some colourful variants en route that switch out the black for bolder looks like ‘Vivid Sulfur’ and ‘Jade Ice’. Arguably even more vibrant is the ‘Rush Fuchsia’ edition that takes two-tone to the next level by taking the ‘Panda’ template and substituting in bright pink in place of white. The model debuts in ‘Panda’ on July 31 at JD Sports, then the above colourful creations will arrive throughout August and September.
The Nike Dunk Low is already a red-hot favourite among sneakerheads and casual fans, and the Dunk Low Twist is set to be a big hit with women. Head to JD Sports Australia’s and retail locations now to pick up the ‘Panda’ edition and then come back in the following weeks to scoop the subsequent releases.