Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing: What a Dunk Should Be
Price: $110 [Check eBay for Current Prices]
Why Buy?
The Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing offers all the story telling of an SB for a price that a normal person will pay for a pair of sneakers.
Why Avoid?
The Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing isn’t super subtle, and can only be used in casual environments.
Specs
| Model | Dunk SE |
| Height | Low |
| Materials | Suede / Ripstop / Rubber |
| Size | 13 |
| Weight | 471 g / 16.6 oz |
| Construction | Stitched Cup Sole |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam |
History
The History of the Nike Dunk is one you should read – though it’s been done on 100wears before. If you’re looking for more of a background, check that out. Instead, here I’d like to talk about the middle line of Dunk that isn’t often mentioned.
Unlike other Nike SEs, the Dunk SE – or Special Edition – is a bit of a middle child. Positioned above the regular line with unique details but below the SB, it is easy to forget that these even exist. The idea is that they have a unique concept, high end materials, etc. but are not the truly off the wall designs that come out of SB.
The latest in this line of Dunk SEs are the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing. Available in this Rainbow Trout colorway as well as a white “Chinook Salmon” colorway, the inspiration for these pairs is, obviously, fishing. Nike really leaned into this. Those who got early access needed to do a fishing-themed minigame. The paper is printed like lake water. Etc.
However, are all of those just surface level items to hide a bad sneaker? Or are these worth picking up? Let’s dive in.
Looks
Upper
Overall, I’m really impressed with the upper on the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing. The majority of it is a really soft suede in a forest green colorway, but you don’t really notice that as you’re wearing it. No, the other little details are what really stand out.
First and foremost is the pearlescent swoosh with a printed fish scales pattern. I really like this – it pops, but not so much that the sneaker becomes unwearable. Even better, there is a little fish hook detail at the end of the swoosh to play into the overall design. The hook is not sewn down, so I do worry it might rip off, but cool none the less.
The next thing you’ll notice is the patterned ripstop toe and midfoot panels. Featuring a heatmap-like pattern designed to mimic the look of a fish, these also really play into the design. I should be clear, these are not subtle, but it is not so loud you can only wear black with them.
Around back, orange and pink suede make up two of the back panels, finishing off the fishy motif. Again, this sounds so bright that it would be unwearable, but it isn’t. With black liner, orange tongue, and black laces to finish everything off, these offer a really compelling package. There are even unique tongue tabs featuring (you guessed it), fish.
Mid- and Outsole
Where the upper was packed with details, the bottom half of the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing is much simpler.
Made entirely of a cream-colored white rubber, the cup sole used on this does nothing to distract from the upper. And, personally, I think that’s a good thing. It’s all classic Dunk Low here. A melded rubber cup sole, featuring a circular pattern up front and a black pattern in the back. It’s been around since before many of this site’s readers were born. No need to change it now.
The only real pop on these is the orange stitching keeping the cup sole on. It matches the upper perfectly.
Summary
The Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing manages to nail that balance between offering something that is different and exciting but not going over the top to where they are art and not clothing. While I could see someone thinking this Rainbow Trout colorway goes a bit too far, the Chinook Salmon option is an even more subtle way of getting the look.
While the obvious answer is to wear these with your fishing outfits, I think these go great with a pair of shorts and a t shirt. Or maybe a fishing shirt, if that’s your thing. They have a relaxed vibe that doesn’t work with anything more formal, but that’s just fine with me.
Fit & Comfort
Fit
The Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing fits just like every other dunk out there. In other words, they are a bit long, and a bit narrow – however most people will be able to fit into them comfortably.
I take the Dunk Low in my standard Nike size of 13, and would recommend most people go with their typical Nike size. While this exact make up doesn’t appear to be on too many store shelves, you can pop into any foot locker, champs, etc. and try on a standard Dunk to see what fits you best.
For comparison, I wear a 13 in a Jordan 1, a 12.5 in a Stan Smith, and a 12 in most stitched shoes.
Comfort
The Nike Dunk Low wasn’t a particularly comfortable sneaker when it came out nearly 40 years ago. Several decades of releases with new tech have not made that any better.
While there are not actively uncomfortable in the way something like a Blazer can be, they would not be my first choice for a long day on your feet. There is almost nothing in the way of padding, and limited support.
Materials & Construction
Materials
When it comes to materials, the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing is mostly positive, though there are a few things you should know about.
While the suede on the upper is real suede, it isn’t the highest quality cuts. That probably isn’t going to be particularly surprising, but I don’t know if I would skate or hike in these. It would probably wear through fairly quickly. For the purpose of this sneaker, I wouldn’t worry about it too much.
The biggest item that I will flag is the ripstop used on the toebox, midfoot, and heel panel. Where most Dunks have leather here, this polyester material might feel like a bit of a downgrade. However, at least on the Rainbow Trout colorway, I’m not sure they could have gotten this pattern on leather. If you want this design, you need to compromise on materials.
The swoosh itself is leather, though that design and color means there is a heavy plastic coating on top.
Under foot, the rubber cup sole holds a thin EVA-foam wedge. Not that you can really feel it. On top of that sits a fairly typical open cell foam insole.
Construction
The Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing is made using a stitched-on cup sole construction. When making a sneaker this way, first the upper is sewn together. Then, the completed upper is glued to a cup sole and stitched around the edge for extra durability.
This is an older way of making sneakers, typically found on retro designs. While it is less flexible, the real reason that companies have moved away from this design is the increased cost. This form of construction tends to be much more durable and is still used by higher end sneaker brands today.
Price
Originally priced at $110 dollars, the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing can actually be had under retail at time of writing. That means that this SE version – with all the cool storytelling and design – is the same price as a random pair of Dunks.
Of course, like any Nike product, you’re paying for the brand name. However, these are certainly on the more reasonable end of the scale.
Are the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing Worth It?
Back to the question at the top: Are the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing worth picking up? I’d say yeah, assuming you like the fish theming.
For years now, Dunk SBs have been untouchable anywhere near their $120 retail price. One of the big reasons has always been the story telling. The Gone Fishing has all of the story telling, all of the special features, that the SBs do. If you slapped a fat tongue on these, they would be going for $250+ at resale.
Of course, the SBs are more comfortable. And there is much more hype around something with the fat tongue. However, if you just want a cool pair of Dunks that you won’t be upset if they get wet/stepped on/etc., it’s hard to go wrong with the Nike Dunk Low Gone Fishing.