This iconic high-top is high on our wish list.

Release date: 1 March 2025

Price: 135 USD

After bringing back the “Be True To Your School” Dunks in Syracuse and St. John’s colorways, Nike will drop the Dunk High “Michigan” in March 2025.

The “Be True To Your School” line was originally launched in 1985 and featured colorways that matched the shades of seven of the top college basketball teams in the country. It encouraged players to coordinate their shoes with their school colors and team jerseys. It very quickly became popular with skaters because of its heavy-duty leather upper, padded support, and grippy outsole. Today, it has gone beyond that and has reached the status of streetwear staple. The 2020 models struggled a bit in 2020, retailing at the relatively low price of $80. But the “Be True To Your School” line is turning 40 this year, and, if its price is anything to go by, it's currently in high demand, particularly from longtime Nike Dunk fans.

Design

This 2025 "Michigan" edition comes with a few tweaks when compared with the 2020 edition. The yellow and blue shades are a little bit darker, and the leather has a more tumbled texture around the collar and toe box. Nike has also switched up the laces, introducing a thinner, waxier style.

How to style the 2025 Nike Dunk High “Michigan”

This is a bold sneaker that works well with casual, sporty, or slightly more dressy outfits. For a laid-back streetwear vibe, pair them with baggy jeans or cargo pants, a plain tee or hoodie, and a fitted cap or beanie. If you prefer a sportier look, go for Nike athletic wear, basketball shorts with high socks, or a vintage sports tee to complement the sneaker’s classic feel. If you want to look more polished, wear tailored chinos, a knitted sweater or crewneck. Complete the look with a denim or utility jacket to balance the bold colors. Keep the focus on the shoes by choosing neutrals, avoiding overly skinny jeans, or excessive accessories.

Sneaker Performance

The Nike Dunk High “Michigan” was originally designed as a basketball shoe and it still has some of that real sports feel. It offers decent ankle support and the high top provides a snug fit around the ankles, making it comfortable for casual wear but not as flexible as today's performance sneakers. Nike’s rubber outsole with a classic pivot circle tread offers good traction, which makes them reliable for city streets, skate parks, or light activity.

From a comfort point of view, the Dunk High “Michigan” sits somewhere in the middle. It’s not as cushioned as a running shoe but offers enough padding thanks to the padded collar and tongue. The standard foam insole provides basic support, but we've found that sneakerheads sometimes swap it out for aftermarket insoles. While it won’t replace a dedicated basketball or performance sneaker, it holds up well for casual sports, skating, or just walking around.

Retail:

The Dunk High “Michigan” will be released on 1st March 2025. It's expected to retail at $135. You can find it at the Nikestore US.