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Nike is one of the best and most versatile shoe brands out there. They make basketball shoes, running shoes, training shoes, cleats, and more. Many of us have either owned a pair of Nikes before or thought about nabbing a pair of Air Jordans for the status of it. If you don’t own a pair of Nikes, chances are it’s because of the price tag. And if you’ve had Nikes before, you may be more reluctant to buy them again due to how expensive they have become. 

But fear not, it is possible to get yourself a pair of shoes almost just as good as some Nikes at a fraction of the price. This is thanks to the wonder of dupes. 

In this post, you can expect to get answers to these questions:

  • What Makes Nike So Great?
  • Wait, What are Dupes?
  • What Are Some of the Best Nike Dupes?

What Makes Nike So Great?

Nike is the world’s largest supplier of athletic shoes. The company was founded in 1964 and takes its name from the Greek goddess of victory who goes by the same name.

Everyone knows the name Nike, and everyone knows someone who has a pair. You could walk down the street right now and probably find a couple of people with some Air Forces on. Nike is one of the most recognizable brands in the nation, but why? What makes Nike shoes sell so well?

Well, what Nike shoes are best known for is their top quality and unique performance-enhancing technology. Each and every product, even the cheaper stuff, is made at a standard you don’t see in many other brands. However, this is common in the shoe industry because there are universally used shoe models for optimal performance and comfort. The difference from other brands comes from the materials used.  This is one of the reasons why Nike’s shoes tend to be on the pricier side — Nike makes their shoes with better and more durable materials.

Nike’s popularity is a combination of great craftsmanship and clever marketing.

Another reason Nike stands on top of the athletic brand market is because of their shoe technology. Especially when it comes to running shoes, Nike is known for the best performance-improving ergonomics. Some of the world’s best marathon runners have even beat world records while running with Nike shoes! There have been discussions of banning certain Nike running shoes from professional races because of how much faster they allow the athlete to run.

Nike is mostly known for its great-quality sneakers and running shoes, but another one of the reasons it is such a well-known brand is that it makes thousands of different products. Nike makes much more than shoes, they also make clothes, accessories, and sports equipment. Nike has its hands in nearly every sport and apparel-related market, allowing it to dominate in terms of sales.

Wait, What are Dupes?

We’ve all been pursuing the store, shopping on Amazon, or scrolling through social media when we see something we absolutely need. This is the perfect product, it’s like some force from beyond sent this here just for you. Well… you might feel that way until you take a look at the price tag. All of a sudden this product doesn’t seem so essential after all. This is where the wonderful world of dupes comes in.

Just because that price tag is hefty doesn’t mean you can’t find something that will work just as well for a fraction of the price. Dupes are less expensive items that are similar to items from well-known brands. Dupes can often be used as alternatives or replacements for up-charged big-brand items. 

Most Nike shoes usually range in price from $80 to $300. That’s a big chunk of change. If you love the Nike style but don’t want to break the bank, then dupes are for you. You can easily find similar and more price-effective products that are similar to the iconic Nike style.

What Are Some of the Best Nike Dupes?

Here’s a list of some of the best Nike dupes we could find. Nike has a huge range of products, so our list includes options for running shoes, basketball shoes, and everyday stylish sneakers. We’ve also identified a couple of the best brands for you to look through if none of these recommendations speak to you.

ZGR White Sneakers

white sneaker nike dupes
You can’t get closer to a pair of Air Forces for less! Image courtesy of Amazon.com

These well-priced and well-reviewed sneakers offer a great alternative to Nike Air Force 1s in terms of style. These sneakers retain the iconic clean white look that the Air Forces provide. At under $30, you can’t get a better deal in terms of style and quality.

Vooncosir Sneakers + Running Shoes

affordable sneakers that look like nikes
Here’s the most cost-effective Nike dupe we could find! Image courtesy of Amazon.com

These sneakers offer a versatile and stylish alternative to Nikes.  If you’re looking for a shoe with Nike's high-quality functionality, then this is your best bet. At below $30, these sneakers are worth the money. These have you covered if you’re looking for the Nike style as well. These shoes come in 16 different color variations so they are bound to mimic the look you’re going for.

ASICS Gel-Contend 9

sporty ASICS Nike Dupe
ASICS offers great quality running shoes for cheaper than big brands like Nike and Brooks. Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Asics is a great brand of running shoes with professional athlete-level running technology just like some of Nike’s best running shoes. The Gel-Contend uses gel technology to make each step cushiony and bouncy, allowing for faster and more comfortable runs. The gel technology is similar to the foam technology used in Nike running shoes like the Pegasus. This model of Asics specifically offers the most bang for your buck, sitting at just under $60.

ALLSWIFT Running + Walking Shoes

ALLSWIFT Running Shoe dupe for Nikes
Here’s a well-rated and even more cost-effective running shoe that offers similar running ergonomics to Nike. Image courtesy of Amazon.com

This shoe offers both a similar look and functionality to Nike running shoes. These are very versatile as well, designed to be used for running, walking, and sports. Similar to the Gel-Conted above, this model also offers cushion technology for more comfortable activities. Since this isn’t a name-brand product, it is even more price-effective, sitting at less than $50.

Under Armor Lockdown 7s

Under Armour Lockdown 7s
This sleek and Jordan-like shoe is by far one of the best Nike dupes. Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Though these shoes are more expensive than the others on this list, they are by far the closest you can get to the Nike functionality and look for much less than $80. The Lockdown 7s are currently going for $60 to $65 based on size and color. This model is also a #1 bestseller for Under Armor and for Amazon, offering a real leather exterior and breathable mesh. The Lockdown 7s are very close in look and functionality to the Air Jordans, both being leather basketball shoes.

Joomra High Tops

stylish Joomra High Tops any Nike lover will want in their sneaker collection
Nike is known for some of their stylish high-top basketball shoes, check out this alternative. Image courtesy of Amazon.com

Here is another great option if you’re looking to dupe some Air Jordans. This high-top leather basketball shoe is hard to beat in terms of look, versatility, and value. Currently, these shoes sit just under $50 and come in 14 different unique looks that are awfully similar to many of the Air Jordan variants.

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If you’re looking for even more Nike alternatives, I would recommend checking out shoes from Under Armor and Asics, both of which are high-quality brands that offer athletic shoes at a significantly lower price than Nike. While it is possible to find athletic shoes even cheaper than Under Armor and Asics, it’s important to make sure you have the proper support if you’re going to be active frequently. If you invest in a nice pair of cushy running shoes for daily runs, then your feet, shins, and knees will thank you.

While dupes won’t be your first choice, it’s okay to settle for a dupe for the greater good of your bank account. Nike is a great brand, and if you can afford their products, many will recommend that you purchase them. But, as big brands tend to do, Nike has set the prices for their popular items up way high. Luckily, the world of dupes has plenty to offer you in terms of Nike alternatives.

Posted 
Mar 28, 2025
 in 
Fashion
 category