The best Nike DN8 colourways, ranked
With more visible air bubbles than any other shoe, Nike stepped up its air unit game with the DN8. These are the model’s best colourways
By Cayle Reid
NIKE HAS ALWAYS been obsessed with taming air. From the Air Max to the TN, visible air units come part and parcel with Nike’s identity, but they don’t change very often. In fact, since the first air unit appeared on an Air Max in 1987, the feature has remained relatively the same, until recently.
Nike unveiled the new DN (short for ‘Dynamic Air’, in the same way that TN is short for ‘Tuned Air’) in 2024, revealing the first four-tubed air unit, sitting in the heel. Then, earlier this year, Nike doubled down, releasing the DN8. This new model had not one, but TWO air units, one in the forefoot and one in the heel. This doubled the amount of visible bubbles to an almost comic eight.
These air units work in tandem to provide dynamic comfort and responsiveness on the pressure points your foot puts emphasis on. But the Nike DN8 isn’t just a display of Nike’s technical prowess. The silhouette is also extremely aesthetically appealing, with a visual boldness akin to a concept car, sculptural midsoles and an all-around air (apologies, low hanging fruit) of futurism.
In its brief existence, the Nike DN8 has shown us what the future of footwear could look like with a number of cult-favourite colourways. Here, we rank the best DN8s ever released.
What are the best Nike Air Max DN8 sneakers?
10. Nike DN8 ‘Summit White and Vivid Orange’
While bearing some resemblance to the flag of The Netherlands, this Nike DN8 is one of the few to use a heel-to-toe gradient rather than a panelling gradient. We think it works, with a subtle blend that isn’t too loud. Although, the air bubbles could be a little more highlighted.
9. Nike DN8 ‘Hyper Pink’
Not everyone can pull off a hot pink shoe. That said, if you can, this is a good one to wear. The all-pink upper is an eye-catcher, and the contrasting black midsole works brilliantly. Our only fault? The air units should really match the pink of the upper.
8. Nike DN8 ‘Indigo Burst’
The gold-hued air bubbles are the real heroes here. They’re accentuated nicely by the black midsole, elevating a colourway that has been seen on plenty of other Nike shoes.
7. Nike DN8 x Paris Saint-Germain
Inspired by Paris’ urban boulevards, this collaboration with French football club Paris Saint-Germain is simple but effective. The black and anthracite palette blends well, and the Paris-themed detailing adds some flair.
6. Nike DN8 ‘Sunsets’
The Sunsets colour scheme is one of Nike’s most celebrated. It’s appeared on (and looked good on) just about every model, so the DN8 getting the Sunsets treatment was inevitable. The DN8’s sculptured panelling allows the palette to come to life with a clearer contrast in the gradient.
5. Nike DN8 ‘Hyper Blue’
As you’ll discover later on in this list, our favourite DN8s are the ones that match their air bubbles with their uppers. Hyper Blue does that, and the results speak for themselves.
4. Nike DN8 ‘Premium’
This snake print version of the DN8 was made with recycled materials from post-consumer and post-manufactured waste as part of Nike’s efforts to move towards a zero carbon and zero waste business model. Materials aside, this colour scheme looks fresh as hell.
3. Nike DN8 ‘Monarch’
This khaki and cream DN8 looks like it would go with anything. This isn’t a gradient as such, but rather a back-and-forwards pattern that makes use of the DN8’s panelling to deliver an undeniably appealing shoe. The orange swoosh and air bubbles are great touches too.
2. Nike DN8 ‘Phantom’
The Phantom DN8 keeps it simple. Sometimes, that’s all you need. This DN8 might not be the most attention-grabbing of the bunch, but it doesn’t need to be. It goes for a more laid-back style that’s subtle yet still appealing.
1. Nike DN8 ‘Green Strike’
Like we said, the best DN8s are the ones that match air bubbles with uppers. Everything about Green Strike is a ten out of ten: the gradient, the colour contrast, the matching bubbles and upper. It all comes together perfectly and uses every part of the DN8’s unique design, from the panelling and air units to the ankle gaiter and toe box.
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