How to Draw a Nike Dunk Shoe: Easy 10-Step Guide

Ready to design your own kicks? This tutorial is perfect for young sneakerheads and budding artists ages 7+. All you need is a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to bring this iconic silhouette to life.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A vibrant, finished illustration of a custom Nike Dunk sneaker.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Base

Pencil sketch showing the initial curved lines for the sole of a Nike Dunk sneaker.

Draw a long, gentle curve to form the bottom sole of the shoe. Add a second parallel curve above it for the midsole. Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light so you can easily adjust the shape later.

Step 2: Defining the Upper

Drawing the upper structure and heel of the sneaker using simple geometric lines.

Extend the toe line upward to create the front of the shoe. Add two lines for the side panel and a vertical line for the heel. Tip: Think of this as building the 'frame' of the shoe before adding details.

Step 3: The Ankle Opening

Adding the ankle collar and tongue details to the sneaker drawing.

Draw a spiral-like curve to define the ankle collar. Add small shapes for the tongue. Tip: Make the opening look soft and padded by using rounded, rather than sharp, lines.

Step 4: Toe and Lace Box

Adding the toe box and lace area details to the sneaker outline.

Sketch the irregular shape on the toe and the rectangular area for the laces. Tip: Keep your shapes symmetrical to make the shoe look balanced.

Step 5: The Iconic Swoosh

Draw the Nike Swoosh logo on the side panel. Connect it from the lace area down to the sole. Tip: The Swoosh should look like a long, graceful checkmark.

Step 6: Adding Eyelets and Laces

Adding eyelets and laces to the upper part of the sneaker.

Draw three small ovals for eyelets and sketch the laces looping through them. Tip: Use your eraser to remove any overlapping lines so the laces look like they are sitting on top of the shoe.

Step 7: Completing the Laces

Adding the remaining eyelets and lace details to the shoe.

Add six more eyelets and continue the lace pattern. Tip: Vary the curves of the laces to make them look realistic and tied.

Step 8: Refining the Texture

Adding texture lines to the sole and tongue of the sneaker.

Add curved lines to the sole and tongue to show texture. Tip: Use short, quick strokes to suggest the fabric or leather material.

Step 9: Final Details

Adding final details like toe perforations and sole tread lines.

Add small dots to the toe box and vertical lines to the sole for a professional look. Tip: These small details make your drawing look like a real, high-quality sneaker.

Step 10: Bring It to Life with Color

A fully colored and finished Nike Dunk sneaker drawing.

Time to color! Use bold markers or pencils to fill in your design. Tip: Think about color blocking—Dunks are famous for having different colors on the toe, heel, and Swoosh.