5 best Nike Blazer sneakers

The Beginning of the Nike Blazer

The year 1972 was the year that the Nike Blazer shoe was introduced.  It was initially a basketball shoe that was worn by George Gervin or most commonly known as “The Iceman.” The shoe took its name from the American Basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers.

The iconic Nike “Swoosh” logo that was designed by graphic artist, Carolyn Davidson, was presented on the plain white leather upper of the Nike Blazer silhouette. The shoe didn’t have any advanced technology on its design when it was released, but its design remained a classic until today.

The leather upper construction of the sneaker is complemented with a mesh nylon tongue and finished off with a vulcanized rubber sole which was the preferred basketball sole during the 70’s. By that time, vulcanized rubber sole was the best technology for court-designed shoes. It was Bowerman who thought of the concept of creating athletic footwear that would help the athletes with their performance.

Forty years later, the Nike Blazer sneakers continue to make history and stay relevant in the footwear industry.

Classification of Nike Blazer sneakers

Like any other footwear brands, the designs of every shoe created vary on different specifications, including its cut, materials used, and even pricing. Below are a few of the factors considered in classifying Nike Blazer Sneakers:

Based on cut:

Low-Top 

The low-top Nike Blazer shoes display a simple yet stylishly classic profile. It delivers freedom for the ankle, allowing it to move around easily and gives more agility for the wearer.

Low-top Nike Blazer Sneakers includes the following:

Nike Blazer Low, Nike SB Zoom Blazer Chukka XT, Nike SB Blazer Low, Nike Blazer Low LX 

Mid-Top 

The original version of the Nike Blazer sneakers come in mid-top profile. This design goes up to the ankle and provides more ankle protection than the low-top versions, but it offers lesser freedom for ankle movement.

Commonly, these shoes are mistaken as high-top as it exhibits a similar profile. Here are some of mid-top Nike Blazer sneakers offered by the brand:

Nike Blazer Mid, Nike Blazer Mid Vintage, Nike Blazer Mid Premium, Nike Blazer Advanced 

High-Top 

Nike Blazer sneakers in high-top profile displays a structure that goes higher than the ankle which gives additional ankle protection. 

The following is the high-top sneaker that the Nike Blazer shoes Collection offers:

Nike Blazer Hi SP, Nike Blazer High Suede, Nike Blazer High VNTG

Based on price:

$50-$100 – Nike Blazer sneakers that fall in this price range are mostly the classics. They display the vintage design and are built with the prime materials and technology. Some also exhibit minor iterations on its design.

$100-$150 – Commonly, the Nike Blazer shoes that carry a price tag that belongs in this price range are those of premium variations. Some Special Editions also usually belong in this category.

Above $150 – Limited Edition collaborative hypes with big brands and names in the fashion industry mostly fall within this price range.

Nike Blazer shoes top collaborations

Being one of Nike’s classic silhouettes, the Nike Blazer has proven its timeless design and appeal. It has become one of the brand’s iconic silhouettes. Since its inception and building up a name for itself, the Nike Blazer also has grown one of the favorite picks for a collaboration. Below are a few of the favorite Nike Blazer sneakers’ collaborative releases:

Virgil Abloh/Off-White x Nike Blazer

Off-White is a Milan-based label that was established in the year 2013 by the American music producer, DJ, fashion designer, and the label’s Chief Executive Officer, Virgil Abloh.

Abloh and Nike are no strangers when it comes to collaborating with each other as, together, they have offered a number of outstanding collaborative releases. One of the Nike classic silhouettes that have been blessed to be a part of multiple team-ups of the brand with Abloh is the Nike Blazer.

Here are some of the remarkable Virgil Abloh/Off-White x Nike Blazer releases:

1. Virgil Abloh x Nike Blazer Mid “The Ten”

In 2017, Virgil Abloh’s ten-shoe-collaboration with the Nike brand is one of the most anticipated collaborative releases of the year. The collaboration was divided into two themes, the “REVEALING” and the “GHOSTING.” Each of the themes represents its own aesthetic that defines its identity.

The “REVEALING” represents the characteristic of being accessible with its “hand-cut, open-source, and reconstructed” design, in which the Nike Blazer Mid is a part of, while the “GHOSTING” set displays a translucent upper design which furthers the concept of revealing.

2. Off-White x Nike Blazer “Spooky Pack”

The latest collaboration between Nike and Off-White revolves around the upcoming Halloween. With the spooky theme given on the Nike Blazer silhouette, two fresh colorways are offered. The Nike Blazer shoe is built with various upper materials that mostly features the Flymesh panel. One is called the “All Hallows Eve,” and it displays a combination of different shades of orange. The second colorway is dubbed as the “Grim Reaper” as it exhibits a black upper.

3. Virgil Abloh x Nike Blazer

Rainbow Soles - A bold touch from Abloh, Nike Blazer is dressed in a combination of “vibrant gradient displaying bright neon pink phasing into toes of warm purple.”

Black/Cone/Black-White and the Canvas/Pale Vanilla/Black-Total Orange – these colorways was introduced in March 2018 as another addition to the growing list of the Virgil Abloh x Nike Blazer collaboration.

Nike Blazer special editions

The Nike Blazer sneakers also have their fair share when it comes to Special Edition releases. The following are some of the Nike Blazer Special Editions:

Nike Blazer Mid SW

In May 2018, Nike released a celebratory shoe in honor of tennis superstar, Serena Williams. The special edition of the Nike Blazer Mid which is dubbed as the “Nike Blazer Mid SW” also serves as a commemoration for Williams’ French Open appearance. The mid-top shoe is covered in an all-white upper which is completed with textured leather overlays along with the distinctive asymmetrical stitching. The laces of this special edition shoe display the SW logo all over it, serving as another key component to its design.

Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Lance Mountain

The Nike Blazer is the first skate shoe that the skateboarding legend, Lance Mountain fell in love with. In 2017, Nike honors Lance through releasing the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Lance Mountain. At first, the silhouette was thought to be a homage for Tony Alva as it was not immediately revealed what the design iteration meant.

Nike took inspiration on the new design of the sneaker from the 70’s. The Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Lance Mountain features a black upper which is accented with the Swoosh branding that showcases a prism-fade design that resembles the ones on the concert posters from back then. The tiles detailing on its heel panel also represents the pool that Lance loved.

The numbers “78-17” can also be observed on the heel panels of the sneaker. The “78” on the left shoe symbolizes the year in which Lance Mountain remembered was the first time he saw the Nike Blazer shoe. The “17” on the right shoe denotes the year 2017 and also serves as a nod to the future.

Nike Blazer Low “Bonjour/Bonsoir”

Pieter Ceizer, a Dutch graphic artist, endows Sarah Andelman, Collete co-founder, with a pair of Nike Blazer that is customized for her. The Nike Blazer Low is in an all-white upper with a contrasting Colette blue Swoosh branding on the side panels with the words “Bonjour/Bonsoir” along in it. This pair of the Nike Blazer Lows is also a celebration for the Paris Fashion Week 2018.

Nike Blazer Swarovski PE

Nike teamed up with Swarovski to dress the Nike Blazer in a one-of-kind release that is in dedication to golf star, Michelle Wie. The crystal-covered silhouette exhibits 6,110 crystals adorned on its entire upper which also delivers the Aurora Borealis effect. Each of the crystal that was put on the shoe was hand-applied. The luxurious shoe will be worn by Wei during her competition on the 15^th anniversary of one of the most anticipated golf women’s team tournament. At the heel counter of the shoe is the word “Weizy” which is Michelle’s nickname.

Notable variations and colorways of the Nike Blazer sneakers

Aside from collaboration hypes and special editions that were released for the Nike Blazer, the sneaker has also undergone a number of structure and material iterations, as well as colorway variations. Some of these variations are mentioned below:

Nike Blazer Low (feat. 3D Chenille Swooshes)

Following after the likes of the Air Max 90, Benassi Slide, Air Force 1, and the Air Vortex, the Nike Blazer Low also takes on the textured Nike logo, the 3D Chenille Swooshes. The low-top version of the Nike Blazer sneaker features a majority of “Ice Blue” on its upper construction which is then complemented with tonal branding on its tongue. On its sides are the two-toned, notable Chenille Nike Swooshes.

Nike Blazer Royal Easter QS

Nike gave the touch of Easter to the Nike Blazer QS. Following the release of the Nike Air force 1 Low “Easter,” the Nike Blazer QS also displayed its own rendition of the holiday with a mild tone. A pastel mixture of blue and pink covers the combined leather, nubuck, and nylon upper structure of the sneaker. Finishing the look are the “Easter Egg” graphics that decorate the insole part of the silhouette.

Nike Blazer Mid Premium “Denim”

For the fall line-up of the Nike brand in 2017, it dressed the Nike Blazer Mid Premium silhouette in denim iteration. Most of the upper construction of the sneaker is covered in a denim-like material with some leather used for the Swoosh on its sides. Two colorways were released with one in a washed blue with some speckles of darker blue all-over while the other one is in a lighter washed blue and complemented with a darker tone of blue for the Nike branding on its tongue and for the heel tab.

Nike Blazer Chukka CS TC

In 2017, a new sleek look was given to the Nike Blazer silhouette. Named as the Nike Blazer Chukka CS TC, the sneaker comes in three distinctive colorways of “Deep Royal Blue,” “Pine Green,” and “University Red.” The shoe features a textured cowhide leather upper which is complemented with leather waxed laces. A quilted collar along with the sectional overlays is also among the design iteration of the shoe.

Nike Blazer Mid “Silt Red”

The “Silt Red” colorway for the Nike Blazer Mid was introduced by Nike in the year 2017. This variation of the classic basketball shoe displays a look that is perfect for the summer and fall seasons. The upper structure of the sneaker is built with rich, Nappa suede material which is covered in a mild combination of the colors pink and white. Finishing up the look is the “barely there Swoosh” on its sides and the Nike branding on the heel.

Nike Blazer “Laceless”

Ditching the traditional lace-up system, the Nike Blazer opts for the zip closure that runs from the toes up to the tongue. The shoe is built with a tonal black nubuck leather upper construction which is complemented by the crisp white vulcanized sole.

Full customization Nike Blazer shoes:

The Nike brand offers customization for its footwear products with the NIKEiD. Through the program, one is given the opportunity to tailor their favorite Nike shoes for their desired “performance, fit, and style.”

A wide variety of Nike product options is available for customization. The NIKEiD only allows Nike products to be customized and does not accept any customer-submitted products. The shoes that the brand offers under the program may vary on which part of its design the customer can give their own touch.

In the Nike official website, shoe models that are up for customization will be indicated or labeled as such.

Innovations Nike used for the Nike Blazer

Nike Zoom

The Nike Zoom technology was first introduced in the year 1995. Initially called as the “Tensile Air,” this technology was executed in the Nike Air Go LWP. It took more than a decade for this innovation’s development, including the research done to develop it before it was finally launched. More than 20 years later, the Nike Zoom Air continues to offer products that give off high-quality performance yet keeps a low-profile as it works as a responsive cushioning.

How does the Nike Zoom works?

With the thin, low-profile characteristic of the Nike Zoom, it offers the wearer a rather close encounter of the foot to the ground. It enables the wearer to have increased responsiveness and enhanced efficiency and stability. This technology was mainly designed to coordinate with the specific needs of athletes to give them a guarantee for balance of needed cushion and pressure in their field of sports. It is built with fibers that are stretched tightly inside the pressurized air unit that rebounds quickly into its original form.

The benefits that the Nike Zoom offers:

Aside from providing the athletic needs of firm ground feel, responsive cushioning, and efficient movement, the Nike Zoom also delivers the following benefits:

• Cushioning – with every ground strike the foot does, the cushioning absorbs the impact and gives the foot enhanced protection for the tendons, joints, and muscles. With its ability to quickly reshape after every impact, it shields the wearer against stress and fatigue.
• Lightweight – without sacrificing performance, the weight of the shoe is minimized with Nike Air Cushioning which is essential for an athlete as it lessens the energy that they need to exert in every movement.
• Durable – long lasting cushioning system that lasts the entire lifetime of a shoe is what the Nike Zoom offers.
• Versatile – diversity in performance is one of the things required by various sports players. With the Nike Zoom, the precise prescription of the performance for athletic purposes.

Shoes under the Nike Blazer collection that features the Nike Zoom technology:

• Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Canvas Deconstructed

Lance Mountain was the one behind the design of the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Canvas Deconstructed. This skateboarding shoe fuses together a deconstructed upper atop a vulcanized sole with a herringbone outsole pattern for an enhanced board feel.

Benefits from the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Canvas Deconstructed:

• Reliable Grip – the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low Canvas Deconstructed features the herringbone pattern on its outsole which provides the wearer a proper surface grip and control in every movement.
• Lightweight & Breathability – the upper construction of the sneaker that is built in deconstructed canvas material offers both breathability and a lightweight feel for the wearer.
• Responsive Cushioning – the Nike Zoom Air that is placed on the heel part of the shoe delivers quick responsive cushioning system.
• Nike SB Zoom Blazer Low – this version of the classic Nike Blazer features a leather upper construction combined with suede. A rubber toe tip which offers reliable durability complements the design of the shoe. For its cushioning is the Nike Zoom Air which delivers a low-profile, responsive cushioning system. Finishing off the whole design is the vulcanized sole of the sneaker.

Questions Customarily Asked Regarding Nike Blazer Sneakers Collection:

1. Since the Nike Blazer sneakers are initially designed for basketball and then adopted by the skateboarding enthusiasts, will any of these models function well mainly as fashion, casual shoes?

The Nike Blazer sneakers exhibit a simplistic yet stylishly versatile design that deliberately delivers a timeless appeal. These characteristics of these sneakers allow it to function fully well outside the categories that they were mostly known for. In the fashion industry, street-fashion covers a wide range of style ideas and the Nike Blazer shoes fit in this category effortlessly. Thus, this collection of sneakers can be used mainly for casual use.

2. Which outfit combinations would go well with a pair of Nike Blazers?

A wide variety of outfit options and combinations works well with the different Nike Blazer sneakers as it showcases a simple yet stylish and flexible design. Wearers can dress up or dress down with the sneaker because it offers the ability to complement different kinds of ensembles effortlessly stylish. One can go from a simple and casual t-shirt and jeans to a more semi-formal combination of a fitted jeans and button-up shirt, topped off with a blazer/coat or a jacket.

3. Are the Nike Blazer shoes unisex?

Nike shoe models may be offered for both men and women, women’s exclusive, or unisex. Unisex Nike Blazer Sneakers or any other models from the brand are most commonly provided in men’s sizing. If a woman buyer wants to purchase a pair from any of these shoes, deducting 1.5 to 2 from the men’s sizing is applicable.

4. What are the Nike Blazer sneakers that are in women’s sizing?

Originally released as a basketball shoe, the Nike Blazer has come a long way, and as time went on, the silhouette has come across plenty changes, developments, and has evolved into different versions of itself.

As it has made a name for itself and became popular among many, variations have emerged for the silhouette, including models that are intended for women. Here are a few:

Nike Blazer Mid Rebel, Nike Blazer Low Floral, Nike Blazer Low LE

5. What are the factors to consider when buying a pair of Nike Blazer shoes?

When purchasing a pair of shoes, some factors should be considered to get the right product which would fit one’s taste and needs. The following are some of the considerations to be taken when making a purchase of Nike Blazer shoes:

• Fit – It is also known as the width of the shoe which medium width comes in D for men and B for women. The width/fit of the shoe is one of the most important things for a buyer to consider when getting a new pair of shoes as there are some who do not have the standard foot width and usually shoes are offered in medium width. Being aware of one’s foot width would allow them to find alternate solutions in getting the right pair of shoe that will accommodate their foot width.
• Sizing – The sizing or the length of the shoe is different for both men and women. Most often the men’s sizing goes from size 4 US to size 16 US and women’s sizing ranges from size 5 US to size 12.5 US. The sizing may vary from each brand and each model. There may be some that will run small or run largely on foot.
• Comfort – in every shoe that a person purchase, comfort is one of the things that should be first considered as nobody wants to have an uncomfortable experience when wearing a shoe for a long period.
• Style/Design/Cut – for sneakers, the structure and the design of the shoe in general plays an important part for a buyer to choose the model they want to purchase. As sneakers mostly lean towards style, the appearance and the appeal of the shoe is essential, especially when it plays a significant role in one’s look.

6. Can the Nike Blazer sneakers accommodate wide feet?

People with wide feet often encounter the problem of not easily finding the right shoes to accommodate their foot well. Most of the brands commonly produce shoes with a medium width in which the immediate solution that buyers think of is going up in size to give more room for their wide feet.

Accommodation for wide feet from any shoe model may also vary with the construction and materials used for the shoe as there are models that even built with medium width, they can still adjust and adapt to one’s foot shape.

7. Which material used for a Nike Blazer lifestyle sneaker is more durable?

The kinds of materials that the brand uses for its product can be trusted to be of the best quality. The durability of every variation of the Nike Blazer sneakers does not necessarily depend on which specific material is used on each model. The lifespan of the shoe also varies on the treatment, the care process, or the amount of use the wearer does. A shoe will most likely last longer if it is treated with proper care and less abuse.

8. Are there any Nike Blazer shoes that are waterproof?

Nike produces its Blazer silhouettes with the traditional material that it has used since the inception of the shoe. The most common materials that the brand has used on the different variations of the Nike Blazer shoes are leather and suede. Waterproof-specific materials are not yet used as material iteration for the sneaker. As of now, waterproof Nike Blazer is still not in production.

Author

Danny McLoughlin

Danny is a sneakerhead turned sneaker industry expert that believes a good outfit begins from the feet up. His aunt currently isn't speaking to him for wearing a pair of kicks at his cousin's wedding. He spends most of his time trying to keep on top of the latest releases, hitting up his contacts and doing what needs to be done to secure his next pickup. Danny has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Washington Post, The Irish Times, Footwear News and the like.

daniel@runrepeat.com