From Courts to Skate Parks
In 1973, the Blazer became the first basketball shoe Nike released after officially becoming Nike Inc. in 1971. Renowned for its simplicity, the original featured only a leather upper, a mesh tongue, and a vulcanized rubber midsole and outsole.
Years later, after Nike had introduced its Air cushioning to its basketball lineup with the Air Force 1 in 1982, another segment of sneaker wearers began to take notice of the Blazer Mid: skateboarders.
Skaters have always appreciated shoes that offer solid ankle protection, and they found that the vulcanized rubber outsole helped them stick to their grip tape.
In 2005, Nike spokesman Lance Mountain, a skater himself, reintroduced the Blazer Mid SB. The reimagined shoe featured low-profile Zoom Air cushioning and extra padding on the tongue, officially becoming a skate shoe.
Put the Blazer in Your Rotation
That hardly means the Nike Blazer Mid is only for skaters. And basketball shoe technology has evolved to incorporate countless performance elements. But the Blazer lives on with a kicked-back streetwear-inspired style that’s also a visual connection to athletic heritage.
The Blazer 77 features a slightly layered reinforcement at the outer midfoot and across the toe box. Earlier versions featured only the lateral reinforcement or, in true OGs, none at all.
This gave Nike designers an opportunity for even more colorblocking, while also allowing its wearers to show off their individual style with a selection of bold colors. Pick from fun colorways like bright blue, orange, green, or the classic black and white.
Designers also mixed it up from the all-leather upper to suede, incorporating unique designs like plaid and tie-dye. Solid or patterned, Nike Blazers will add a retro touch to any outfit.
Pair those designs with Nike throwback-inspired apparel such as T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets, to help complete your vintage look.
And with the Nike Blazer Mid also available at Foot Locker in sizes for men, women, and kids, there are options for everyone.
