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Nike Blazers are named after the Portland Trail Blazers and release in various formats. Here are some of the currently available versions.
What Nike Blazers Are For
The Blazer is a casual shoe that started as a basketball sneaker. Over time, new sneaker technology made the model obsolete for hoops. Some modern versions are now skate shoes.
This model runs the gamut as far as colorways, premium versions, limited editions and high-profile collabs. While there are dozens of versions of Nike Blazers floating around, here are some of the types currently available.
Nike Blazer Mid + Low 77 Vintage
The Nike Blazer 77 is a relatively recent release that throws back to the original paneling and shape of the original releases from the 70s.
The sneaker is available in traditional leather makeups as well as suede. We also get a mid cut as well as a low cut.
When it comes to really getting a traditional pair of Blazers just like those from the 70s, the 77 VNTG pairs are about the closest available right now. They come in a variety of basic colors as well as expanded versions with updated materials and colorways. The typical color combo is white + accent color on the swoosh, but variations of course exist.
The materials on these aren’t anything amazing, but then again they likely weren’t premium back in the 70s either! As far as comfort, the Blazer is not renowned for its cushiness. The technology is almost 50 years old. We get more of a standard “retro” fit on the Blazer.
One annoying thing about the model has always been the amount of eyelets. This is typically not a shoe you lace up once and then slide your feet in and out of moving forward. A good solution if this bothers you is to get the lowtop version.
As a matter of fact, although I like the “traditional” mid cut on the Blazer as far as historically and visually, for convenience and comfort I prefer the lowtop version.
Nike Blazer “Leather”
The Blazer Leather is a somewhat more modern take on the model. These also come in mids and lows.
One difference from the 77 VNTG models is the lack of a front toebox rand. Additionally, the entire upper on the Leather versions is, well, leather. This is as opposed to hits of suede and nubuck found on the 77 releases.
The quality on these releases is also pretty basic, and the leather seems about on par with the VNTG pairs mentioned above. Comfort is the same too; in fact, these are essentially the same shoe with just a few different details as far as shape and paneling. As someone once pointed out to me, these do give off a bit of a “bowling shoe” vibe. If this bothers you, I highly suggest going the 77 VNTG route instead.
There are versions of the Nike Blazer that have the “SE” label. Blazers with the “SE” label typically have some kind of upgrade to them, be it an insole graphic or enhanced material variety. SE in Nike terms typically indicates “Special Edition”.
Nike SB Blazer (Mid, Low, GT)
The Dunk isn’t the only retro basketball sneaker to be converted into a skate shoe. The Nike Blazer has also been snatched up and rebuilt under the SB umbrella.
The model is available in a mid and low. Recently, skater Grant Taylor has adapted the lowtop version as his signature shoe.
The paneling of these kicks more closely resembles the Blazer Leather as opposed to the VNTG 77 models. We definitely get more of the rounded toecap shape found on that version.
The SB line traditionally adds more padding and Zoom Air in the insole which for some means SB Blazers are more comfortable than non-SB pairs when worn casually. However some SB Blazers actually go with a more stripped down approach and include less padding, so make sure you know the details on whatever colorway you’re planning on buying.
As with the Leather and VNTG models, premium and limited pairs as well as sought-after collabs constantly emerge on the SB Blazer.
Off-White and Sacai collabs
These two brands aren’t the only high-profile collabs that have dropped on the Blazer model. However, they are two of the most iconic as far as changing the way people view the Blazer in terms of streetwear fashion.
While the Off-White Blazer is not really my cup of tea as far as what I would personally wear, I cannot deny the impact the collab has had. Virgil Abloh (RIP) was really onto something with his line of new takes on Nike models. While other models got the OW treatment, the Blazers are among the most popular of the collaborations to this day!
The Off-White releases as well as the Sacai collaborations in my view helped usher in the deconstructed wave on sneakers, particularly with regards to re-imagining retro models. If any of the Nike Sportswear or skate-oriented Blazers mentioned above are “too plain” for you, brands like OW and Sacai are there to provide a different take.
If you can afford them, that is. Many of these extremely limited releases go for high amounts of resale these days. It just goes to show you that even an old model can still be very collectible when a refreshing new take is produced in limited amounts.
Although now that the influence is there, many “regular” releases of the Blazer sport deconstructed panels, patchwork uppers, zig-zag swooshes, elements that hang off the shoe, etc. So if the limited collabs are out of your price range, fear not, as some of the bits and pieces from those looks have made their way onto the more “traditional” releases as well.
Nike Blazer Jumbo
The Blazer Jumbo is a relatively new version of the model that comes in both a mid and low cut. The sneaker pulls from the exaggerated looks of newer deconstructed models.
Personally I like the look of the low top versions and find the mid to look a little too extreme. I haven’t grabbed a pair as of the writing of this article, but wouldn’t mind a clearance come up of the white/black lows at some point.
I’m not sure if this model will remain a fixture or become just another “modernized” take on a vintage model that will fade away, but I have to hand it to Nike on at least attempting to innovate different old school kicks.
It is clear the Blazer has a long history, and it isn’t going anywhere! In fact, Nike keeps releasing both basic versions and special versions, all while continuing to tinker with different elements of the sneaker. So whether you prefer traditional or next-level, the ‘big N’ will have you covered, and it doesn’t look like they’re stopping anytime soon!
Buy Nike Blazers on: eBay