The History of the Nike Blazer
The very first Nike Blazer was released in 1973 and was initially marketed solely as a basketball shoe. At that time, the company was only 9 years old and not even known by the name “Nike”.
Blue Ribbon Sports was founded in 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. At that time, the company's main activity was importing shoes from Japan and selling them in the USA. It wasn't until 1971, when graphic designer Carolyn Davidson designed the company's logo, which we now know as the Swoosh, that Nike began producing its own shoes.
Just two years after Nike was founded as an independent shoe manufacturer, the young company's first shoe came onto the market. They took a simple white shoe and placed their logo on the sides. The Nike Blazer was born, and with its sleek, simple design, was an instant success.
At that time, a rubber sole was still the most common technology for sports shoes. All the technologies in terms of material, processing and cushioning were far from being developed.
It was only thanks to Bill Bowerman that research began into functional footwear that would effectively support athletes in sports. Nevertheless, it would be years before Nike used air as cushioning for the first time and recruited Michael Jordan as the face of their basketball line.
The name of the shoe came from Nike's local pro basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers, but the shoe became famous through someone else. George "The Iceman" Gervin was a shooting guard for the San Antonio Spurs and switched from adidas to Nike because he was convinced by their innovations.
The large logo on the Nike Blazer was the perfect branding, because whenever Gervin played, the large swoosh on the otherwise white shoe immediately caught your eye. This is how the shoe developed from a pure basketball sneaker into an icon, and over the past 50 years, the Nike Blazer has become a true classic among sneaker lovers.
Nike Blazer: Answering Your Questions
When did the Nike Blazer come onto the market?
The Nike Blazer was first released in 1973 as a basketball sneaker, but was quickly picked up as a lifestyle shoe and skater favourite. Today, it's one of Nike's most iconic silhouettes.
Who was the first person to wear Nike Blazers?
The Nike Blazer owes its popularity mainly to basketball player George Gervin, who wore the sneaker on court. He was Nike's first athlete to receive a 'player exclusive' shoe, with 'ICEMAN' featured on the heel of the Blazer instead of the typical branding.
Do Nike Blazers fit true to size?
The Blazer tends to run one size smaller, especially if you have wide feet, so you should order one size larger!
Are Nike Blazers breathable?
Unlike a lot of more modern models, the Nike Blazer doesn't feature any mesh or other breathable parts in its construction. It only has a couple of ventilation holes, so if breathability is your priority when purchasing a new pair of sneakers, the Blazer shouldn't be your first choice.
What is the difference between the Nike Blazer and the SB Blazer?
The Nike Blazer was originally designed for basketball. The Nike SB Blazer was designed by Lance Mountain specifically for skateboarding and is part of Nike's SB brand.
The SB Blazer appeared in 2005 and differs not only visually but also functionally from the Nike Blazer. The SB Blazer has Zoom cushioning, which makes it ideal for skating, an upper made of robust suede and a different cut.
How do you style the Nike Blazer?
The Nike Blazer has a versatile look that goes well with different outfits. For inspiration on styling the model, check out our article here!
How do you tie the Nike Blazer?
For guidance on tying your Blazer laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How to tell if Nike Blazer are fake?
You don't recognise fake Blazers by one fixed indicator. In fact, it is a combination of indicators that vary from pair to pair. However, you can use these indicators to virtually determine whether a pair of Blazers are genuine:
Material and colour, stitching, smell (fakes might have a strong chemical odour), weight (fakes tend to be lighter than the real thing), placement of the Swoosh, shape of the heel, discrepancies on the tongue, nose, insole and outsole, errors on the size label, incorrect product code (SKU), flimsy or faded packaging, lack of or discrepancies in accessories and, finally, judging prices and sellers.
How do you clean Nike Blazers?
A Nike Blazer should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy the Nike Blazer?
Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Nike Blazer at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Blazer restocks and new releases!
Notable Collaborations on the Nike Air Max 1
Nike Blazer x Stüssy
Stüssy's collaboration on the Nike Blazer in 2002 set the foundation for future partnerships as one of Nike's earliest streetwear collaborations. The sneaker was made from premium materials with bold colour-blocking and co-branded detailing, helping to bridge the gap between sportswear and street culture.
They took things further in 2008 with a release that featured snakeskin-textured uppers in a luxurious twist.
Nike Blazer x Supreme
Supreme's 2006 collaboration on the Nike Blazer Mid remains one of the most coveted Blazer releases ever. The design was inspired by luxury fashion, and featured quilted leather uppers, faux snakeskin Swooshes, and Gucci-style colour blocking. It was released in three colorways, 'Red', 'Black' and 'White', and set a new standard for high-end sneaker aesthetics.
Nike Blazer x Off-White
In one of the most iconic sneaker collaborations of all time, the Nike Blazer Mid that featured in Virgil Abloh's 'The Ten' collection was a game-changer. His deconstructed take on the model featured a stitched-on, oversized Swoosh, an exposed foam tongue, and Off-White's signature zip-tie. Its mix of vintage aesthetics with modern design made it one of the most sought-after releases in the 2017 drop.
Off-White followed up on the Blazer in 2018 with a two-pack Halloween-inspired release. The 'All Hallows Eve' and 'Grim Reaper' represented both sides of the holiday, with the first symbolising the fun parts like pumpkin carving and trick 'r treating, and the other symbolising the darker, spookier side.
Nike Blazer x Kaws x Sacai
In 2021, Japanese luxury fashion brand Sacai and American artist Kaws came together to release a truly standout four-pack of the Nike Blazer Low. The 'Neptune Blue', 'Reed', 'Team Red' and 'Purple Dusk' blended Kaws' signature colour palette with Sacai's layered design aesthetic, and was a highly anticipated collaboration.
Nike Blazer Variations
Over the years, the classic design of the Nike Blazer has been joined by a number of special variations and different versions.
Nike Blazer Low
This casual alternative to the more common mid-cut version keeps the clean lines and retro appeal of the classic Blazer, with gives greater ankle mobility.
The Blazer Low generally features a leather or suede upper, vulcanised rubber sole, and minimalist aesthetic for every-day wear.
Nike Blazer Mid
The most widely recognised version of the Nike Blazer, the Mid is known for its mid-cut ankle support and timeless appeal.
Originally a basketball shoe, it’s now a lifestyle staple, appearing in suede, leather, and canvas variations. The exposed foam tongue and retro branding add to its nostalgic charm.
Nike Blazer High
The High version of the Blazer offers extra ankle support and a taller profile when compared to the Mid.
This version is rarer, with a snug fit, extended collar, and old-school detailing that helps it stand out as a favourite for vintage purists.
Nike Blazer Platform
The Blazer Platform takes the classic Blazer silhouette and adds a chunky, lifted sole for a modern twist. While it maintains the same upper as the Blazer Mid, this version enhances height and presence.
The exaggerated sole not only adds a contemporary edge, but also improves cushioning, increasing both the style and comfort of the shoe.
Nike Blazer Jumbo
A modern reinterpretation of the classic model, the Jumbo features oversized elements, including an exaggerated Swoosh, extra-thick laces, and a larger foam tongue for a chunky, retro-futuristic look.
While it retains the core DNA of the original Blazer, it takes on bolder proportions for a standout look – elastic panels at the heel are a convenient touch for easy slip-on.
Nike Blazer Rebel
Breaking away from traditional sneaker design, the Rebel challenges conventional sneaker construction with asymmetrical lacing, deconstructed details, and an offbeat aesthetic.
With its twisted, rebellious look, it often features misplaced logos, reverse Swooshes, or unexpected material combinations. It embraces an unfinished, DIY look, making it a favourite for those looking for something outside the box.
Nike Blazer Mid Edge
The Mid Edge, inspired by skate and street culture, takes on a worn-in, DIY look, featuring exposed stitching, layered panels, and raw-edge details.
This variation often includes multiple Swoosh overlays and mixed materials for a unique handcrafted appearance. It combines vintage style with experimental daring at the same time.
Popular Nike Blazer Colorways
Nike have released many successful colorways on the Blazer, and these are some of the most popular and all-time favourites.
Nike Blazer Mid 77 Vintage OG 'Black Swoosh' | BQ6806-100
The Vintage 'Black Swoosh' takes things back to basics with a simple white leather upper and black Swoosh.
The versatile sneaker pays homage to the very first models released in 1977, adding suede panels on the nose and forefoot in a light grey to complete the understated but stylish look.
Nike Blazer Mid 77 Floral Pack 'Light Sienna' | DC9265-101
This floral sneaker uses a white upper made from leather and canvas as a base for its more colourful accents.
Taking inspiration from acacia trees, and the catechu extract derived from them, it features an earthy brown tone on the tongue and heel, while the Swoosh and upper heel are coloured pink. The acacia detailed on the outer ankle adds a beautiful finishing touch.
Nike Blazer Mid 'Paint' | DC7331-100
The 'Paint' takes a white leather and grey suede upper and uses it as a canvas for paint splatters of blue, black, yellow and red.
The black Swoosh and Nike logo on the heel tab are faded for effect, adding to the overall design and giving the sneaker a distinctive, arty look.
Nike Blazer Mid '77 'Campfire Orange' | DM2872-100
The 'Campfire Orange' is a WMNS release on the Blazer Mid '77, featuring an upper constructed from a combination of leather, suede and canvas for a textured and layered look.
A Campfire Orange Swoosh and heel branding adds a pop of fierce colour, and combine with blue heel panel and yellow eye-stay panels for a outstanding look.
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