Facts
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Top
Low Top
Extremely popular sneakers because of their price range, versatility when it comes to style, and freedom of movement. Almost everyone is guaranteed to have low-top sneakers in their shoe rotation.
Mid Top
Mid-top sneakers extend toward the ankle for a little more support and hold. These lie somewhere in the middle between low-top and high-top sneakers in terms of usage and popularity.
High Top
Sneakers with collars that go above the ankles for optimal hold and support are some of the most sought-after models in lifestyle shoes. Most of these shoes take their roots from basketball and have easily or fashionably crossed to mainstream wear.
Good to know
Regardless of cut, it's always good to start with sneakers that can be worn for the daily grind, also called as "beaters" by some, as these are usually cheaper, easy to clean, and still gives that lifestyle "edge" before going for those wallet-thinning models.
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Inspired from
Sports
Sneakers dominantly take their heritage from running, basketball, skate, tennis, training, hiking, and football. Still retaining a few of their performance-based technologies, these sneakers have transcended their respective niches and have successfully and popularly transformed themselves as staples of fashion footwear.
Casual
Sneakers designed for a laidback, "cool" vibe that is built for lifestyle wear right from the get-go.
Good to know
Brands are now blending elements of performance and casual appeal in basically every sneaker. One can hardly go wrong with a sports-inspired sneaker or a simple casual shoe.
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Collection
Good to know
Shoes sharing the same inspiration, history, materials, or technologies are routinely assembled under one compilation for the convenience of those who may wish to categorize or label their own collection as such. The classic collections like the Adidas Originals, Air Max 1, Air Force 1, new balance classic sneakers, and the Classic Leather head the pack of frequently asked about collections.
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Price$85
Rankings
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Fit & Sizing
The mid-top design and low-to-the-ground fit of the Nike SB Blazer Mid make it a stable sneaker with superior herringbone tread pattern for an enhanced grip and traction. The sneaker has a thick cushioned collar that goes all the way to the ankle but does not restrict movement while its laced-up design assures complete lockdown. Available men’s sizes, this medium-width sneaker range from size 4 to 14 with half-sizes for an accurate fit. Women should go a full size down to get an equivalent fit.
Nike SB Blazer Mid Style
The minimalist style of the Nike SB Blazer Mid with only a large Swoosh on the sides as an accent is probably the reason why many skaters consider it either as a skate shoe or casual footwear. Add to it the sturdy built from the vulcanized construction that keeps it stable amid runs, tricks, and jumps at the park. What further attracts skaters and non-skaters alike into the overall design of the Blazer is the vast variety of materials used in the upper that is also offered in various colorways and combinations.
The Nike SB Blazer Mid is also the ideal retro sneaker of choice of people who want to grab a pair of casual kicks in a few minutes time and head out to explore the world from the crowded city streets to the nearby parks for a few jumps. Pair them with jeans, and they look functional and stylish. Match them with khakis or some walking shorts, and they still look good. There’s hardly any kind of casual wear that these mid-top shoes don’t match.
Notable Features
The retro appeal of the iconic Blazer silhouette is the main centerpiece of the design that has endured several colorways and iterations since it was included in the Nike SB footwear portfolio. Each mid-top skateboarding shoe is equipped with the signature Nike Zoom Air unit in the heel of the sockliner that delivers responsive cushioning for jumps and tricks. Regarding aesthetics, a Tudor Rose embroidered patch at the heel is inspired by Lance Mountain’s heritage that depicts the sun-bleached look reminiscent of the So Cal vibe where the skate culture originated.
Nike SB Blazer Mid History
George “The Iceman” Gervin first donned the iconic hoops silhouette of the Nike Blazer when it was released in 1973. The iconic basketball sneaker with its signature large swoosh logo on the side panel was a hit among basketball players during the 1970s. However, the fame of the shoe did not stop there. In the 1980s, the minimalist design with its decent tread and sturdy vulcanized construction made it famous as footwear in the growing skateboarding culture. The sturdy sneaker with an excellent grip soon became a favorite among amateur and professional skaters.
The Blazer is now being sold under the skateboarding sub-brand Nike SB. Nike SB was first launched in 2002 with the Nike SB Dunk as its first models with incredible new features like Zoom Air insoles, thickly padded collars, and improved stitching that geared the brand’s shoes for skateboarding.
It was only in 2007, however, that the Blazer silhouette finally entered the Nike SB portfolio with the entry of pro skater Lance Mountain as an endorser of then the Nike Blazer SB. Soon several versions from the high-top, mid-top, and low-top were released. Among the versions of the shoe included the Nike SB Blazer Vintage, Nike SB Blazer High and Low Vintage, Nike SB Blazer Leather, Nike Blazer High Suede and the Nike SB Blazer Mid. The Blazer Mid has thick soles and a clean finish. Over the years, the Blazer Mid had several unique colorways. The latest ones include the University Blue with an English Rose patch at the back.
Another favorite colorway is the Tony Alva-inspired Iridescent Blazer Mid. The design sports a color-faded Canvas Swoosh in iridescent hues with the numbers 78 and 17 on the leather embossed heels of the shoe. Tony Alva of the famous Bones Brigade was an icon in the skateboarding scene in the late 1970s when he donned a pair of Blazers in the cult-classic movie Skateboard in 1978.
Aside from Lance Mountain and Tony Alva, other pro skaters that have collaborated or inspired the Blazer Mid silhouette is Donovan Piscopo who made modifications in the Blazers with a shortened collar and a leather upper with a thick rubber toecap for durability resulting in the release of the Nike SB Blazer Mid XT which stands for extra tough. Other collaborations for the Mids include those from famous streetwear labels Off White and Supreme.
Additional Info
- American Rapper Post Malone had a custom Nike SB Blazer Mids courtesy of sneaker customizer Jake Danklefs.
- Other celebrities seen sporting Nike SB Blazer Mids include Wiz Khalifa, Rihanna, Wale, Chad Johnson, and Benji Madden.