Verdict from +100 user reviews
10 reasons to buy
- An overwhelming majority of reviewers of the Nike SB Blazer Mid find them to be of excellent quality for casual wear and some decent rounds of skateboarding.
- Some heaped praises for the numerous varieties of colorways offered almost every season for the hoops-inspired turned skateboarding kicks.
- Many customers find them reasonably priced that are well-worth the comfort and durability the budget-friendly footwear offers.
- Some expressed interest in the sneaker because it is offered in a vast variety of materials like leather, synthetic leather, and canvas or textile.
- Several wearers commented that the Nike SB Blazer Mid is lightweight enough for a few tricks and jumps during skate sessions.
- The traction patterns at the bottom of the low-profile sole have good grip and exceptional boardfeel, others noted.
- The Zoom Air cushioning on each sneaker’s heel is commendable for providing comfort not only during skating but also when taking long walks.
- The mid-top build allows for extra protection without being too constricting of movements, one user posted.
- Some observers say the minimalist look and casual style makes each pair a great “everyday shoe.”
- Numerous reviewers say they were delighted with their purchase because of the ample cushioning in the interior that aids in achieving a good fit and extra padding inside.
3 reasons not to buy
- A couple of reviewers say there were a few tearing, scuffs, and holes on the Nike SB Blazer Mid after a few months of skateboarding sessions.
- According to one skateboarder, if planning to bring these kicks for daily skate sessions paying a few extra dollars would not hurt in spending for the XT or “extra tough” version of this mid-top sneaker as this sneaker is not for competitive tricks and jumps.
- One customer was dissatisfied with the narrow fit of the mid-top shoe.
Bottom line
An iconic sneaker silhouette like the Nike SB Blazer Mid is a sure cop for those wanting a budget-friendly casual sneaker with respectable features. The enduring mid-top and low-to-the-ground design of the heritage hoops sneaker turned skateboarding staple are reasons enough to buy a pair. The herringbone tread pattern and a Nike Air Zoom unit at the heel of the forefoot further make the vintage mid-top into a comfortable sneaker for those looking for retro-styled kicks that are both beautiful at skate parks and as casual streetwear for everyday use.
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Good to know
The mid-top design and low-to-the-ground fit of the Nike SB Blazer Mid make it a stable sneaker with a 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 in 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.
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 for 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.
The retro appeal of the iconic Nike Blazer shoes 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.
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 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.
- 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.
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