Picking the most iconic silhouettes from Nike's abundant archive is no easy feat. But when discussing the true OGs of the brand's roster, the Nike Blazer undoubtedly deserves a mention. One of the Swoosh's longest-standing silhouettes, the Nike Blazer first entered the footwear world in 1973, when the sportswear giant was just nine years old.
Designed to be a basketball shoe first and foremost, the Blazer was able to compete with the handful of brands already dominating this arena at the time — Converse and PUMA to name two — thanks to its cutting-edge sneaker technology. NBA star George "The Iceman" Gervin was the first player to sport them on the court, introducing the silhouette, as well as Nike's recently-created Swoosh, to NBA fans across the globe.
New technologies in basketball sneakers meant that the heavy-leather, rubber sole Nike Blazer was soon out-performed. However, skateboarders found its build to be perfect for bearing falls and scrapes, thus inducting the shoe into another subculture, one in which it still has a place.
Another reason for the silhouette's enduring presence is that its strength lies in its simple aesthetic. An easily-styled sneaker, and an ideal canvas for Nike's striking logo, the Nike Blazer has barely changed since its inception. And why should it?
To modern remakes of the '70s classics to hyped collaborations with the likes of Off-White™ and sacai, we've picked out some of our favorite Nike Blazer releases, all of which can be shopped at Stadium Goods.
Shop the best Nike Blazer sneakers below.
Nike Blazer 77 VNTG
Paying respects to its own '70s roots, the 77 VNTG edition of the Blazer is a good reference point for the silhouette's enduring popularity. Understated and clean, this sneaker will slot into pretty much all rotations with ease.
Nike SB Blazer Mid
As you'll see through this selection, the Blazer is a versatile canvas that's open for interpretation. Some are more pared-back than others, though. Case in point: this black and white colorway.
Nike x sacai Blazer "Triple White"
Nike and sacai lay claim to one of the most in-demand sneaker partnerships of recent years. In 2019, the pair combined for this double-Swoosh take on the Blazer.
Nike x sacai Blazer "University Blue"
Another colorway from the Nike x sacai collab, this sneaker got the layered treatment, too. It also makes use "University Blue," an iconic shade in basketball folklore, in homage to its origin.
Nike x Off-White™ Blazer "All Hallows Eve"
As well as sacai, Virgil Abloh and Off-White™ also brought a healthy dose of attention to the Blazer, first through the rework as part of "The 10" collection in 2017. The pair teamed up again for this Halloween-themed Blazer from 2018.
Nike Blazer 77 VNTG “Optic Yellow”
Another one that stays true to the classic form of the OG basketball silhouette, this release from 2019 bears a bold yellow Swoosh, perfect for a hot summer.
Nike SB Blazer "PRM"
After the Blazer's favor on the basketball court faded, Nike made modifications to the Blazer in response to its new-found place within the skateboarding community. The Nike SB Blazer "PRM" is one of the models born out of that shift.
Nike Blazer 77 VNTG "Snakeskin"
The 2019 Nike x Soulland collab, which dressed the Blazer in an all-over snakeskin print, sold out quickly via limited release and now attracts a high price at resale. This snakeskin Swoosh iteration is a smart alternative.
Nike SB x Parra Blazer Low
Dutch artist Parra teamed up with Nike SB for a two-sneaker capsule in 2019, comprising a joint-effort Nike Dunk and this Low Blazer. Pink, red, and blue shades combine with a quadruple Swoosh for an interesting take on the classic.
Nike x Off-White™ Blazer x Serena Williams "Queen"
Released in the run-up to the 2018 US Open tennis tournament, this special edition of the silhouette was produced in collaboration with, and honor of, Serena Williams. Translucent materials, pinks and purples, and a neon green Off-White™ tag make this one unique Blazer.
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