Amanda Knapp
The Nike Blazer Mid '77 is a shoe with a rich history in basketball. First released in 1973 as Nike's first-ever basketball shoe, it was introduced in the NBA by George Iceman Gervin of the San Antonio Spurs. The shoe was a performance basketball shoe, but over time it transcended into a casual, everyday sneaker. In the 2000s, it became popular among skateboarders due to its flat sole and enforced upper construction. Today, the Nike Blazer Mid '77 is known for its timeless design, versatility, and minimalistic vibe, making it a favourite for those seeking a stylish and comfortable shoe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Style | Vintage hoops |
| Design | Timeless, retro-tinged |
| Upper | Leather or nylon |
| Tongue | Exposed foam |
| Ankle | Lightly padded |
| Sole | Flat, vulcanized |
| Traction | Herringbone pattern |
| Cushioning | EVA insole |
| Sizing | True to size |
| Width | Accommodates wider feet |
| Price | $67.97-$105 |
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What You'll Learn
Nike Blazer Mid '77: Style and Design
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a stylish shoe with a rich history. Originally designed as basketball shoes, they are now a popular choice for casual wear, offering both flexibility and versatility. With a minimalistic and clean design, these sneakers are incredibly versatile and can be styled with a variety of outfits, from oversized pants to skinny jeans. The exposed foam on the tongue and the special midsole finish give the shoe a vintage, retro look, while the crisp leather upper and suede accents provide a premium feel.
The Blazer Mid 77 has a high collar that can be laced up all the way to the top, adding to its unique style. While the shoe provides some lateral support, it is not designed for performance basketball anymore. Its structure may not offer the same ankle support as specific basketball shoes, but this trade-off results in easier and smoother walks, making it perfect for casual wear.
The outsole of the Blazer Mid 77 is average in thickness and has a flat feel. While it may not be suitable for the basketball court, it is durable enough for urban surfaces and everyday use. The quality materials used in the construction of the shoe contribute to its overall stylish and minimalistic aesthetic.
For those who want to express their creativity, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 also offers customisation options. Users can choose from a range of fun materials and hardware, such as classic leather or a python finish, and personalise everything from the graphics to the tongue labels and aglets. With its timeless design, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a versatile and fashionable choice for anyone looking to make a statement.
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History of the Nike Blazer
The Nike Blazer was created in the early 1970s and was named after the local pro basketball team, the Portland Trail Blazers. The shoe was first worn by members of the team in 1972, who wore prototypes of the Nike Bruin. The Bruin and the Blazer are often confused due to their similarities, but the Blazer hit the court in December 1972. A catalog from that time described the shoe as:
> Rugged and well built for the maximum in support and comfort, the Blazer HT is the choice of champions coast to coast.
The Nike Blazer was constructed using the finest calf leather upper, which was attached to the sole through a vulcanizing process, a technique that only a few Japanese factories could execute at the time. Not long after their release, the Blazer was available in suede leather with "colours made for winners". When basketball star George "The Iceman" Gervin joined the league, he was the first Nike athlete to receive a "player exclusive" shoe. This Blazer featured "ICEMAN" on the heel where "NIKE" would usually appear.
The Nike Blazer has since become a part of the Nike Skateboarding (SB) sub-brand, with the first skate-specific Blazer being created in 2005. The Nike Blazer SB was designed with new features such as a padded collar and insoles, with Nike Zoom Air technology to accommodate skaters. The shoe has remained relevant in sneaker culture, with Nike collaborating with other clothing brands to create new Blazer colourways.
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Performance and Comfort
The Nike Blazer Mid '77 is a stylish shoe with a rich history in basketball. While it is no longer considered a performance basketball shoe, it is still suitable for occasional use on the court. The shoe's flat sole and enforced upper construction make it a popular choice for skateboarders. The Nike Blazer Mid '77 is also versatile and comfortable enough for everyday wear, pairing well with various wardrobe choices, from casual to business casual attire.
The shoe's high collar wraps around the ankles, providing some lateral support. However, its structure is not designed to offer a high level of containment or lockdown feel, and it may not be suitable for intense activities or serious cardio. The Nike Blazer Mid '77 is flexible and durable, with quality materials that ensure a smooth and comfortable walking experience around town.
The shoe features a lightly padded ankle area, adding an elegant touch to its design. The sole unit is flat and vulcanized, similar to classic pairs of Converse or Vans, providing stability and durability. The outsole has a standard herringbone pattern that offers adequate traction for casual use. The EVA insole and the chambers within the midsole provide basic cushioning, which is suitable for a casual sneaker.
The Nike Blazer Mid '77 has a unique design with a crisp leather upper and bold retro branding. It features exposed foam on the tongue and suede accents, giving it a premium and timeless look. The elongated lacing system allows for easy adjustment to ensure a perfect fit. The shoe is available in both leather and nylon upper versions, with the leather option feeling smooth to the touch and accommodating various foot sizes.
While the Nike Blazer Mid '77 offers comfort and style, it may not be the best choice for those with pre-existing foot issues. Some reviews mention a narrow footbed and stiffness, and the lack of perforations in the design might make it less breathable in hot weather. However, the nylon version is recommended for warmer temperatures. Overall, the Nike Blazer Mid '77 is a versatile and comfortable shoe that has stood the test of time, making it a beloved choice for many.
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Nike Blazer Mid '77: Durability
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a stylish shoe with a minimalist aesthetic. It is a versatile sneaker that can be worn with various outfits and on multiple occasions. While the shoe is quite flat, with a low heel and forefoot stack, it provides good ground feel. The thin insole and lack of cushioning make it unsuitable for all-day wear, as prolonged use can cause foot pain.
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is made with quality and durable materials. Its suede toebox scored a 5/5 on a durability test, while its heel padding was rated 2/5. The shoe's outsole thickness is average at 5.8 mm, and it has a high collar that can be laced up all the way to the top. The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is flexible and comfortable for walking around town, but it is not designed for performance basketball or rigorous activities.
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a durable shoe, but its durability depends on the specific part of the shoe being considered. While the toebox is highly durable, the heel padding is less so. The shoe's outsole is average in thickness and can withstand urban surfaces, but it may not be suitable for more intense activities like basketball. Overall, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a durable shoe for casual use, but it may not withstand the demands of performance or sports-related activities.
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a versatile and stylish shoe that can be worn on various occasions. Its durability makes it a good choice for casual wear, but it may not be suitable for all-day use due to its lack of cushioning. The shoe's materials and construction provide flexibility and comfort, but its flatness and thin insole may be uncomfortable for extended periods. Overall, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a durable and fashionable sneaker for casual and light activities.
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Nike Blazer Mid '77: Pros and Cons
The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a stylish shoe with a clean, minimalistic, and vintage look. It is versatile and can be worn with various outfits and on multiple occasions, including semi-formal events. The shoe is made with quality and durable materials, and its simple aesthetics make it a good addition to anyone's wardrobe.
However, the Nike Blazer Mid 77 is not without its drawbacks. Here is a list of pros and cons to help you decide if this shoe is for you.
Pros
- The Nike Blazer Mid 77 has a simple, minimalistic, and versatile design that complements various outfits and occasions.
- The shoe is made with quality and durable materials, including leather and suede overlays, which add stability.
- The elongated lacing system makes it easy to adjust the fit.
- The Nike Blazer Mid 77 has good stability and manoeuvrability, making it suitable for recreational lifting and general strength training.
- The shoe has a flat sole, basic support, and cushioning, making it a decent choice for skateboarders and weightlifters.
- The outsole has a standard herringbone pattern that provides adequate traction.
- The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a vintage symbol of style and innovation, with a classic look that harkens back to the first Nike shoes of the 1970s.
Cons
- The Nike Blazer Mid 77 is a flat shoe, which may not be comfortable for long walks.
- The shoe has poor breathability due to the lack of ventilation holes in the leather and suede upper.
- The collar provides minimal ankle support, and the structure does not offer a secure lockdown feel.
- The Nike Blazer Mid 77 received a low score on the torsional rigidity test, indicating that it is not suitable for performance or high-intensity activities.
- The shoe may be considered "gym basic" by some.
- The tongue features an exposed foam design that some people may not like.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes and no. The Nike Blazer Mid 77 was originally designed as a basketball shoe and was introduced in the NBA in 1973. However, it has since become a casual, everyday sneaker and is no longer primarily intended for the basketball court due to its limited support and the availability of superior basketball footwear.
The Nike Blazer Mid 77s are comfortable and run true to size, accommodating most foot shapes, including wider feet. They are also flexible and durable, with quality materials that offer some lateral support. However, they do not offer the same level of cushioning as other Nike shoes like the Air Max or Air Max 270.
The Nike Blazer Mid 77s usually come in either leather or nylon. The leather version has a smooth feel, while the nylon version provides better airflow. Both versions feature suede overlays on the front and sides for added stability and durability.
Yes, the Nike Blazer Mid 77s are very versatile. They have a clean, minimalistic, and timeless design that pairs well with various outfits, from casual to business casual attire. They are also suitable for multiple occasions and can be worn by people of all ages.
