You’ve probably noticed them everywhere — at the skate park, in street-style galleries, and on Nike’s website. The Nike Blazer has quietly moved from the basketball court to everyday wardrobe staple without losing the character that made it iconic, and this guide lays out the main models — Low, Mid, Mid 77, and High — so you can decide which one fits your style and your feet.
Original Release Year: 1973 ·
Primary Upper Material: Leather and nylon ·
Available Silhouettes: Mid, Low, Mid 77, High‑top ·
Iconic Feature: Large Swoosh logo ·
Original Purpose: Basketball shoe
Quick snapshot
- Nike Blazer released in 1973 (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Leather upper is standard across most models (All About Anthony — Sneaker Blog)
- Mid 77 features a stitched Swoosh (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Available for men, women, and kids (Nike official sizing) (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Exact sales figures for each model
- Future colorway releases
- Specific retail pricing varies by region
- Whether the SB Blazer will see a wider retro release
- The Blazer hit the court in December 1972 (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- New collaborations and limited editions expected to continue
Six key facts about the Blazer line — one pattern: the design has stayed remarkably close to the original 1973 blueprint.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| First Released | 1973 |
| Designer | Nike (original team) |
| Original Use | Basketball |
| Upper Materials | Leather, nylon, suede (Mid 77) |
| Outsole Pattern | Herringbone rubber |
| Notable Variants | Low, Mid, Mid 77, High‑Top |
What are the different types of Nike Blazers?
Nike Blazer Low
- Low‑cut silhouette for casual wear (All About Anthony — Sneaker Blog)
- Leather upper with suede overlays
- Rubber outsole with herringbone traction
- Lightweight and flexible
Buyers who prioritise ankle mobility over support will prefer the Low — but they sacrifice the ankle lock that made the original a basketball shoe.
Nike Blazer Mid
- Classic high‑top design (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Padded collar for ankle support
- Large Swoosh branding
- Available in multiple colorways
Nike Blazer Mid 77
- Retro reissue of the 1977 original (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Stitched Swoosh and vintage details (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Nylon and leather upper
- Popular among sneaker collectors
Nike Blazer High‑Top
- Taller profile than the Mid (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Extra ankle coverage
- Often seen in SB skate versions
The implication: the Blazer family offers four distinct collar heights, from the free‑moving Low to the full‑coverage High. The Mid 77 sits apart because its vintage paneling and stitched Swoosh appeal to collectors, not just casual wearers.
What is the difference between Nike Blazer Low and MID?
Ankle support and collar height
- Mid provides more ankle coverage and support (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Low offers greater ankle mobility
Style and versatility
- Low delivers a sleeker profile, easier to pair with shorts (All About Anthony — Sneaker Blog)
- Mid has a chunkier, more retro silhouette
Comfort and fit
- Both use similar leather‑upper construction (Nike — Sizing Guide)
- Mid 77 has a slightly padded tongue and vintage look
- Nike recommends going half a size up for the Blazer (Nike — Sizing Guide)
The trade‑off: choose the Low if you want a lighter, more casual feel; pick the Mid if you need a bit of ankle support and a bolder silhouette.
What is special about the Nike Blazer Mid 77?
Design elements
- Mid 77 is a reissue of the original 1977 basketball shoe (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Has a stitched Swoosh, vintage colorways, and suede overlays (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Nylon and leather upper mimic the 1970s build
Comfort features
- Padded tongue and collar for a plush feel
- Herringbone outsole provides grip
- Mid‑cut height balances support and mobility
Popularity and style
- Classic retro look appeals to sneaker enthusiasts
- Available in both men’s and women’s sizing (Nike — Sizing Guide)
- Frequently released in limited colourways
For buyers after an ‘old‑school’ look without hunting through vintage stores, the Mid 77 is the closest thing to stepping into 1977 — and it fits today’s baggy‑jean aesthetic perfectly.
Are Nike Blazers comfortable?
Cushioning and support
- Flat rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for grip (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- Mid and high‑top models offer moderate ankle support
- No visible air or Zoom unit in standard models (unlike SB versions)
Break‑in period
- Some users report a firm feel initially that improves after break‑in (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- The leather upper molds to the foot over time
User reviews
- Many customers describe them as ‘comfortable after a few wears’
- Wide‑footed wearers often recommend sizing up (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
The pattern: the Blazer isn’t a cloud‑like sneaker out of the box, but its leather construction rewards patience. Compared to modern running shoes, it feels firm — that’s part of the retro charm.
How do you clean Nike Blazers?
Cleaning leather and suede
- Use a soft brush or cloth with mild soap and water for leather (Nike — Blazer Care)
- Suede parts require a suede eraser or brush
- Avoid machine washing to prevent damage
Removing scuffs and stains
- Scuffs on white rubber can be buffed with a magic eraser
- Leather conditioner helps restore the upper after heavy wear
Drying and maintenance
- Air dry away from direct heat
- Stuff with newspaper to retain shape
The catch: suede panels (especially on the Mid 77) need gentler care than the full‑leather versions. If you live in a rainy climate, the all‑leather Low or Mid might be more practical.
Seven specifications that separate the models — one standout: the Mid 77 uses a mix of nylon and leather that lightens the shoe while keeping the vintage look.
| Specification | Low | Mid | Mid 77 | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Collar height | Low‑cut | Mid‑cut | Mid‑cut | High‑top |
| Upper material | Leather / suede | Leather / suede | Leather / nylon / suede | Leather / suede |
| Swoosh style | Embossed | Leather patch | Stitched | Leather patch |
| Padding | Standard | Padded collar | Extra padded tongue | Padded collar |
| Weight (approx) | 360 g (size 9) | 420 g (size 9) | 400 g (size 9) | 440 g (size 9) |
| Closure | Lace‑up | Lace‑up | Lace‑up | Lace‑up |
| Outsole | Herringbone rubber | Herringbone rubber | Herringbone rubber | Herringbone rubber |
| Sizing note | Half size up | Half size up | Half size up | Half size up |
Timeline
- 1973 — Nike Blazer introduced as a basketball shoe (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- 1980s — Adopted by skateboarding and streetwear communities (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- 2000s — Retro releases bring back the original silhouette
- 2005 — Nike SB creates a skate‑specific Blazer (Nike — The History of the Blazer)
- 2017 — Nike Blazer Mid 77 reissued with vintage details (All About Anthony — Sneaker Blog)
- 2020s — Expansion into multiple colourways and collaborations
Confirmed facts
- Nike Blazer released in 1973 (Nike History)
- Leather upper is standard across most models (All About Anthony)
- Mid 77 features a stitched Swoosh (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
- Available for men, women, and kids (Nike Sizing Guide)
What’s unclear
- Exact sales figures for each model
- Future colorway releases
- Specific retail pricing varies by region
- Whether the SB Blazer will see a wider retro release (Sneakerjagers FAQ)
“A throwback to the original basketball shoe, the Blazer Mid 77 has a slightly padded tongue and vintage detailing.”
Nike — Product Description
“The SB Blazer has Zoom cushioning, a robust suede upper, and a different cut designed for skateboarding.”
Sneakerjagers — Ultimate FAQ
“The Blazer 77 is a relatively recent release that recalls the original 1970s paneling and shape.”
All About Anthony — Sneaker Blog
For Irish sneaker fans looking for a timeless addition, the choice is clear: the Mid 77 offers the best blend of retro style and everyday comfort, while the Low works for warmer months. If you prefer a chunkier, more supportive feel, go with the Mid. Either way, remember to size up half a click — Nike itself recommends it. For more on Nike footwear, check out our Nike Shoes for Men: Best Picks & Ireland Deals 2025.
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Frequently asked questions
Do Nike Blazers run big or small?
Nike’s official guidance says they tend to run half a size small, so choosing a half size up from your usual Nike size is recommended.
Are Nike Blazers good for running?
No — they were designed for basketball and later adopted for casual wear. They lack the cushioning and flexibility needed for running.
Can you machine wash Nike Blazers?
Machine washing can damage the leather and suede. Hand cleaning with a soft brush and mild soap is the safe method.
What is the price of Nike Blazer Mid 77?
Prices typically range from $90 to $130 / €85 to €120 depending on the colourway and retailer. Limited editions may cost more.
How do Nike Blazers compare to Air Force 1s?
Both are classic Nike silhouettes, but the Blazer is lighter and more streamlined, while the Air Force 1 is bulkier and has a thicker sole.
Are Nike Blazers unisex?
Most models are offered in men’s and women’s sizing. Women can wear men’s sizes by dropping 1.5 sizes (e.g., men’s 7 = women’s 8.5).
How long do Nike Blazers typically last?
With proper care, the leather upper can last several years. The outsole is durable but will wear down faster with heavy skate use.
What is the best way to lace Nike Blazers?
For a clean look, lace them straight across. For more ankle support, use the top eyelets and tie snugly.
Need more Nike style tips? See also our Nike T-Shirt Guide: Types, Sizing, Care & Where to Buy.
Oliver William Davies Thompson is a staff writer for MetroReport.uk, covering city news, transport, housing and urban policy. He works under Editor-in-Chief Clara Whitfield, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.