Nike SB Blazer skate shoes

SB Blazer skate shoes

The Nike Blazer was first conceived as a high-top basketball shoe in the 1970s, but by the end of the decade, it had been adopted by skateboarders. In 2005, Nike SB honoured this historical connection by adapting the silhouette into the skater-friendly SB Blazer.

It was renowned pro-skater Lance Mountain who initially reworked the heritage basketball shoe into the Nike SB Blazer Mid. He increased the collar padding for improved ankle protection and inserted a cushier foam insole with a responsive Zoom Air heel unit for more effective cushioning and impact protection alongside low-profile board feel. Meanwhile, it kept the original’s durable leather upper, soft nylon tongue and vulcanised rubber outsole; elements already suited to skating. These features were carried over to 2014’s SB Blazer Low GT, which was created in collaboration with versatile skateboarder Grant Taylor. Alongside a lower collar for greater ankle flexibility, his additions include classy suede elements and a higher foxing tape for greater durability.

Today, the SB Blazer remains much the same, with an upper of supple leather, plush suede or high-quality textiles, a long, straight-edged eyestay that allows a tight fit around the foot, a soft fabric lining for comfort and an internal canvas backing that provides durability. This last layer also acts as a gusset for the tongue, thus enhancing lockdown, while the internal toe stiffener improves forefoot durability and protection and the strobel stitched lasting gives comfort, flexibility and support. The flexible vulcanised rubber sole has an extra layer of foxing tape around the forefoot and a slightly thicker outsole so as to withstand the rigours of skating, its wide herringbone tread lines gripping the board as the Zoom Air insole cushions and supports the foot.

Aesthetically, the SB Blazer has plenty of nostalgic appeal. Its blocky heel tab displays bold, capitalised Nike lettering, and a branded woven patch adorns the tongue. Lacking the forefoot overlays of the original, the upper is a touch more seamless, but familiar lines of intricate stitching evoke a throwback charm. Lastly, its Swoosh logos are larger, featuring an exaggerated curve that stands out powerfully on the flanks of both the Mid and Low variants.

Since launching in 2005, the Nike SB Blazer has been used as a creative canvas by multiple collaborators, many of them skaters or skate shops. The 2006 collection with influential American brand Supreme is particularly captivating for its luxuriously quilted uppers, chic golden aglets and striking snakeskin Swooshes. Other notable editions include the 2006 and 2026 anniversary Blazers for long-running skate magazine Thrasher, the ‘Milkcrate’ colourway by Shanghai’s Fly Skateshop in 2007, the 2018 Low and Mid designs from American fashion house Stüssy and Lance Mountain, Polar Skate Co.’s 2019 low-top and the sophisticated SB Blazer Mid by popular street skater Mason Silva in 2023.

The Nike SB Blazer is an iconic skate shoe with a rich heritage whose classic look and outstanding performance on the board make it a beloved silhouette amongst both the skating and streetwear communities.