Reviewed by: Dakota Mead (Tactics Skate Team Rider)
Hello and welcome back to another Tactics skate shoe review.
This time, we'll be taking a closer look at the timeless Nike SB Blazer Mid.
First introduced as a basketball shoe in 1973, the shoe has since been expanded into low and mid-top styles, and has had a major impact not only on basketball, but also on skateboarding and pop culture as a whole.
Over the years, skaters like Lance Mountain and contemporary talent Mason Silva have been the faces of the Blazer Mid, each sporting their own unique colorways. With such an impressive history, let's see how this shoe held up while Tactics team rider Dakota Mead skated the streets of Portland. Click play above to see how the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid held up.
The appeal of the Nike Blazer Mid
Classic design and versatility:
The Nike SB Blazer Mid features a basketball-inspired design in a simple, slim mid-top silhouette. Durable vulcanized construction transitions seamlessly from casual wear to skate sessions, making it a skater favorite for decades.
Board Feel
The vulcanized construction and herringbone tread design provide excellent grip, flexibility, and maneuverability. This construction provides just the right amount of board feel, allowing for easy and precise foot placement and flicks during tricks. The boards have proven their worth on both the basketball court and the skate park.
Overall durability, support and protection
During his review, Dakota found the Blazer Mid to be extremely protective and durable, even during long skate sessions. Rubber underlays in high-wear areas like the toe box help prevent premature wear.
We'll also mention the shoe's lack of board feel, but in a good way. The mid-top construction and padded sockliner protect your ankles and prevent ankle sprains. Ankle support and protection are important in skateboarding.
Points to note
Thin upper
Dakota noticed that the shoe's upper was thin. A skate shoe's upper is an important element in protecting your feet from wear and tear. The Nike SB Blazer Mid is primarily made from suede, which makes it soft, flexible, and stylish. However, Dakota noticed that the ollie spot wore down quickly and he had to use super glue to prevent tears. This is an important consideration when choosing shoes.
Difficult to wear
The Nike SB Blazer Mid might not be ideal for those with wider feet or who prefer slip-on shoes. The constant lacing and unlacing can make it difficult to put on quickly. If convenience is a priority, consider other options. However, if performance and style are key, this may be worth it.
Fast break-in and pack-out
The thin suede upper allows the shoe to quickly break in, but you'll need to tighten the laces afterwards to provide support while skating.
Conclusion of this skate shoe review
The Nike SB Blazer Mid is an iconic skate shoe with classic design and versatility for everything from casual wear to skate sessions. The vulcanized construction and herringbone tread design allow for precise foot alignment and trick flicks.
Overall durability, support, and protection are also excellent, with a mid-top cut for ankle support and a padded sockliner to prevent common skateboarding injuries. However, the thin suede upper may wear prematurely in high-stress areas. Still, the Nike SB Blazer Mid is a reliable choice for skaters and embodies the spirit of skateboarding and pop culture.
