Nike Blazers

The first Nike Blazer was a pioneering shoe. Released in 1973, it took its name from the Portland Trail Blazers; as Nike's first hoop shoe, it proved worthy of its name. A welcomed departure from its more clunky counterparts of the time, the Nike Blazer offered several features designed to improve performance basketball footwear for the game: fine grain leather, outsoles that offered greater traction, extra support, less weight. It wasn't long before the simple white hi-tops with the elongated swoosh became de rigueur on and off the court, leading the way for Nike's dominance as a basketball/lifestyle brand.