This Classic Nike High Top is the Sneaker We’re Wearing This Fall

This Classic Nike High Top is the Sneaker We’re Wearing This Fall
Love Killshots? Get a load of these.

When I was studying abroad in France in 2015, everywhere I looked people were wearing the same chunky high-top sneaker. Six years later, the trend gods have worked their magic and brought that same shoe, the Nike Blazer Mid ‘77 back to the U.S. 

In all fairness, the Nike Blazer is far more than a simple trend. The shoe was one of Nike’s first big hits and a pioneering basketball sneaker in a time when sneaker technology was still in its infancy. Named for Portland, Oregon’s team, the Portland Trail-Blazers, the Blazer should probably have been called the Spur – as it was a player on the San Antonio Spurs that cemented the sneaker’s place in the pantheon.

a nike killshot style leather and gum sole shoe and a nike blazer style leather high top shoe
Killshots and Blazers share similar sole and toe box shapes as well as the suede accents. The Blazer is even available in a low top with gum sole, almost a facsimile of the Killshot. Because of this, they can be styled very similarly.

George Gervin, “The Iceman,” was approached by Nike, who offered “much more money,” than his previous shoe of choice, Adidas. The decision to court Gervin was an auspicious one and it helped cement the brand’s relationship with the sport long before Michael Jordan arrived on the scene. Eventually, sneaker technology progressed to a point where the heavy leather shoe with its vulcanized rubber sole was no longer cutting it. Despite this, the Blazer remained an important cornerstone of the Nike lineup.

Nike Blazer Mid with shorts and hoodie outfit

The heavy high-top might not have been especially fleet of foot on the court, but it was perfect at the skatepark. Skaters began adopting the shoe for its durability and heavy construction. It provided grip, stability, and protection; what more could you want?

a man wearing a jacket with corduroy pants and leather nike high top shoes

The simple, hard-wearing shoe is a great choice for a new sneaker pickup this season. With its bulky silhouette, you may find it pairs with pants and outfits that might normally call for a boot. Its vintage-finished midsole, suede detailings, and retro font are incredibly classic and speak for themselves.

Nike Blazer Mid outfit with leather jacket and black jeans

Best of all, you’re owning a piece of sports history, a sneaker that opened the door to the modern era of hype, collabs, and comfortable footwear.

Pick up a pair for $100 at Nike / Additional styles & colors at Nordstrom

Albert Muzquiz

Albert is a writer and actor based in Los Angeles. Once called a “denim expert” by BAMF Style, he aspires to be the very best at owning, wearing and talking about pants (and clothes). For more style advice and Bachelorette contestant outfit critiques, follow him on Tiktok: @edgyalbert.