Skip to main content
SoleFeedSF
Buyer's Guide

Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid Review & Sizing Guide

Published Updated

The Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid is a skate-tuned take on the 1973 Blazer with a padded mid-top collar and herringbone grip, a clean, durable board shoe whose thin suede ollie zone wears fast and firm ride is the tradeoff.

Shop all

Key facts

Popularity
Long-running SB staple; hype is colorway-selective.
Comfort
Firm and flat underfoot; padded collar adds support.
Fit
Runs narrow; many half-size up, wide feet struggle.
Value
$95 retail is fair; basics discount often.
Use case
Skating first, plus simple casual rotation.

Full breakdown

The Blazer began as a 1973 Nike basketball shoe and was later adopted by skaters for its flat sole and simple build. Nike SB formalized that with the Zoom Blazer Mid, adding a padded collar, reinforced suede and a herringbone skate outsole. It remains the SB line's default mid-top: a heritage silhouette tuned for board feel over comfort tech.

FAQ

Does the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid fit true to size?

Sizing is split. Many skaters prefer to half-size up on all SB Blazers because the shape runs narrow, while others find it true to size. If you have wide feet, size up half a size or look elsewhere; if your foot is narrow, true to size gives a secure, locked-in skate fit.

Is the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid comfortable?

It is comfortable for skating and casual wear but flat and old-school underfoot, not a plush daily cushion shoe. Reviewers frame it as a functional skate shoe first, with a padded collar for ankle support rather than soft step-in feel. Expect a short, stiff break-in before the suede softens.

Is the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid good for skating?

Yes. The herringbone outsole gives strong grip and board feel, and the mid-top collar adds protection a low-top lacks, which is why wear-test reviews back it as a durable, useful skate option. Choose a suede pair for real skating and keep laces tight, since the upper packs out fast.

Does the suede on the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid wear out quickly?

The ollie zone is the weak point. One wear-test reviewer found the thin suede ollie spot wore out quickly and needed repair on rough concrete. If you skate hard, buy a suede pair, apply shoe glue or Shoe Goo to the ollie zone before it blows out, and rotate a second pair; choose a bulkier cupsole skate shoe instead if you want longer life with no upkeep.

Is the Nike SB Zoom Blazer Mid easy to style?

Yes, especially in black, white, navy and gum-sole versions. It pairs with denim, work pants, chinos, shorts and hoodies, though the mid-top has more visual bulk than the low so it can look awkward with very slim pants. Pair it with straight or loose-fit pants and stick to black, white or gum colorways for the easiest styling; owners note Blazers stay useful because they are clean, not complicated.