The Nike Blazer was first released by Nike in 1973, and it's a favorite of many due to their comfort, design, and light weight. Nike Blazers come in lows and highs and are offered in a variety of interesting colorways, it was produced in leather, canvas and suede. 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. The first Nike Blazer was a pioneering shoe with such a huge Swoosh, so really everyone could see it. 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.