Nike Blazer Voted As Best Dancing Sneaker in US

2012 has been the year of the Blazer. Seriously. We haven’t been to a jam this year where the oxidised white sole were not to be found tearing up the dancefloor. So why do dancers love them so much? Just as there are many disputes about the origins of streetdance, with people arguing that streetdance didn’t really start to form until the 70’s, similarly sneaker culture is difficult to trace to a precise moment in time. But the Nike Vintage Blazer can trace its genesis back to 1972, which is just about the dawn of sneaker freaker history. It was one of the first ever basketball shoes marking Nike’s diversification from making only running shoes. The clean lines, bold swoosh and strong colour ways were there from the start and the modern editions offer a rainbow choice of colour ways and textures – suede, leather, canvas and nylon – it’s no wonder that every dancer seems to find a Blazer that’s just right for them. The Blazer Vintage reissue series that dancers have come to love started in 2009 and with designer and artist collaborations from Liberty to Tinie Tempah helping celebrate the iconic kicks’ 40th anniversary there’s still plenty of life left in the Blazer yet. So is it just the colour way combination that means you can match your kicks to your snapback? Or does the Blazer have more appeal for the dancer in the street? We thought it was just a fashion thing until we took our first pair for a spin. Now it’s clear that the Blazer is here to stay in the dancer’s wardrobe. The flat grippy sole is flexible and the shoe is light enough for all styles from house to breaking to krump. And the breathable padded nylon tongue helps keep your feet smelling as fresh as they look. Not that we get sweaty feet. Ever. Honest.