The Nike Blazer 77 and Converse Chuck Taylor 70 are two popular high-top sneakers. What are the differences between them, and which one is superior?
The Converse Chuck 70 has cushioned insoles and arch support, unlike the Nike Blazer Mid 77. Also, the Converse Chuck 70’s upper is canvas, while the Nike Blazer Mid 77’s is leather.
However, the comparison goes beyond the materials used. In this post, we will compare the Nike Blazer Mid 77 and Converse Chuck Taylor 70.
Nike Blazer 77 vs. Converse Chuck Taylor 70 comparison
The Nike Blazer 77 has a leather upper while the Converse Chuck 70 has a canvas upper.
Although the Converse Chuck 70 is available in leather, this comparison will focus on the more popular canvas version.
Here is the Nike Blazer 77 vs. Converse Chuck 70 comparison:
1. Appearance comparison
Both the Nike Blazer 77 and Converse Chuck 70 are designed for casual wear. Let’s start by comparing their appearances.
On their official websites, the Converse Chuck 70 is labeled as a high-top, while the Nike Blazer 77 is listed as a mid-top, despite both being the same height.
To avoid confusion, note that the height difference is in name only; both sneakers cover the same area of the leg.
The next big difference between the two sneakers is the materials used. The Converse Chuck 70 High has a canvas upper, while the Nike Blazer 77 features a leather upper.
The canvas upper makes the Converse Chuck 70 more breathable. It will keep your feet cooler, ideal for summer wear.
However, the canvas material also makes the Converse Chuck 70 less durable than the Nike Blazer 77.
The Nike Blazer 77’s leather is easier to clean than the canvas of the Converse Chuck 70. Keep in mind that canvas is more challenging to clean.
The Nike Blazer 77 is bulkier due to its additional padding. More padding may be preferable or not, depending on your preference for high-top sneakers.
Bulkier high-top sneakers tend to catch my trousers, which is sometimes annoying.
This issue is less common with the Chuck 70, as its thinner material fits closer to the leg. While not a dealbreaker, the sneaker’s thickness does influence my trouser choice.
The toe box is crucial as it can greatly affect the shoe’s comfort and style. Too bulky or rounded toe boxes can make high-top sneakers look clumsy.
Fortunately, both shoes have sleek toe boxes, though the Nike Blazer 77’s are rounder than I prefer. The shape fits the sneaker’s style, and the suede detail at the front makes the toe box appear less rounded.
Conversely, the Converse Chuck 70 has a narrower, more pointed toe box, which I find appealing.
Both sneakers have a clean, simple design and are versatile. However, the Converse Chuck 70’s minimal branding may make it more versatile than the Nike Blazer 77.
The Converse Chuck 70’s branding is inside the heel, subtle and often covered by trousers. The prominent ‘swoosh’ on the Nike Blazer 77, while striking, can dominate your outfit.
Verdict: I prefer the Converse Chuck 70’s look over the Nike Blazer 77, mainly due to its subtle branding. The ‘swoosh’ is appealing but tends to become the outfit’s centerpiece.
2. Comfort comparison
I find the Nike Blazer 77 less comfortable due to its minimal insole padding. Additionally, it lacks arch support. Therefore, the Nike Blazers require some time to become comfortable.
Adding cushioned insoles can help, but the stiff leather upper restricts movement, affecting comfort.
The stiff leather upper makes the Nike Blazer 77 difficult to put on and wear comfortably. So if you are always in a rush, the Nike Blazer 77 may not be for you.
However, the Nike Blazer 77’s snug upper does provide more ankle support than most sneakers. But for long walks, the Nike Blazer 77 might not be the best choice; it’s better suited for short, casual use.
Conversely, the Converse Chuck 70 offers more comfort with its cushioned insoles and arch support. The Chuck 70’s canvas material is less restrictive, making walking easier.
They are also easier to slip on.
However, the less restrictive canvas may not provide as much ankle support. Also, the Chuck 70’s narrow toe boxes may cause blisters from the pinky toes rubbing against the sides during long walks.
Verdict: The Converse Chuck 70 is more comfortable than the Nike Blazer 77 because of the cushioned insoles, arch support, and softer uppers. Both sneakers fit true to size, but the Converse Chuck 70 is more comfortable.
3. Value for price comparison
Now we also need to consider the price of both sneakers.
The Nike Blazer 77 is priced at around $90, and the Converse Chuck 70 at about $70. This means there’s typically a $20 price difference.
However, a $20 difference should not be the sole factor in choosing a shoe. Considering the Chucks’ superior comfort over the Nike Blazer 77, the Converse Chuck 70 offers better value.
Final verdict
WINNER: Converse Chuck 70
The Nike Blazer 77 stands out more due to the iconic “swoosh” branding.
However, given a choice, I would opt for the Converse Chuck 70 for its subtle branding and more flexible canvas upper. The Converse Chuck 70 also pairs better with a wider variety of outfits.
If your budget allows, I suggest buying both the Nike Blazer 77 and Converse Chuck 70. They’re versatile enough to warrant frequent use, and you’ll appreciate having both options available.
That concludes our comparison of the Nike Blazer 77 and Converse Chuck 70. Both sneakers have their merits and are worth considering. I hope you find this comparison useful.
Related: Nike Blazer alternatives