Originally made for basketball in the 1970s, the Nike Blazers are now popular for skateboarding and casual wear. But are Nike Blazers actually good for lifting?
Nike Blazers are good for weightlifting and powerlifting because they have flat, hard soles which help you push more efficiently off the ground during strong lifts like squats and deadlifts. Their rigid soles also provide greater stability than running shoes.
Additionally, the high ankle support of the Nike Blazers provides extra ankle protection under heavy loads. In this post, we will explain to you why Nike Blazers could be ideal for lifting.
Are Nike Blazers Good For Lifting?
Nike Blazer Mid 77
- Flat soles help you push more efficiently off the ground during squats and deadlifts.
- Tough and rigid soles reduce your risk of injury and maximize power output.
- More comfortable than traditional lifting shoes.
- High top sneaker design provides better ankle support and stability.
- Rubber outsoles with Herringbone tread pattern grip the floor very well.
- They look cool and stylish.
The Nike Blazers are made of very durable synthetic leather and suede upper. There are also two versions of the shoes, the Nike Blazer Low and the Nike Blazer Mid (which is actually high-top sneakers). Many lifters wear them for weightlifting.
Check out this YouTuber who did a 130 kg (287 lb) squat while wearing the Nike Blazer Mid:
Here are 6 reasons why the Nike Blazers are good for lifting:
1. Nike Blazers have flat soles
The biggest reason why Nike Blazers are perfect for weightlifting is due to their flat soles.
Flat shoes may sound bad, but they’re really helpful for weightlifting because they help you push more efficiently off the ground during lifts like squats and deadlifts.
In fact, one study out of East Tennessee State University found that when squatting barefoot, lifters activate some leg muscles to a greater degree than when they squat with shoes.
However, we understand that lifting while barefoot is not the most practical solution, so the next best thing is to wear athletic shoes with flat soles, like the Nike Blazers, which helps you balance all of that heavy weight that you’re lifting, and gives you a steady base.
You will be surprised at how many weightlifters and powerlifters, both professional and casual, choose to wear the Nike Blazers just because of their flat soles.
2. Nike Blazers have less cushioning
Many people wear running shoes to the gym, which is fine if you’re running. But if you are trying to lift weights, running shoes don’t work too well.
Running shoes may have their role in supporting the repetitive movement of running, but weightlifting requires a different form of support.
In fact, according to Men’s Journal, every time you are trying to lift something on an unstable surface (which cushioned running shoes emulate), you’re increasing your risk of injury and reducing your output of power because you don’t have the right support.
When you’re lifting, shoes with rigid soles, like the Nike Blazers, are best so that the heels can drive into the floor during exercises such as squats and deadlifts.
If your goal is to build strong feet, you may not get them when you lift in running shoes. The arch support of the typical running shoes does not facilitate muscle development in the feet, since they are encased in “pillows” that prevent your muscles from being used properly.
So if you have been wearing running shoes with plenty of cushioning, you may need to think twice about wearing them to the gym for weightlifting ever again.
By wearing the Nike Blazers for weightlifting, you create a solid platform to channel all of your power into the lift, instead of stabilizing your feet inside squishy running shoes.
3. More comfortable than traditional lifting shoes
As far as lifting shoes go, Nike Blazers are very comfortable. They may not be as comfortable as extremely cushioned sneakers or rubber slippers, but compared to traditional weightlifting shoes, most of which are far from comfortable, Nike Blazers feel amazing.
As long as you give the shoes enough time to break in, the Nike Blazers are pretty reliable.
Sure, you won’t get much padding and cushioning from the uppers of the shoes, but they are soft and gentle enough for your feet thanks to the synthetic leather material.
So if you are a casual powerlifter, or you are just starting out, there’s nothing wrong with trying out a pair of Nike Blazers for your next gym session.
4. The high-top design provides excellent ankle stability
Nike Blazers, especially the high tops, are notorious for being narrow and snug-fitting. While that may not be a good thing from a comfort point of view, Nike Blazers are excellent for lifting weights because they provide better ankle support and stability.
Generally speaking, most weightlifting shoes are made with more restrictive material such as leather. The Nike Blazers are also built the same way, with a slim and narrow profile, along with the synthetic leather upper material that locks your ankles in place.
Remember, “snug-fitting” shoes are important to eliminate movement of the feet within the shoes. This increases balance and reduces the overall range of motion while doing a lift.
As long as you tie the shoelaces properly, Nike Blazers, especially the high-tops version, will lock your ankles in place and provide you with a better stance for lifting.
5. The outsoles offer good grip and traction
While doing powerful lifts like squats and deadlifts, you need shoes with outsoles that provide maximum traction so that your feet do not slide during the lift.
Some exercises, like the sumo deadlifts, are more prone to slipping because of their unique stance. To perform the exercise effectively, you need shoes with good grip and traction.
Thanks to the rubber outsoles and the Herringbone tread pattern of the Nike Blazers, you can have peace of mind during each lift because the shoes will grip the floor very well.
In fact, the outsoles of the Nike Blazers provide excellent grip to the point where they are often compared to the Converse Chuck Taylors, which also provide phenomenal traction, albeit through their rubber waffle outsoles.
Remember, you need good shoes that are slip-resistant during weightlifting, and the Nike Blazers should be more than good enough for the job.
6. Nike Blazers look aesthetically pleasing
Last but not least, Nike Blazers are a great option for weightlifting because of their looks.
Most weightlifting shoes are honestly pretty ugly, and may even get you some negative attention. Dominated by a mediocre black color with little to no accents, traditional weightlifting shoes can look bland and downright boring.
On the other hand, Nike Blazers have that stylish look that everybody recognizes, including the iconic “Swoosh” logo on either side of the shoes.
Taking everything into consideration, you cannot go wrong with wearing a pair of Nike Blazers to the gym because not only will you look cool, but you can lift optimally as well.
Final words
Nike Blazer Mid 77
- Flat soles help you push more efficiently off the ground during squats and deadlifts.
- Tough and rigid soles reduce your risk of injury and maximize power output.
- More comfortable than traditional lifting shoes.
- High top sneaker design provides better ankle support and stability.
- Rubber outsoles with Herringbone tread pattern grip the floor very well.
- They look cool and stylish.
Now you know if the Nike Blazers are good for lifting or not.
In short, Nike Blazers are great for lifting. Whether you are a casual powerlifter or a professional weightlifter, the Nike Blazers are surprisingly ideal for intense gym sessions.
Related articles: