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The Nike Cortez, among the sneakers that marked the beginning of the swoosh empire over 50 years ago, are one of Nike’s most iconic models. But time, in their case, is not a problem: even though fashion has evolved, and few would wear a coat or a polo designed in the ’60s, many still wear these shoes without creating any aesthetic dissonance. This is what makes their design great.

In particular, Nike seems to have bet a lot on the Cortez in the last five years. There were times when it was the best-selling model, alternated with others when it was completely sold out: the fact is that in 2023 it seems that these shoes are going through a new phase of vigor. This is demonstrated by the launch of the Nike Cortez White and Black.

For over 50 years, the design of the Cortez has been one of the most iconic of the Swoosh. The shoe has been produced in various color variations, such as the “1972” version, revisited through the collaboration with Sacai, and seen in the red, white, blue combination worn by Forrest Gump.

Now, the iconic serrated sole of the sneaker arrives with the addition of the “Light Photo Blue” colored stripe, while the “Nike” writing is clearly visible on the sole. This version of the model is designed in all white leather with the black Swoosh on the side.

Nike Classic Cortez

99.99 €

Nike

100 €

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Nike Cortez, Nike’s first great success

Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike and the one who introduced the concept of jogging in the United States, designed this shoe in 1968. He initially called it Corsair, presenting it as the perfect running shoe. That year, adidas had launched a shoe named Azteca Gold for the Olympics in Mexico. So Bowerman decided to rename the sneakers Cortez in honor of Hernan Cortes, the Spanish conquistador who caused the fall of the Aztec empire. Obviously, the choice of the name was meant to indicate superiority over the rival brand: a challenge that would be thrown time and time again over the following decades.