Everything you need to know about the Nike Cortez

The Cortez is already a favourite of in-the-know stylish city dwellers like Alexa Chung, Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne – with the rest of us, arguably, missing out.

With Nike’s re-release of the classic Forrest Gump’s Cortez 30 years on – don’t try to get them, they’ve already sold out – the iconic trainers are back in the spotlight.

To find out whether a pair of Nike Cortez should be your new go-to classic trainers, read on, as we’ve compiled everything you need to know about this much sought after shoe…

The beginnings of the Nike Cortez

One of Nike’s most iconic and historically significant sneakers, the Nike Cortez was first released under its current name in 1972. The original Nike trainer, this isn’t just a classic shoe, but the shoe that started it all where Nike is concerned.

Designed by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman, it was created to provide comfort and durability over long distances: the ultimate running shoe.

When it was released, it became popular with long-distance runners and cemented its status as a high-performance running shoe. Nowadays, of course, it’s more likely to be found on the feet of the fashion sets than on marathonists.

What’s in a name?

The Cortez was originally designed in 1968 for Blue Ribbon Sports and manufactured by Onitsuka Tiger. The success of the shoe – back then called the Tiger Corsair – led to Bowerman and Phil Knight separating from the Japanese Onitsuka to form Nike. When the trainer reappeared, it was called the Cortez.

Named after Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortés, the Cortez name was chosen to convey strength and dominance. It was also a dig at Adidas and their Aztecca Gold track shoe. Hernan Cortes led the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.

It’s all about design

With its low-cut, streamlined silhouette, the Cortez is lightweight and super sleek.

The original Cortez featured a nylon upper with suede overlays for lightweight durability. The shoe’s midsole included a thick, full-length foam for cushioning, a novel concept at the time, enhancing comfort for runners, while the herringbone pattern on the rubber outsole provided traction and durability.

The Cortez, while keeping its streamlined silhouette, has evolved with the years.

Leather versions in multiple colourways were introduced, and a modern Flyknit update includes a more flexible and breathable upper.

As with most iconic trainers, the Cortez has also seen its share of collabs and limited editions. Artists, designers, celebs, and brands can’t get enough of the classic Nike trainer.

Taking over the world

From its running beginnings, the Cortez has become a staple of streetwear.

Hip-Hop superstars have been seen wearing the classic trainer since the 90s, and it was also firmly embraced by the West Coast scene in the USA.

The Cortez have also appeared at the Superboal, most famously on the feet of Whitney Houston when she sung the American national anthem in 1991.

And yes, it was also the Cortez on the feet of Bruno Mars during the legendary Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show – the one with Coldplay and Beyoncé… no biggie.

But one pop culture icon that elevated the Cortez to its current status is Forrest Gump.

The scene-stealing shoes’ appearance in Forrest Gump and their association with Tom Hanks’ character has made the trainers one of the most recognisable pair of sneakers in the world.

Collectors are snapping up vintage and limited releases for sky-high prices, with the original pair from Forrest Gump auctioning off for an eye-watering $57,000.

With both the mainstream and subcultures embracing the Cortez, the Nike shoe remains an iconic trainer that can be dressed up or down and will polish off any casual looks.

Whether you decide to throw away your Sambas and embrace the Cortez or decide there is room for more than one classic trainer in your wardrobe is up to you. But whatever you do, make sure you get a pair of Cortez this summer. You won’t regret it.