April 4, 2025, 9:37 am | Read time: 3 minutes

The comeback of the Nike Cortez was already on the horizon in 2024, and now it’s back for good. With its slim silhouette and retro look, the sneaker fits perfectly into the current aesthetic. Below, we show you the most beautiful models and how best to combine the shoes.

The History of the Nike Cortez

The development of a new shoe began back in the late 1960s. Bill Bowerman, co-founder of Nike, wanted to create a running shoe with better cushioning and a durable outsole. The result was a collaboration with the Japanese brand Onitsuka Tiger (now ASICS) under the name “Onitsuka Tiger Corsair.”

After the separation from Onitsuka Tiger, Nike launched the shoe on the market as the Nike Cortez with the famous swoosh logo. It was worn by US athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games and quickly gained popularity. In the early 80s, the running shoe managed to establish itself in the hip-hop and skating scene on the west coast of the USA and thus also found its way to Europe.

How the Nike Cortez Gained Popularity

The sneaker quickly made its mark on pop culture, thanks in part to icons like Farrah Fawcett, Whitney Houston, and Tom Hanks. They all contributed to the popularity of the Nike Cortez. In the mid-70s, Farrah Fawcett played one of the main roles in the American crime series Three Angels for Charlie, and in one very famous scene, she is standing on a skateboard, wearing her famous blow-dry wave, a red sweatshirt jacket, flared jeans, and white Nike Cortez with a red logo on her feet.

In 1991, the then 27-year-old Whitney Houston sang the American national anthem at Super Bowl XXV in Tampa, Florida, wearing a white tracksuit with blue and red details, a white headband, and a matching pair of Nike Cortez.

A pair of Cortez in the same colorway played a key role in the 1994 film Forrest Gump with Tom Hanks. Jenny (played by Robin Wright) gave Forrest Nike Cortez as a gift. At the end of the movie, he used them to run across the United States for three years.

What Makes the Sneaker So Special

Although the Nike Cortez is celebrating its 53rd birthday this year, the look of the shoe has hardly changed. Thanks to its classic, minimalist design, the sneaker is almost timeless. The flat, narrow shape with a slightly tapered toe box fits in perfectly with the current slim silhouette trend.

Here you will find content from third-party providers

To interact with or display third-party content, we need your consent.

Activate

In order to display embedded content, your consent to the processing of personal data, which can be revoked at any time (via the switch or via “Revoke tracking and cookies” at the bottom of the page), is required. Data may be transferred to third countries such as the USA (Art. 49 para. 1 lit. a GDPR). By switching to “on” you agree. You can find more information here.

The shoe is usually made of leather, but there are also versions with suede or nylon uppers. Another characteristic feature is the two-layer midsole with a wave-shaped profile.

More on the topic

Unique accessories How to give your handbag that certain something with bag charms

Designer on Oktoberfest dress code The most important questions about the perfect dirndl answered

Trendy Rib How to wear corduroy in fall 2024

How to Combine the Nike Cortez

With its sleek and minimalist design, the Cortez pairs well with almost any outfit and seamlessly transitions into everyday office wear. A classic trouser suit, in particular, can be livened up with the sneakers in clean white with a black logo.

For leisure, however, you can embrace more vibrant colors. The Nike Cortez in a bright colorway is perfect for spring, e.g., with a flowing satin skirt, an oversized shirt, and a denim jacket.