Union Los Angeles’ Nike Un-Cortez Appears In “Cement Grey”

Over the last few years, Chris Gibbs and the Union Los Angeles team have made a name for themselves among fans of NIKE, Inc. Recently, the West Coast destination dropped two colorways of the Nike Cortez in honor of the silhouette’s 50th anniversary.

Informed by the rich history and cultural diversity within LA, the upcoming collaboration reimagines the iconic silhouette for the next 50 years. Upper and midsoles are reworked to deliver a new aesthetic, while also pushing forward the Swoosh’s “Move to Zero” initiative via Crater Foam cushioning at the midsole and Nike Grind traction. Recycled materials on a quintessential sneaker for the “City of Angels” make perfect sense given the climate changes the 72° and sunny destination has undergone over the last decade. The newly-surfaced pair ostensibly nods to the cement fixtures found across Los Angeles, as a muted grey takes over the majority of Union LA‘s third Cortez. Blue, pink and yellow flair, however, interrupts not only via the base textile layer, but also suede panels along the tongue, profiles and spine. The Gibbs co-led squad stamps its name at the lateral quarter panel, tongue label, heel and tongue’s underside, while also leaving its mark on the cork sock-liners. Lace dubraes don “Cortez ’72” messaging in honor of the model’s debut in 1972. Lastly, the California-headquartered institution reworks the shoe box, reminding all to “KNOW THE LEDGE.”

No firm Nike SNKRS launch details have been disclosed by any party involved, but that’s likely to change before summer ends. In the meantime, enjoy official images of the pair ahead.

For more from under the NIKE, Inc. banner, check out the latest Air Jordan 4 styles.