Michael Le Nike has no shortage of ways to honor their past. Whether through the faithful retro or the well-informed collection, the brand often passes down old tales to the new generation. And with this forthcoming Cortez, the Swoosh is taking us all the way back to 1972.
1972 set the stage for what Nike would become today. With the Cortez, the brand’s first track shoe, the running category officially hit the ground running, amassing fans after its debut during the Summer Olympics. With sales reaching record-breaking numbers — roughly $800,000 in its first year — the silhouette was appropriately credited for the Swoosh’s overall success.
Fast forward almost 5 decades and we have a subtle but era-influenced homage to said origins. “Coconut Milk” hues mark the nylon of the side profile, giving the entire shoe an almost aged look despite the white midsole underneath. Overlays of cream suede do well to complement throughout the shoe, though they’re largely overshadowed by the Swoosh whose three layer arrangement stacks navy over green over yellow. Elsewhere, the heel tab, insole, and gilded dubrae flaunt ’72-inspired motifs, while the tongue simply opts for vintage insignia.
For a closer look, check the official images below. A release is due to hit select retailers and Nike.com soon.
In other news, the Air Jordan 7 Flint is returning next week.
