On-Foot Look at the Union x Nike Cortez

Union's latest Nike colab – a detailed Cortez – leaked in two colourways just days ago, and we've already got a detailed on-foot look at one of 'em thanks to @yankeekicks. Dressed in a tan and soft red colour scheme, the co-created shoe is a dual-pronged salute to Union's home base on Los Angeles' famed La Brea Avenue and the Cortez's decades-long standing as a southern California style staple.

Where more recent Cortez releases offer a slightly puffy look with a tapered toebox, this Union pair appears to feature a shape closer to that of the OG 1972 model – trim from heel to forefoot, and featuring a loose-hanging heel tab. This heel tab offers the shoe's first special detail: it displays Union's Frontman graphic and can be lifted up to reveal a classic hit of Nike branding underneath.

Other embellishments include Mexican blanket-esque stripes on the textile base layer and a swath of tan and red suede overlays. Key among these is a bold Swoosh and two-tone eyestays which anchor Union's signature yellow tag. Midsoles add toe and heel bumpers and appear to be constructed of sustainable NikeGrind foam, while colourful laces tie off the look.

Currently, there's no hard release date for the Union x Nike Cortez. However, @yankeekicks has indicated that it'll be dropping in spring 2022 for a yet-to-be-announced retail price.

While you wait for a release date to surface, check out Nike's best releases of 2021 here.