Nike Bring Back The Classic Cortez Women's In Signature Red, White and Blue
original running shoe, the , is turning 50 next year! In the half-century since it was first released, the Cortez has grown from a technologically-advanced trainer that was to a cultural staple that , a sneaker that provided one of the and even – more sinisterly – a . Nike are so excited about the Cortez's big 5-0 that they couldn't even wait until 2022 to begin celebrating, so the Classic Cortez Women's is back in its original white, red and blue colourway.
Co-signed by everyone from Farrah Fawcett to Bella Hadid over the last five decades, the Cortez is famous for its low-slung design, pointed toebox and ripple herringbone sole. The red, white and blue colourway seen above is the Cortez's most famous, and boasts a crisp white leather base with red Swooshes and heel pieces plus a slab of blue foam on its midsole. This build was conceptualized by Nike founders Bill Bowerman and , and aimed to provide long-distance comfort and support to runners from all walks of life.
Knight and Bowerman certainly fulfilled their goal, with the Cortez quickly becoming a hit upon its inaugural release – and although nobody runs in Cortez anymore in 2021 (at least we hope!), it's beloved as a lifestyle choice today. If you're looking to add a pair to your rotation ahead of next year's anniversary, the Nike Classic Cortez Women's is available via the Nike webstore now, priced at $80.