To celebrate the return of the Nike Classic Cortez Trainer here at Cruise Fashion we’ve taken a look back at the road (or track) that the legendary trainers have travelled.
The Nike Cortez trainers were born in 1972 out of the innovation and vision of Olympic track coach and Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. His thought behind it was simple in principle: create a running shoe that’s as comfortable as it is durable. The result not only allowed his athletes to run longer and faster, but it also revolutionaised the sport.
The Cortez was introduced in the months before the 1972 Munich Olympics, and following the success of Team USA had at the games demand grew exponentially for the trainer, which considerably helped the newly renamed Nike, Inc., which had just changed it’s name from Blue Ribbon Sports. Had the Cortez flopped there’s no knowing where the now biggest brand in sports would be now.
Embraced for its undeniable comfort and simple, yet versatile appearance, the classic colourway moved from the track to the big screen in the years that followed in iconic fashion. From the iconic Karate Kid film to the more recent Wolf Of Wall Street blockbuster the Cortez has been seen in many movies, although it’s undeniable the one film, or should we say one man that they are best remembered for.
His name was Forrest, Forrest Gump and he ran across the whole of America in a magic pair of shoes, just because he felt like running. As American icons go, you’re not going to find a better fictional pairing than Vietnam war veteran, all-American football star and Ping Pong supremo Forrest Gump with a pair of Nike Cortez.
Now going into its 44th year, the Cortez returns to reignite the passion of a running classic.
Arriving in an original colourway, the Cortez features a premium white leather upper, foam tongue and varsity red Swoosh logo. A full-length EVA foam midsole adds a thick layer of padding to keep your foot elevated over rugged surfaces. Additionally, a rubber outsole molded in a herringbone pattern provides superior traction in classic Cortez form.
Shop the Nike Classic Cortez Trainer now at Cruise.
