If you’ve ever gone down a rabbit hole of sneaker history or are simply into retro streetwear, you’re probably familiar with the Nike Cortez. Sleek and brash, iconic even, the Nike Cortez is not just a shoe, it’s a culture item.
But do you ever question: When was the Nike Cortez made? Let’s take a step back in time and explore the origins of this iconic shoe.
When Was the Nike Cortez Made?
The Nike Cortez debuted in 1972, and it is Nike’s first-ever track shoe. That was when Nike was not yet the global behemoth it is today. In truth, the brand was only starting to leave its mark, not all that long after it had rebranded from its original name, Blue Ribbon Sports.
The Cortez was created by Nike founder Bill Bowerman, a track-and-field coach at the University of Oregon. Bowerman wanted a running shoe that would provide comfort and durability — a shoe that distance runners could wear without giving up performance. The result? A groundbreaking sneaker that fused advanced cushioning with a lean silhouette.
From Track Star to Style Icon
Originally a running shoe, the Cortez quickly gained traction beyond the track. With its uncluttered look and standout features — such as the prominent Swoosh and herringbone outsole, it quickly became a go-to for everyday wear.
The shoe’s ascent to stardom was accelerated when it made its way into pop culture — specifically on Forrest Gump, while Tom Hanks is running his heart out in the film of the same name.
The Nike Cortez had become a fashion icon in Los Angeles by the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. The shoe was adopted by different subcultures — everyone from hip-hop artists, skaters, and fans of streetwear.
Nike Cortez Keeps Evolving
What helps the Nike Cortez last this long is that it can change, but not lose what it is. Nike has put out countless iterations over the decades — leather and suede versions, special collaborations, limited-edition colorways.
Even now, over 50 years after it first appeared, the Cortez is remade for a new generation. When A-listers like Kendrick Lamar and Bella Hadid have pulled them out of the closet, we’ve seen the return of a trainer that never really belonged to any one era, lending it a new classicism.
Final Thoughts
So, what year was the Nike Cortez invented? The answer is 1972, but its story stretches well beyond that year alone. From updating running shoes to influencing global fashion, the Cortez has remained a symbol of Nike’s heritage. If you’re tying up a retro pair, or a fresh-out-the-gate drop, you’re walking into a part of sneaker history.