Nike Cortez: embrace the sporting nostalgia

The Nike Cortez will always be cool. Without question, this is one of the best retro running shoes you can get your hands on right now, and they’re an essential purchase for anyone who enjoys a little nostalgia. 

Put together by Bill Bowerman (Nike’s co-founder) back in the early ‘70s, the Cortez was thrust under the spotlight during the 1972 Olympics. Due to their comfort, durability and performance on the track, they set the standard for running shoes and signified the latest advancements in trainer technology.

Thanks to this initial hype and popularity, the classic Nike Cortez design has become instantly recognisable all over the world. The bold Swoosh has since been dressed-up in modern new colourways and fabrics, but there’s no doubt that these trainers will always offer the ultimate retro style. 

Why are they called Nike Cortez?

Although they became famous during the 1972 Munich Olympics, the Nike Cortez actually got its name from the Mexico Games held four years prior. The trainers were originally called TG24, but Bowerman wanted to change it to something more marketable (which was probably a good idea). 

Drawing on Mexico for inspiration, he eventually settled on the name “Cortez”, following some legal problems when trying to call it “Aztec”. The makers of the adidas Azteca Gold were understandably unhappy about that.

Are they made from real leather?

The Nike Cortez is now available in all kinds of materials. Leather was used on the earliest Cortez designs, but over the years Nike have switched things up in an attempt to improve both performance and comfort. 

The leather version was quickly joined by a nylon model, which was obviously much lighter and faster out on the track. Nowadays, you can get hold of Cortez trainers with Flyknit or suede materials, so your choice will ultimately depend on what you find most comfortable or stylish.

Are Nike Cortez running shoes?

This is the original Nike running shoe. The Nike Classic Cortez has been a favourite amongst runners for over 40 years now. In fact, if you’ve ever seen Forrest Gump, you might have noticed these were the trainers worn by Tom Hanks as his character runs across America. 

However, it would be misleading to say that the Cortez is still renowned for its high performance. Despite being regularly updated and improved over the years, you can’t ignore the fact that running trainers have simply moved on, and any serious athletes would be better off considering the Nike React or Nike Air Zoom.

Instead, the Nike Cortez is now all about style. 

Find cheap Cortez trainers

These trainers have always been incredibly popular, which means they can be a little expensive. Fortunately, with FOOTY.COM you can easily bag the best deals on the market, as we compare prices from all the biggest online trainer retailers. 

So, instead of agonising over different price tags or simply paying over the odds, you can explore a huge range of cheap Nike Cortez trainers and simply click through to the best deal right here. We find deals for men, women and kids, including an enormous range of colourways and materials for you to choose from. 

It’s to embrace the nostalgia, but at a fraction of the usual price.