A Timeless Icon The Men's Nike Cortez is one of the earliest, and still most iconic, sneaker designs in Nike's catalog. Originally created in 1972 by Nike co-founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight as one of the brand's very first running shoes, the design was revolutionary for having more cushion than average running shoes of the era due to a thick foam midsole. It was originally released as a long-distance training shoe, but as running shoe technology progressed with the jogging and fitness boom of the 1970s, the Cortez went out of favor for core runners, spurring the shoe to become a stylish casual icon rather than performance. The Cortez is loved for its no-nonsense, yet eye-catching look, featuring a clean and simple upper with large side Swooshes and a thin, low-profile foam midsole. The Cortez is commonly available in two standard constructions, all-leather and a nylon and suede blend. Strong and Simple The Cortez has survived as a popular casual sneaker for over 45 years thanks to its incredibly simple, yet strong and stylish look. The design is iconic in three simple colorways: White/Red/Blue, Black/White, and White/Black. Along with these three standard colorways, the Cortez is available in a full range of color combinations from neutral to vibrant. Here at Foot Locker, we carry all the latest and greatest colorways for the men's Cortez. Nike Cortez Features: Iconic vintage running shoe design with low-profile silhouette. Full leather or nylon/suede construction for most styles. Also available in other material combinations for select styles. Large side Swooshes for signature look. EVA foam midsole for lightweight cushion. Rubber outsole with herringbone pattern for durable traction.