2010 Nike Cortez Leather White/White

Condition: Tried on 1x. Comes with replacement box.

Size: 7.5M

Release Year: 2010

As classic as it gets. The Nike Cortez have been a staple in Nike's catalog for over 50 years. Designed by co-founder Bill Bowerman, they were the first ever track shoe Nike released. Phil Knight tells the story of how the Cortez got its name in his memoir Shoe Dog. The 1968 Olympic games held in Mexico were right around the corner, and Bowerman came up with "The Aztec," a homage to the Mesoamericans who inhabited what eventually became Mexico. However, Adidas had already released a track shoe called the Azteca Gold. "Who was that guy who kicked the sh*t out of the Aztecs?" Bowerman asked Knight. 

"Cortez".

This all leather pair is super crispy. The entire upper is comprised of smooth white leather, while the nylon tongue provides the only contrast in material. A small sliver of grey on the midsole matches the grey lettering on the tongue and heel tabs to slightly offset the white on white theme. A very minimalist, approach to a design that places such emphasis on the swoosh. The most eye-catching characteristic is the premium silver Cortez '72 lacelock that helps reinforce the classy look to this pair.

Although never worn, this pair is over a decade old and to be worn with care as with all vintage footwear. 100% wearability cannot be guaranteed and these may need to be re-glued after initial usage.