Nike Commemorate the Departed with “Day of the Dead” Cortez

The communities of South America have strong ties to the Nike Cortez. No, we’re not just talking about the ese on the corner, but it’s deep-rooted heritage to the culture. The name, for instance, was coined by Phil Knight as a fuck you to the adidas Aztec (as Hernán Cortés literally beat the shit out of the Aztecs) — and then there was that brief moment in time where the brand looked to manufacture the silhouette over the border. Maybe for these reasons or maybe not, it’s one hell of a popular sneaker in the continent. So it’s no surprise that the Nike Cortez will be joining the celebration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) as part of Nike’s special-edition collection.

Arriving in a fine black suede, the pair pops with contrasting orange accents on the midsole, the lace overlay and heel stitching, and tongue, with a big, bold reflective white Swoosh riding the profile panels. That big Check depicts papel picado-like designs featuring traditional calaveras (skull) motifs and patterns, with an enlarged motif also hitting the insoles in orange. Completing the design is white Nike heel branding and metallic gold hardware engraved with “Cortez ’72” in cursive.

With Mexico’s national holiday approaching on November 2nd — and Halloween right around the corner, too — you can expect these spooky sneaks to surface at select Swoosh stockists and Nike.com over the coming weeks. The accompanying Air Force 1 Low and Air Max 95 are pegged for October 15th, so expect it to release around then. Be sure to keep your eyes on our dedicated Nike Release Dates Calendar for updates on the drop.

Nike Cortez “Day of the Dead”

Style Code: CT3731-001
Color: Black/White/Total Orange
Release Date: October 30th, 2019

Where to Buy: