As football continues to significantly influence sneaker culture, Nike has been keen on integrating this sport's aesthetic into its lifestyle footwear. Following the Air Max Plus Tiempo, which blends features of the Nike Tiempo boots, Nike now turns its creative direction towards the classic Cortez with a soccer-inspired makeover.
Captured in images posted by Atmos, the new Cortez retains its iconic silhouette but receives a dramatic aesthetic transformation, echoing elements of soccer footwear. This includes the addition of a tongue flap adorned with a Swoosh logo, reminiscent of design elements found on Tiempo boots. The heel features the text “72,” a nod to the year the Cortez was first introduced, linking the sneaker’s heritage with Nike’s early ventures into soccer cleats.
The soccer-inspired Cortez showcases a metallic silver upper that aligns more closely with traditional soccer boot aesthetics. Added stitching on the sidewalls enhances the athletic look and improves structural integrity, blending classic style with modern sports technology.
While release dates for this soccer-inspired Cortez have not been announced, the presence of retailer images suggests a launch could occur before the end of 2024.