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The Nike Cortez is one of the earliest and most iconic sneaker designs in Nike's catalog. This Women's Classic Cortez is the modern re-release of the model designed in sizing and colorways just for women. The Cortez was originally created in 1972 by Nike co-founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight. It was one of the brand's first running models and was somewhat revolutionary at the time in the running shoe industry for having more cushion than the average designs of the period. It began as a long-distance training shoe. As running shoe technology quickly progressed with the jogging and fitness boom of the 1970s, the Cortez went out of favor for core runners, but its design has stood the test of time in the fashion world as a casual sneaker. The Cortez is loved for its no-nonsense, yet eye-catching and supremely stylish look, featuring a clean and simple upper with large side Swooshes and a low-profile foam midsole.