NIKE CORTEZ. Everybody especially in our generation must have familiar with Nike Cortez. A legendary sneaker that has been around for more than 30 years that made a huge impact on the grow of streetwear and sneaker culture since the 70's. This year, Nike is celebrating the 40th anniversary of Nike Cortez. Developed since 1968 and finally born in 1972, Nike Cortez is the first sneaker that comes with Nike's famous logo, Swoosh. Nike Cortez was designed by Mr. Bill Bowerman himself, when he knew that athletes needed a well cushioned shoe that could take punishment of 100 miles per week pounding the pavement. 

Nike Cortez is said to be the significant aspect to the success of Nike, both technical and commercially. 

Nike Cortez is used by athletes in the 1972 Olympics. And people started to recognize the shoe by its giant swoosh and its eye-catching colorway. Later then, the lifestyle sportswear slowly appeared in university campuses across America, by US university athletes that used the Cortez even after training sessions. This kind of stuff once again helping Nike sneakers gain more popularity, and slowly developing the urban street wear culture and the sneaker culture.

Since its birth in the 70's, Nike Cortez has become a true timeless street icon, just like other classics such as Converse All Star and Adidas Superstar. Each generation since the 70's has grown up with a pair of Cortez. We still remember when Tom Hanks rocked a pair of the legendary Cortez in the movie Forrest Gump, that once again reminded us about the greatness and the beauty of Nike Cortez. For more than 30 years of Cortez, many retro has been made. Nike Cortez has continuously been redesigned from its shape, its swoosh, materials, colors, all to achieve a better function. In 2009, Cortez Flywire is born. 

After 4 decades, Nike Cortez has gone from a revolutionary running shoe, to a cultural artifact, as a fully functioning style staple. 

On May 31st, Nike Sportswear Indonesia will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Nike Cortez with Cortez 40/40 Exhibition at Soleplay. Cortez 40/40 is a campaign where 40 artists across South East Asia is doing a special customization on a pair of Nike Cortez.

Stay tune in Footurama for more information about the event. Meanwhile, check out the teasers on our lovely blog, here.