Hispanic Heritage Month: Nike Revamps 1972 'Cortez' Track Shoe With Mexican Folk Art Twist

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, sneaker giant Nike is paying homage in a huge way. If you’re a sneaker junkie, Nike is bringing back a classic with a modern reboot for the coveted holiday.

According to FOX News Latino, the athletic wear company has released a limited-edition version of its very first track shoe, the Nike Cortez. The old-time favorite has been revamped with Mexican folk art to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month.

In a statement to the site, the shoe, the Nike Cortez LHM “honors and celebrates the future of young Latinos, while simultaneously nodding to their past,” a Nike representative stated. “The bright bold colors and the geometric shapes of the design pattern were inspired by cultural elements throughout Latin America – colors and shapes reminiscent of indigenous and cultural patterns, regions and people.”

According to Nike, the original Cortez, which debuted in 1972, was the first “masterpiece” by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman. The shoe consisted of unprecedented cushioning in the insoles and was very lightweight, which made it one of the most popular running shoes at the historic 1972 Olympic games.

“It was an unmistakable icon — a walking billboard that told your story and declared your affiliation — and came to thrive with fierce style on the streets of Los Angeles,” the company said of the original shoe.

While unclear why the shoe was named Cortez, this sneaker was a huge success for the company. With their modern twist to the shoe, the company expects the same popularity if not more this time around.

This is the first time Nike has created a shoe for Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs until October 15.

The Nike Cortez LHM sneaker is now available in stores in Los Angeles, New York City and at Nike.com. The retail price of the shoe is $90.

Will you be picking up the historic shoe? Let us know down below!