1972 Nike Nylon Cortez | Size 12.5

This vintage pair of Nike Nylon Cortez sneakers is finished in blue and white and remains in deadstock condition, and comes with the original Nike box. The uppers are crafted from blue nylon with suede toeboxes and heels, and feature white leather Swooshes. The tongues are tagged with the original lowercase cursive Nike logo, absent a registered trademark symbol, reflecting the shoes’ production in 1972, the first year of Nike. The shoes have thick midsoles, a major innovation at the time, white outsoles with a herringbone pattern, and blue Spenco insoles that retain their original size and “Made in Japan” stickers.

Nike was founded in 1972 as Blue Ribbon Sports transitioned into its own brand, building on the company’s early experience importing and distributing Japanese athletic shoes. The Cortez quickly became a foundational model, blending performance innovation with enduring style, establishing Nike’s place as a pioneering force in sports footwear.