This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Nike Cortez. In the span of that half-century, the Cortez has become a fixture in the many facets of the zeitgeist. No shoe has had a narrative as culturally-diverse. From it being one of Nike’s very first offerings, its gang-related history, and most famously, for making its mark on the pop culture landscape in Forrest Gump.

There’ve been many collaborations and iterations that have taken the classic and turned it into an amazing art piece, but even by its own design alone, it stood the test of time. This iteration of the Cortez holds on to the elements that made it a timeless shoe. The blue strip below, and the serrated sole unit still remains where they are, with only the Swoosh that traverses to heel being swapped out from its recognizable red, to black.

The simple black-and-white set up is believed to open the doors for an updated iteration, titled Cortez ’23. A release date should surface soon.

Here’s another Nike classic that’s getting a contemporary makeover. Check out the Nike Air Force 1 Low React “White/Sail”.

Images via Sneaker News