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Following rumors of a sacai x Nike Cortez, the Japanese label has given us our first official look at the upcoming release via its FW22 collection unveiling. The sneaker, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will arrive in at least two colorways.

The first is the original white and red pair with blue and gray accents, while the other is a more muted blue and grqy version. Both feature sacai’s signature double-everything approach, including a double Swoosh, tongue, and laces. The sole features a mix between the Cortez’ classic ridged outsole and an Air Zoom bubble at the forefoot taken from some of Nike’s more contemporary designs, such as the Alphafly or Air Zoom Type.

The Cortez is Nike’s first-ever shoe, which was designed by Bill Bowerman back when Nike was still Blue Ribbon Sports and distributing sneakers for Onitsuka Tiger (ASICS) in North America. sacai has a tendency to remix iconic archival models with contemporary styles, so it makes total sense that the Cortez is given a new lease of life by the brand during the model’s 50th anniverasry.

There’s no word on when the sneakers will be released, though it’s likely we’ll be seeing them later in the year due to their inclusion in the FW22 collection.

As always, stay tuned for information as we get it.

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