Only a few sneakers are as iconic as the Nike Cortez. The model has transcended its original intention of being a performance runner to become a style icon and a staple in the wardrobes of millions across the globe. Of all the pairs released since its original run in the 70's, the white, red, and blue pair has been the most famous. No, not because of its patriotic color palette, but thanks to Tom Hanks and his character Forrest Gump in the eponymous film. Right now, the pair is available to purchase!
Where to Buy the Nike Cortez Forrest Gump
As of this writing, the Nike Cortez Forrest Gump is available on nike.com for retail in men's and women’s sizing. Head to the links below to buy yourself a pair of the Forrest Gump Cortez.
Nike Cortez Forrest Gump
Nike Cortez Forrest Gump (W)
History of the Nike Cortez Forrest Gump
Now, what’s the backstory behind the pair itself? Well, in the film Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks’s character is gifted a new pair of running shoes by Jenny, and when he takes them out of the orange Nike shoebox, he says, “And she gave me the best gift anyone could ever get in the wide world.” Shortly after, Jenny leaves Forrest, and to get over his heartbreak, he decides to run with the Nike Cortez on his feet. Forrest runs from Alabama across to Santa Monica, California, then turns around and runs to the opposite coast. In the film, he runs for 1,170 days, attracting a following for his dedication to running. A pair of white, red, and blue Cortez was on his feet the entire time. The original pair Tom Hanks wore in the movie sold for $57,500 at auction in March 2024.
Following the movie's release, the pair became iconic, and Nike saw the attention the colorway had. The colorway has also inspired many other sneakers, including one of CLOT’s Cortez collaborations, an upcoming Nike Book 1 release, and more. Over the years, it's been a constant on shelves, though Nike did vault the Cortez for some time before bringing back the Forrest Gump colorway in early 2024. While this initial re-release sold out, the most recent drop is still available for purchase today.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
