Because of the many incidents surrounding the sneakers, they were even banned from schools in the early 1990s. This was because the shoes were considered 'gang-related'.

Cortez's have high quality flat woven laces, make sure the weave is tight and even. Check that the lace tips are sealed in a tight plastic cap with no loose threads. Make sure there is no excess glue showing and no lifting along the join line between the EVA midsole and herringbone outsole.

Before you go and buy your regular size, stop right there! The Nike Cortez is infamous for fitting on the smaller side, so we recommend taking a half size up from your normal size, even if you usually wear that size in Nike sneakers.

Forrest Gump receives a pair of Nike Cortez in the 1994 film Forrest Gump, and becomes a famous runner wearing them.