Nike Cortez: From Concept to Cultural Icon The Nike Cortez, a timeless sneaker, originated in the mid-1960s when Blue Ribbon Sports collaborated with Onitsuka Tiger. Initially named TG24 and later Mexico for marketing reasons related to the 1968 Olympics, it eventually became known as Cortez after legal disputes over names. The shoe gained popularity among athletes and casual runners alike during the jogging movement of that era.
Cortez: A Symbol of Street Culture By the late 1970s and into the '80s, Nike secured endorsements from prominent figures like Steve Prefontaine and Farrah Fawcett which propelled its visibility. The shoe's association with West Coast gangs such as MS-13 solidified its place in urban culture while gangster rap further popularized it through songs referencing street life. Today, despite evolving trends, celebrities continue to embrace this iconic footwear celebrating its legacy within fashion.