Nike’s Secret Sale Has Deals on Cortez Sneakers That Are Celeb-Loved and Trending for Summer

model wearing crew socks and green nike sneakers; Dakota Johnson wearing brown Nike sneakers in NYC — CREDIT: Courtesy of Nike; Getty Images

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There’s a new top-trending shoe on the horizon — and so many fun and sporty colorways just so happen to be majorly marked down right now. Nike’s heritage Cortez sneakers have quietly trended on the feet of celebrities, influencers, and street style stars over recent months, and right on time for summer, the Swoosh is offering 25 percent off new and already on-sale styles during Memorial Day Deals with the checkout code: SUMMER25.

Nike Cortez shoes have been a Swoosh staple for over 50 years as one of the brand’s longest-running models, and reached pop-culture icon status when Farrah Fawcett sported the ’70s-era model in ‘Charlie’s Angels,’ where it earned the nickname “Farrah Shoe,” or when Tom Hanks’ ‘Forrest Gump’ character laced up a red, white, and blue pair to run across the country — of which the film-inspired sneaker dropped as re-release earlier this month. But the beloved retro runner is seeing a steady resurgence in street style for 2024, where just this month Rita Ora wore a trendy red colorway at a dance rehearsal, and Dakota Johnson was spotted in the Textile upper iteration on a film set in New York City. The shoe has racked up a whopping 26.5 million views on TikTok, where another 24.7 million users are searching for outfit inspiration across the wealth of colorway options. Style influencers are also taking new vibrant vintage designs in stride — and effectively convinced this FN Shop editor to swipe a colorful pair for summer days ahead.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 09: Dakota Johnson is seen filming "Materialists" in Tribeca on May 09, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) — Dakota Johnson is seen wearing Nike Cortez Textile Shoes while filming ‘Materialists’ in Tribeca on May 09, 2024 in New York City.

“Ever since I saw stylist Michelle Li post a photo in mossy green Nike Vintage Cortez shoes on Instagram, I couldn’t get them out of my head,” says Olivia Cigliano, Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD. “I have an affinity for retro-inspired sneakers, and the fresh colorway with blue heel striping instantly got my creative juices flowing. My sister wears her white and black leather Cortez sneakers on the daily, so I decided to take the plunge on a pair before they sold out — spoiler alert: I’m so happy I did. The spongey midsole and wedge insert feels exceptionally plush and lightweight underfoot, and the flexible uppers are so soft against my mild bunions and flat feet. The narrow footbed may not be best-suited for especially wide foot types, but the reworked, roomier toe box still lends plenty of wiggle room. These babies earn me so many compliments and are my go-to showstoppers in my sneaker rotation.”

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Along with two playful Vintage Suede colorways, the sporty Nike walking shoes are also on sale in several classic leather iterations, including an on-trend sky blue Swoosh for just $50, plus Johnson’s Cortez Textile shoes, and Cortez 23 Premium Leather shoes in versatile black and all-white designs. Their streamlined silhouette brings a major vintage vibe to any off-duty or office ensemble, while still looking sleek (and ultra-comfortable) for long days on your feet.

Don’t miss your chance to score these steppers for up to 43 percent off right now. But, be sure to run to shop the links below, because sizes are selling out fast.