Nike is bringing back the Nike Cortez colorway from “Forrest Gump.”
Technically known as the the Nike Cortez “Varsity Red, White and Blue,” this colorway has been a staple for the model since it was first introduced in the early ’70s. It was thus accurate when chosen for its appearance in “Forrest Gump,” as Robbin Wright’s Jenny Curran gives the shoes to Tom Hanks’ namesake character before embarking on his cross-country run.
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For this rendition of the “Forrest Gump” Cortez, Nike is using a premium leather with a wider toe area and firmer side panels for more comfortable wear. The colorway has been brought back in a number of Cortez variants in recent years, including with thinner leather and with the Cortez’s original proportions from 1972. The precise version of the sneaker in “Forrest Gump” is the one Nike began releasing in 1977 and which can be identified by its lack of a heel pull and plusher collar, among other subtle details.
In March, a pair of Cortezes used in filming “Forrest Gump” and intentionally distressed by the costume department sold at auction for $57,000.
Farrah Fawcett wore a similar version of the sneaker in “Charlie’s Angels” in 1977, which caused the sneaker to sell out across the country after the day after the episode aired and marked the Cortez’s first pop culture moment.
The Nike Cortez “Forrest Gump” will release May 8 through the Snkrs app. Pricing is set at $110.
About the Author:
Ian Servantes is a Senior Trending News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
