Our verdict

90
Great!

The Nike Cortez SP, a completely revamped version of Cortez, gives off an L.A. beach vibe that sneaker enthusiasts find especially lit for the summertime. Plus this head-turner shoe offers upgraded durability and classic comfort, grip, and overall quality that sneakerheads have become familiar with since ‘72. And with four vibrant colorways, there’s bound to be a pair suited for you.

nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free Pros

  • Reinvented design
  • Great summer sneaker
  • True to size
  • Bohemian aesthetics
  • Classic comfort
  • Unique branding elements
  • Improved durability
  • Grippy
  • Extra support and structure
  • Dual lace options

nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free Cons

  • Too snug for wide feet
  • Heel slippage
  • Color bleeds on the socks
  • Too flashy for some

Who should buy Nike Cortez SP

Aside from sneaker fans who are loyal to the historical Cortez silhouette, the Nike Cortez SP is also for those who:

  • Want kicks that showcase their unique creativity and personality
  • Are looking for collab sneaks at an affordable price
  • nike lebron 10 canary size 13 feet to inches miles. 

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Who should not buy Nike Cortez SP

For people who prefer a much-restrained colorway design with gentle critiques on fit, heel slippage, and color bleeding, the nike air zoom hyperattack volleyball shoes womens or the nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free nike benassi solarsoft slide gold.

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nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free | nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free

nike air presto light salmon, Nike collaborated with L.A.-based Union to create this sneaker. The result completely reinvented the shoe and even being called ‘uncortez.’ One comment even says it “deviates too much from the Cortez.”

Nike Cortez SP nike-cortez-sp-heel

Many experts recognized that, unlike the previous versions, the Nike Cortez SP uses suede instead of leather on the majority of its upper construction and a canvas-feel textile covering most of its sides. Other reviews say:

  • “It is a refreshing take of an iconic silhouette.”
  • “smallest size for air yeezy.”
  • “nike flyknit racer hulk black.”

Nike Cortez SP silo

Great summer sneaker

Several sneakerheads agreed that the Cortez SP is the go-to summer sneaker since “it really gives off an LA vibe!” Others comment that the shoe “looks dope on foot” and it gives them that “beach or surf sort of vibe.” Its rugged profile looks good with shorts and a pair of slim jeans.

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True to size with a catch

While sneaker fans have agreed that the fit of Nike Cortez SP is true-to-size, many mentioned that wide footers may need to go a half size up since this pair “fits more snug than AF1” and that Cortez is a “more of a narrow-fitting shoe” in general.

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nike sb zoom bruin premium se pink cover page free | Cortez SP’s bohemian aesthetics

While a number commented that Union Cortez has “too much colors” for their taste or there’s “too much going on” in its design, a considerable number of sneakerheads still think that “the color blocking is a hit.” They appreciate how “creativity and character were infused back into sneakers” with this collaboration.

Out of the four vibrant colorways of Cortez SP, its Sesame bred specifically provides a strong association to Union x Jordan 4’s Guava Ice. One commented that while “it's a completely different silhouette but it is kind of similar” since you “still do get this guava ice kind of feel to it” with its pastel colors.

Nike Cortez SP style

Cortez’s classic comfort

A sneaker expert said that the Nike Cortez SP has “no real tech within the sneaker other than the foam.” But even if the comfort it provides is “really nothing special,” its cork insole “really helps” in keeping that classic cushioned comfort. “Man I tell you, the Cortez has not left my feet,” said one verified buyer.

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Unique branding elements

This latest Cortez version features special branding signs that caught the eyes of sneaker fans. These include a gold signature ‘UN/LA’ tag stitched on the lateral side, the Union’s frontman logo on the fold-over heel stamp, a lace dubrae or lock that has Cortez ‘72 on it, and cork insole with repeating Union and Nike wordmark throughout.

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Cortez SP’s reliable grip

Just like other Nike products, the Cortez SP features a herringbone traction pattern. These signature grooves provide the same reliable traction and support. And buyers affirmed that these kicks grip well on many surfaces.

Nike Cortez SP grip

Improved durability, support, and structure

An expert said that you get extra panels of Nike regrinds on both the front and back end of the Cortez SP since these are high-contact areas, “so having that there really improves the durability of the sneaker.”

Also, a rubber heel clip surrounds the back end of the Cortez SP which “gives you added support and structure,” affirmed by another expert.

Nike Cortez SP supp

Great lacing options

Among the features that sneakerheads appreciate about the Nike Cortez SP is its dual lacing options. The pair comes with a standard default lace which “has a very thin and very flexible feel to it” and is done in a rope style. You also get a “pretty interesting extra lace” which will surely “look great on the sneaker as well.”

Nike Cortez SP lace

On heel slip, sock discoloration

A sneaker expert said that the heel of Nike Cortez SP “has zero padding” which makes the “foot slide up and down.” One wearer mentioned that “I have to crank them so tight to keep the heel down” and another claimed that its “biggest gripe is the heel slip.”Also, some wearers of its Sesame variant cautioned against wearing white socks due to discoloration. One comment said that “the pink leather in the heel discolors my socks!”

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