The worst leather ever used by Nike - Cortez

[@RoseAnvil]

Get a premium leather wallet from the Rose Anvil shop here - bit.ly/2YzRlMO

[@billystpaul8907]

I bugged my mom for a pair of these Nikes for months in summer of 1975. They where 39.99 and mom thought they were way too expensive. She finally gave in and I went from Converse Chuck Taylors to Nikes. They where like my Sunday church shoes. They never did get real dirty cause I treated them like my first car..Those where the days. I did pay my mom back for the shoes when I got my job, flipping burgers at Hardee's...

[@jlopez0710]

Thats a great story. I bought the black nylon ones back in 2015, at that time they were on $50! Fast forward to 2018 the prices were at $80! Insane to think that much in such a short time.

[@ThatWrapperDude]

Back then that is expensive lol. Your mom wasn’t wrong

[@Vintage_Andrew99]

@@ThatWrapperDude That is true, converting them to today’s prices, those shoes would cost $ 228.75 dollars, it was a really big deal, clothing was cool back then but really expensive, would cost almost the same as a leather thick shearling coat

[@memefeed2147]

Spending so much on fragile low quality sneakers is so lame

[@MovieGuy666]

this story sounds made up.

[@dustyboard2247]

They were the best, most comfortable, coolest and fairly durable "track" shoes back in the day. We called them Tigers. Started wearing them in the late sixties, only stopped when the quality went down hill maybe 10 years ago ? Still have a very light thin sole version, more like slippers. Sad to see practically everything become such low quality now.

[@johndelgadillo2815]

Does tiger come fron the fact they where onitsuka tiger shoes originally

[@greg75002]

I had a pair in the mid- nineties and the quality that you talk about was already gone. They were cool but became quickly uncomfortable because the inside lost its shape very soon. And I mostly mooved by bike !

[@SnoopyReads]

Do you want to pay $250 for a pair of sneakers? If not quit complaining about quality

[@dustyboard2247]

I was lamenting the passing of an old sneaker that I loved , that was once a pretty good shoe. You don't have to be a Dolt. I now pay $250 for Lowas, they last about 2.5 years.@@SnoopyReads

[@jamespohl-md2eq]

@@SnoopyReadsBeautiful strawman.

[@BugOnAChip]

Bought a pair of nylon and suede cortez back in college. It’s a great silhouette and I enjoyed them. For dope shoes with cheap leather (af1, cortez, etc) that crease easily I try to find colorways that utilize different materials that will hold up better.

[@zeroelus]

+1 on trying materials other than leather on these retro Nikes. Have some of those brown suede & nylon retro pegasus and I'm pretty happy with their look and they're essentially still new after about a year of causal use for dinner w friends and or running after my young kids at bday parties and that sort of things. The same type of use on some AF1s with a blue, white and gum colorway I love has the typical plasti-leather creasing that makes it look much more worn than they actually are while they're half the age of the pegs. I'm fine with proper sport shoe latest tech Nike's (zoom air or zoom x shoes have been super comfy and have let my previously creaky knees be happy) but these purely fast fashion ones...not so much.

[@HkFinn83]

AF1’s are much better than these and actually pretty decent quality for what they are. The soles last forever as well

[@christiancabiles8498]

The nylon version might be the best version of the cortez for build quality the suede on the toe and heel looks decent at least it's real suede.

[@adamsmithproperties2528]

The ad prior to this video was from Nike, made me chuckle, thanks for the content, always a great watch.

[@douglaschamroeun7687]

I started wearing these shoes in 2005 when I lived in LA, and merely wore the shoes for its look with a pair of Levi’s 501 and white tshirt. However, these shoes never lasted, and they weren’t very comfortable at all. I wore both the “leather” version and nylon version (nylon was more comfortable).

[@gcfrreal]

NOOO NOT IN LA 😂😂😂

[@h1tek00]

u were wearing cortez in 2005 LA? lord

[@pearrot7883]

@Cecil Mashburn did you, by chance have a felony

[@realitybites4649]

in LA? are you nuts?

[@BartBasquiato]

my uncle got me a pair white/blue cause they were on sale at the time I was going to LA High first day there they saw my shoes & asked where im from

[@sittingcrow1]

Typical corporate greed !

[@julianshepherd2038]

Corporations are legally obliged to maximise return to shareholders. If they could sell nothing for 100 dollars they would be even more profitable

[@BabyJesus66]

Nike is trash

[@Aaron-mc1xq]

@@julianshepherd2038the only problem with that is it’s not sustainable business model. You might be able to make some money with a shady company in the short term but long term investment isn’t a good idea. Best example is blockbuster making most of its money on late fees.

[@nassiglutt6587]

@@Aaron-mc1xq nah the trash iconic cortez still sells to this day. It is sustainable to the highest level. They know how to sell it🤓

[@ABucc]

This shoe is still a classic though. Back when Nike wasn't corrupted with greed and politics. Just imagine how good this shoe would be today if they made a more modernized version.

[@alimonmohammed3386]

I think those are the Cortez basics. Every now and then nike releases the retro colours under the “classic”. The leather does seem to be better on those ones. One way to spot the difference is the lace tag which is included in the one that was reviewed.

[@jandyyyyy]

I would be interested to see what a women’s pair looks like if you did this. My girlfriend and I both have a pair of Cortez and hers are constructed very differently. They have less fluffy lining/padding and far more stiff. Honestly seem like different shoes. I’d be curious to see if they used more leather/different method of construction.

[@anthonymartinez4307]

The real shoes haven’t been around for 30, years the fabric ones were lighter than the leather. Again 30, years ago anything after is simply a knock off welcome to the era of fakery that’s why some are stiffer than others. The last pair I bought was 3, years ago and I noticed the difference and realized I got sold fake Nikes.

[@6atlantis]

I’ve had three different men’s pairs in the last 10 years and I noticed the same thing with one of the pairs as you did with your girlfriends sneaker. Two of my Cortez’s are far more comfortable and better made than the other one. I think there was some deceptive marketing, like one time I ordered them, and they said premium another time they didn’t.

[@thetruthno1]

Reading the comments it seems like there were some variations in construction in the 70s. My (female) cousin had a pair of these in the mid to. Late 70s and they were nice full grain leather. I don’t remember the swoosh for sure. I can see a huge difference in the current ones and wouldn’t wast a nickel on them.

[@foskco87]

I dont understand Nike's deal with the Cortez, I feel like if they marketed those shoes right they could still be super popular, especially with them being shown multiple times in Forrest Gump and other classic films. Unfortunately the Cortez shoes are barely even available now, and you can't get them in the OG white/blue/red colour anymore. To see that they are also made so cheaply and poorly just adds to the confusion. Why has Nike shunned this iconic shoe so hard? Look at New Balance, the 574 is still one of their most heavily marketed shoes and they sell tons of them. The Nike Cortez should be every bit as popular but Nike has basically forgotten about them.

[@joebland3366]

Would like to see a tare-down of a comparable Asics/Tiger shoe, given the relationship to Nike Cortez.

[@davidbullock5870]

Why does Nike ALWAYS have the worst leather yet the highest price tag Edit: obviously we all know why, it’s just annoying watching them get away with it forever

[@jellylions5752]

Because of how popular they are, and their swoosh.

[@BugOnAChip]

Cause it’s Nike. They make dope looking shoes and have tricked the masses into thinking anything that doesn’t have a swoosh is inferior

[@ariescustom]

@@BugOnAChip Adidas > Nike

[@franko8572]

Cuz marketing.

[@franko8572]

@@wavydane Whatcha rocking now?

[@D_Jilla]

I would appreciate it if you did a video on leather quality and had multiple examples of different leathers between the A to D range. Would love to see you deep dive into the look, feel, smell, properties, etc. It would be cool to see even if you had to do it on the Rose Anvil 2 channel

[@alexm4662]

I think he did make that video

[@D_Jilla]

@Alex M I know there was a leather buying guide, but I don't think he had examples of low grade leather?

[@JustinFahimian]

What about the actual Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66? I love those shoes and they seem to have much better leather and just built better in general. Would love to see those cut in half and compared. Also completely unrelated, I think it would be cool to see CrossFit shoes cut in half, they're very specialized and it would be cool to see all the "tech" and see how they do it. (Nike Metcon 7 or 8)

[@istillusezune82]

Most Tigers still have decent leather. I believe they are or at least used to use goat skin leather. The $300 made in Japan ones certainly have it.

[@JustinFahimian]

@@istillusezune82 I have 3 pairs myself and the leather seems to hold up really well, just would like to see them taken apart 😉

[@victormurillo6956]

Better yet, the Corsair

[@Vintage_Andrew99]

I have two pairs of them, and I like them particularly because they have this vintage style that looks timeless, and I am into vintage, I mean, they have this shape to sport it well with any outfit

[@carson8159]

Onitsuka Tigers are great quality leather for a mass produced shoe from a major company like Asics

[@keatsfan3]

I remember wearing these during junior high in the mid 70s. I was just starting to run track and split at least one pair high jumping because too much stress on the red swoosh from my takeoff foot. They weren't really performance shoes back then and definitely not for jumping (obviously). Maybe for running/jogging.

[@datharo5]

I haven't been able to read through the comments but if anyone is mentioned this I do apologize... But maybe for a future video compare these to Onitsuka Tiger's Corsair? I'm just saying since they're both supposed to be basically the same shoe. Edit: I would have mentioned the Mexico 66 instead, but I think it's constructed similar to how the shoe was originally made back in it's debut, rather than the Corsair that looks strikingly like the current Cortez.

[@adnaanu]

That's a brilliant idea.

[@Striker50_]

Commenting for the algo

[@damitdonTV]

So in 1980 the Cortez was $40. That would be nearly $150 in today's money. At that time they were all leather, including the tongue, and decent leather at that. I couldn't believe how cheaply built they were when I bought a pair a few years ago. Just a shadow of the original shoe. Would be interesting to see the difference if you could find a 40 year old pair to compare them too. BTW, from about '78-'84 these were THE shoe! You had to have a pair. I must have cut hundreds of lawns to keep myself in fresh Cortez when I was a kid. Somebody should let Nike know that we would be willing to pay top dollar for a good shoe, rather than the CRAP they manufacture now.

[@yaboijjonah._.1815]

I have a pair from 1979 , I’m not letting those shoes anywhere near this man all due respect. I love these sneakers. I’d love to see a comparison but I’m not risking it due to his track record

[@brianng9765]

nowadays it's still often on sale for 40 dollars, in today's money

[@Dlt814]

I worked in footwear materials for almost twenty years-not for Nike, but you’ve definitely heard of the brands. It’s beyond frustrating what is happening in the industry. The cost of all raw materials have gone up. And the MBA’s running these companies have no real love for the shoes-they’re only concerned with metrics that make short term stock gains and create cash flow. There’s no care for the long term health of the company. So they hire consultants to create minimum viable product, convinced that consumers will only spend so much. All the things people aren’t educated about, the construction and materials that make the shoes last (the antithesis of their business model which is to get people to buy more pairs) are cut out, especially from the inside where people can’t see what is missing. It’s a race to the bottom. But you are blowing the lid off that, it’s so appreciated.

[@zilam98]

which shoe companies do you see that still use quality materials/construction? especially shoe companies that have women's and kids lines. would appreciate your input. thanks!

[@Dlt814]

@@zilam98 Honestly I can’t think of a single one. I’ve been out of the industry for five years and haven’t had the budget to buy anything but cheap throwaway shoes (against my principles but sometimes life hands you other priorities). A new job will finally allow me to replace some things, but I don’t even know where to start. Generally if I’m buying something leather I look for terms like full grain and aniline. But that doesn’t tell you if they’ve switched from nylon thread to polyester or have cheaper insoles and less durable foam cushioning. This channel is a great place to start on what brands are being honest and which are not. Also if the price seems too good to be true, it is. But don’t automatically assume the $500-700 shoes are any better either.

[@AlexDaCatty]

I bought a Nike Cortez in 2018, I did what a sport shoe needs to do, run and jump, I cycled a lot too, 2 weeks ago the sole fell apart and rip, they were really good I even played basketball with them, went to gym etc, I recommend the shoe in my opinion, and I think I’m buying new ones because was my most durable shoe in my “collection”

[@soulfirez4270]

Bit beta for a supposed gigachad , if thats the most durable shoe in your collection get better taste then cheap shoes made with child labour ...

[@CaliKiid714]

I remember them doing a proper “retro” of these years ago. Not sure if those had real leather or pleather though 💀

[@caseysmith544]

They were still making the 72 retro from the year they started as true Nike until end of 2019.

[@alxe8154]

Yeah I actually own a pair. They were available in 2016 I believe, and the leather on those are almost comparable to how Nike used to make them in the 70s & 80s

[@caseysmith544]

@@alxe8154 They also made a Nylon version that I almost got in the red and blue Forest Gump style.

[@TraceyAllen]

@@caseysmith544 the Cortez is still being made. It is being used a fashion vehicle now, not a serious running shoe. I have a pair of the black and orange Dias de los mortos Cortez. They are so nice. Really soft comfy suede, with lots of little style details. Let’s face it, it’s hard to get a leather sneaker for under $200 now a days.

[@tamudawson]

The Cortez has never been out of production.

[@KANSASIOUX]

Thank you for doing this. I used to love to got to my local sporting goods shop and they had three models… black, pure white, and Gump color way. Real nice Italian leather for $50. The last time I see them like this was probably 2001. It is clear to see all they care about is profit margins and not the quality of their product. I know materials may cost more but hey they are made in china for a couple bucks. I’d pay more for the real thing. Keep your late 90’s Cortez on their neck!!!!

[@jamescampbell720]

Loved my old Cortez from 20+ years ago, but I had the nylon version not the leather. I’d still buy those again but you confirmed my original thoughts that the leather version looked very cheap.

[@fadhlysukawidjaja174]

it would be interesting to see the onitsuka tiger mexico for comparison, they're still selling those

[@oxmd]

For your leather working company would you be able to make a wallet with a change pouch? As a uk/european viewer all your wallets are designed for an american system of all cards and notes. Maybe you could do one that can carry small change as well? it might increase international sales, I'd be intrested in buying one.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Amazing how you’ve taken a channel about shoes and made it so good. I wore the Cortez all through the late 70s and high school Making my Converses back ups. Love your channel

[@MrFARTSANDWICH]

What's crazy if you going eBay trying to buy a pair of Cortez the people selling them act like they're made out of gold they're so overpriced even for used.

[@notacrackhead42]

Would love to see the Air Force 1 x Slam Jam cut in half, they’re supposed to have better leather. Nike states the shoe got an “Italian makeover”. And they say the leather has natural variations so maybe no plastic coating? I don’t know, but I would love to see a video on that.

[@spceinvdr6603]

I would bet money nike left it alone, slapped a bunch of marketing words on it calling it premium when it's just the quality that nike used to make.

[@dizzle1119]

If you're talking about the Slam Jam Air Force 1 that just recently came out, that shoe is infinitely nicer than the average pair of Air Force 1s. Nike's material quality generally climbs a rung or 2 up the ladder when they do collaborations...and that Slam Jam Air Force 1 is a collboration (with Slam Jam Socialism. An Italian based boutique/store).

[@dizzle1119]

@@spceinvdr6603 You'd lose your money this time around. It's a collabo and the materials are far better than the average AF1. The shoes are made in much, much smaller batches and there's generally a price increase, too (for collaborations)

[@istillusezune82]

@@spceinvdr6603 Nike limited/special shoes have good quality sometime. I have a pair of collab Air Max that clearly has thick full grain leather. It is heavier than usual too.

[@irreplaceablejamnation8208]

@@spceinvdr6603 Nike did the same thing with the Chuck 70's. They made a low quality chuck taylor for a little less while charging a premium for the 70's which has the same build quality as the og's.

[@JOSUEJCF]

Great work as always. In the retro style theme, what about the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66?

[@ddfann]

Loved my old pairs of Cortez. Never realised they had so much fake leather but they were comfortable and lasted well. The problem was if you pronate your little toe spreads over the sole edge and they become really uneven and ugly

[@malamute4793]

I remember buying these shoes first in 1985 when I was a little baby, I was just 30 years old.

[@Lovetrain-io6kt]

I just bought a pair today I'm 19 got it for the style wish the materiel wasn't shit

[@bbmikej]

The irony in the name is that the classic Onitsuka shoe is now called the "Mexico 66"

[@VUJXNU]

It would be cool to compare with Onitsuka Tiger Nippon Made series as they're said to be hand crafted in Japan with better materials than usual

[@Q_N-]

There was a time when Nike first started the “NIKE ID” program, today called “NIKE by You”. The Cortez’s were offered up for custom build. Surprisingly, the build quality was better than what I saw in this video. Maybe for NikeID they decided that if someone’s willing to pay 110$+ for Custom made Cortez’s, it should be better quality? In any case, my wife and I still have our NikeID Cortez pairs today. Both still feel amazing and are holding up pretty well. These were custom made in 2016 through Nike just to be clear.

[@terrancesanders5213]

Custom Nike By You Cortez is my 1st experience with the shoe, leather model, and so far, I am loving mine! Did notice creasing almost immediately so wondering about long term durability, but the fit is perfectly comfortable! No need to break them in and they look awesome to me! So much that a month later, I bought a nylon/suede pair in a totally different color way. However, they weren't custom amd scored them for less than half of what I paid for my Nike By You version. Equally as stylish and comfortable 😎 no regrets

[@EricEversonArtAndDesign]

One of the first things I did with my first paycheck in the late '80s was buy a pair of Nike Cortez (around $30US in those days). They were my everyday shoes for more than 2 years before I finally wore them out. By comparison, I wore out a pair of New Balance in about 2 weeks in '91 (Navy boot camp).

[@theabhominal8131]

here in baltimore we called them project nikes in the late 70's and 80's.... got a pair a few months ago since the 80's and they are nothing like they were so dame cheap now...

[@ttop64]

I actually still have a pair of these from the 80's . Still made in USA back then . I haven't worn them in years and I also have a pair of these that I got about 5 or 6 years ago. Maybe they were made better back then. I basically got them to replace my worn down Asics leather Tigers from the early 2000's . I'd love to see if you could get your hands on a pair of Spot -Bilt Coaches shoes and do a review on those. They were also popular back in the day . They were made by Saucony and discontinued when bought out by Stride-Rite

[@conke7765]

Please send the pair from the 80s to rose anvil. Everybody would love the comparisson

[@ttop64]

@@conke7765 That's a good idea but they are vintage and I would hate to see them cut apart.

[@javiervega1065]

Nike never made track shoes in usa

[@ttop64]

@@javiervega1065 All I know is that they say made in USA on the inside of the tongue.

[@javiervega1065]

@@ttop64 probably counterfit

[@marysiakom]

There are many versions. I got ones that have leather (or not leather, but still not textile) heel interior. Another pair has different type of textile inside and I actually have used them mostly for the worst weather conditions and they survived 10 years...

[@daedulus131]

Since you've gotten down to the Cortez, how about looking at the current production Onitsuka Tigers? The Mexico 66 is iconic and still made in a super similar way. You my even want to take a look at the Japanese made line they've been doing, which seems to be higher quality materials.

[@ArryStoiles]

Another great video! I would like to see you cover more New Balance and Asics in 2023. Especially the NB 990 v1 - v6

[@polinung2045]

They're very expensive now and I can't seem to find them anywhere in the stores

[@jakejones6056]

I had a nylon/suede pair of these in the mid '90s and the sides were nylon & the toe and heal were thick suede. I loved those shoes.

[@Drew_Reviews]

I really appreciate the insight, it's been apparent that Nike cuts corners in the manufacturing of their shoes but to actually cut the shoes in half and show the layers, I haven't seen that before!

[@yumyumsunkie]

Video after video, each and every time, Nike (as premium as a brand they want to look) are no better than the Payless Shoe Store shoes...

[@robertvincent5967]

You forgot to mention that Nike robbed the name from ASICS and sued ASICS for using the name Cortez which is why it’s called the Corsair now so thanks Nike

[@thebreakfastmenu]

I've owned 3 pairs. The "leather" is trash but they are comfortable and some of the grippiest shoes I've ever worn. They shouldn't be as expensive as they are at all though.

[@akingofoneself]

I don't think the quality of the materials was too different in the first pair I bought back in 1999. White 'leather' with a grey swoosh and black trim. Even though I looked after them well, they scuffed around the toes and the ankles really quickly. They look fantastic and they're comfortable, but they age terribly. Maybe they were better quality in the 70's and 80's.

[@przekoles44]

5:49 not the safest way to use sharp blade

[@anaperalta9511]

I bought them for the looks not for running or exercising. Thank you for such an informative videos 🙂

[@justincadotte3484]

These videos are getting efficient!

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

The sole never worked for me personally, but this is an iconic classic and I'm surprised they did it THIS dirty. There's better versions out there, I'd pay no more than 40 bucks for these if I liked them enough to begin with. By the way, you sometimes do comparisons and I think these vs. Corsairs would be cool, Blazers vs. Puma Clyde/Suede too, since both of these examples are so damn similar aside from the branding.

[@HarrisonHUMAN]

Can you recommend better versions? I love the look of these but don’t want the cheap leather.

[@Gnurklesquimp2]

@@HarrisonHUMAN I don't know much about Cortez myself, but I've heard good things about some previous releases. Besides that, not sure, but I THINK the sole sometimes separates a bit easily? Don't quote me on that

[@HarrisonHUMAN]

@@Gnurklesquimp2 got it. thanks!

[@Bobbylavender]

I wish he would review some onitsuka tigers

[@jreds79]

Can't wear these in certain parts of LA 😅

[@markcesena4670]

I love that shoe,I’m 65 and still wear it,just wish it came in wide.

[@adamreid5901]

I prefer the nylon ones to the leather, I've owned many pairs over the years and I've found the cementing starts to fall apart at the widest part of the shoe, the upper begins to come off the midsole. They made a fancy version of them in the mid 00's with a flyknit upper.

[@kevinglvr]

I had the 2015 edition and the 72 and they were the coolest shoes I’ve ever had. Problem is they were so thin they became as fragile as socks really quick.

[@maxx620s]

Cole Haan is having a sale currently on some of their boots. I'd love to see a video on some of their stuff. I'll go search your channel after this vid. Appreciate what you do!

[@SirenaSpades]

I second that. I've been wanting to get a pair of the oxfords.

[@maxx620s]

@@227conejo I take it you either get a lot of their shoes as gifts? Or do you like them enough to buy multiple pairs? If you've only bought a single pair, I'm not sure that's enough to judge all their shoes and boots. Just wondering how you came up with your perspective

[@227conejo]

Look at the boots for example. You’ll see discounts taking them from 300 bucks to under 100. My point is, at 300 bucks you would expect to get quality leather and welted construction. But the leather is not premium and they are cemented, not welted. They just make them look like they are Goodyear welted but the stitching is fake. For 80 bucks or whatever, this is totally fine in terms of pricing, but for 300 you have a ton of far better options. Basically, the 300 dollar boot reduced to 80 bucks is just an 80 dollar boot. You’re not getting a great deal on a 300 boot. 300 bucks will get you some Wolverine 1000 miles or something like that with real Goodyear welt, decent horween leather.

[@maxx620s]

@@227conejo appreciate the reply! Is there a difference in construction between the "sneaker boot" styles and the wooden soled versions? My next question is what makes a $300 sneaker or running shoe worth it if they use the same type of cemented construction? Or do good running shoes also have stitched soles?

[@scottwiley]

Curious how the Onitsuka Tiger Corsair compares.

[@Invisible_Socks]

Inflation is crazy. I bought my Cortez a few years ago for $50. However they were not the "full leather" version but the textile one

[@juanv.7772]

Now cut apart the Onitsuka Tiger counter part , the Corsair and compare

[@Lord_Mad_Dog]

Comparing these to the onitsuka tiger corsair would be cool

[@rockstertx]

Sad to see how far the Nike brand has fallen and cheapened classics like the Cortez. I owned a pair of these in 1978 in a unique color combo.... Nubuck or Natural leather with white trim/stripes.... that was a good shoe and at the time probably still a top performer I also owned original waffle trainers which were a faster shoe to have / run with. I would love to have another pair of "Original Cortez - Bespoked" A lot of the Nike classics are just shadows of their former self....

[@SirenaSpades]

I had a pair of these when I was a kid. I was somewhere between 9-12. This would have been in the early 80's. I got a womens size 5, believe. I never wore that size, but since I was still in childrens sizes, I was able to wear that size, purchased at a clearance sale. I thought these shoes were the coolest thing since sliced bread! Being a kid, I couldn't wear them long with feet growing fast.

[@trevorgraber9075]

Dude, you’re algorithm is dope. Three months of Mocktail videos in straight into the Cortez on sneakers.😊

[@trevorgraber9075]

Edit: moctoe

[@EdwinCristobal]

I have 2 pairs of old Cortez in my closet. Wonder if they are the same quality/construction. I have barely used them. One is red with white logo pair bought in 2010, and the other white with blue logo pair bought in 2011. Won't cut them open, but maybe if I start wearing them more I will notice if they were made the same or better than nowadays.

[@jaimesuarez6178]

I did own Cortez in the 90s in my native country they use to have full grain leather they will crease so beautifully also the toe box usually will scratch a lot just for walking and the rough out leather will make it looks so nice if I’m not mistaken the year was 1994 also got some Cortez in the 2001 and they were still full grain leather after that Nike went downhill on quality on Cortez and air forces 1

[@flipster7746]

Yesterday I received my pair of Air Max 90. The left shoe is full of flaws, stitching, leather and White Paint on the Air bubble....have to return them...Nike QC is really bad Sometimes

[@circarcadia]

Would be interesting to see a comparison between Nike Cortez and Onitsuka Tiger Corsair since Nike copied the Corsair model

[@NJ-Cathie]

I had a pair of red white blood original Cortez. They were excellent sneakers & held up well.

[@TileReseller]

I got a pair of these back in 98 when I was 15 and I breakdanced the ish out of them lol

[@ShyamKrishnanSuresh]

We would really love videos on vintage runners. Onitsuka tigers, Reebok classics, Puma etc

[@eoretaspace]

Cortez: "hey buddy, I think u got the wrong door. The real leather club is two blocks down"

[@longtalljay]

Now this is proper influencing! Influenced me right out of getting a custom colorway for 200 CAD.

[@scottessery100]

1:30 exactly. ASICS are the only genuine manufacturer still

[@SuperflyLamar]

So these are one of my favorite silhouettes, I kind of expected the fake leather but not on the toe cap, but that’s just Nike on their sub $100 shoes, killshots and many others have fake leather on the heel tab, and the swoosh. These were more of a gr, those always get lesser materials, but then they’ll make a special edition or a collab and throw all the nice(r) materials at them.

[@stephenblair3845]

I've noticed there's two versions of outsole leather on this shoe. A soft one and hard one. I really like the hard one as it keeps it's shape really well and the sole is hard wearing and the shoe is quite comfortable.

[@meowzic]

Why don't you have any reviews on Columbia boots? I bought a pair of Columbia Newton Ridge Plus II Hiking Boot that are very comfortable and waterproof at a good price, but I'm curious about the quality. Someone struck up a convo with me at the grocery store wearing the same boots saying how much he likes them but how the waterproofing wore out and how they were stained with waterproofing spray.

[@puresalvation2009]

I happen to think that trainers nowadays are really poorly made compared to what they were in the 1980s. Trainers in the 1980s used to be much more solidly made. This is what the manufacturing was done in both the United States of America and Britain. We had more control over quality control. I bought a pair of Nike trainers in late 1980s and they lasted quite a while and what a lot more durable than today's trainers. Today's trainers are made by very cheap materials yet they are ripping you off with cheap materials but top dollar price. I bought a pair of Air Force ones buy Nike about 3 years ago and the rubber outsole just did not last. Within 6-months of me buying these trainers. They started to fall apart. The poor quality leather splits very easily as well. I really do not think they are worth the money nowadays. Thank you for uploading this very informative video. Pure.

[@alessiovitelliingiappone5351]

(Elton john was wearing a pair of Nike Bruin, not Cortez. And the Olympic was held in Mexico in 1968 not 67)

[@frojdpojken1214]

It would be really interesting if you took a look at some high fashion designer sneakers like Rick Owens or the Mason margiela replicas.

[@haraldd1158]

Pls compare the onitsuka Tiger Corsair with Nike cortez

[@jackwiegmann]

Would love to see a comparison with the pair that Onitsuka Tiger sells

[@axelvolta9808]

Can we have a review of the Nike ACG Zoom gaiadome please ! 🤞🤞

[@darioalfonsonascimentoatto9508]

Maybe try the reebok club C 85 Vintage, they seem to have decent materials, and would be cool to check them

[@katherinelangford981]

I'm not huge on the style of these, but 15 years ago it would have been a style I'd grab, if on sale, knowing I'd blow through them in a year of wear. Lately, I'm more into Adidas Stan Smith's or the Grand Court 2.0s. I'm alternating between an all white pair and an all black pair, and I expect by same time next year I'll need or want to replace them. But I'm liking the style of them. Some of my longest lasting shoes were a pair of Puma Speedcats. Those things lasted me like 12 years. I just donated them last month. I'd wear them in the summer, probably 3-4 days a week. The sole was wearing but not horrible. I just found I didn't wear them as often so I donated them. Crazy how long they lasted. My friend still has a purple pair she bought with me. I wonder if the new ones are as durable.

[@golfboy83]

I'd like to see a pair of Reebok leather classics cut in half, or maybe the Reebok Club C. But I think the classics are more iconic. Those are my go to sneakers. Comfortable and long lasting.

[@wordlife1997]

You see the Allen Iverson Answer and Dee Brown Pump hybrid?

[@patrickpatel5527]

I think there are currently two versions of the Nike Cortez . There is the ‘Basic Cortez’ which you cut up and then there is the premium version ‘Nike Cortez Classic’ .

[@maxmotors9497]

Main reason I love this sneaker is the pinked edging on the lace stringers.

[@voiceofreason2674]

With Nike and Jordan new leather shoes, you gotta try before you buy. I have bought a lot of retro remakes over the years and the quality is excellent sometimes and junk at other times

[@brandonb3174]

I’ve heard since last year it’s gotta horrible in general

[@joes661]

Could you do a video on loake shoes, the 1880 line to see if they are worth the hype

[@fxrreras7881]

It would be really cool if you have a series of recreating iconic shoes with high quality materials. Shoes like the AJ1 highs and lows and dunks and stuff like that. At the end of the video you can even raffle them off or something

[@caseysmith544]

Try the Classic, they made a 72 classic that is $90--$100 but they are better. The Nylon version is also much better of a shoe. Try to do the Corsiar from ASICS/Onuska Tiger and then compare to the Nike Cortez using this video to see which shoe is better.

[@BelieveWhatISay]

The Cortez is my favorite shoe model! I love the way it looks but there impossible to find anymore

[@Brecognasa]

Id love to see a comparison with the Onitsuka Tiger Corsairs. The pair that I have seem much more substantial to the Cortezs I’ve seen.

[@ritt_faced]

can any legal action be taken against these companies that falsely advertise dual density and whatnot? you've clearly debunked a handful of ones where they clearly claim dual density.

[@aaronsovey171]

Let's see the Reebok Classic Leather 😎

[@JustGeorgeGG]

Also the wolf of wall street wore them on the scene with the Lamborghini countach

[@tedztlee]

can you please do a review of some asics onitsuka corsairs?

[@ak-47_wind35]

Would love to see you do a review on the new Nike SB BRSB as they're meant to be cortez's made for skating.

[@ianturnbow7011]

Isn’t the the same quality as the NB 505? No grain with a plastic coating.

[@wokebird]

"dual density" diecut midsole was extremely common back then. not to mention these were knockoff onitsuka tigers which had the best tech at the time.

[@JohnS-er7jh]

My first premium sneakerswere Nikes, it was around 1976 when I was in grade school, they were like the Nike Cortez but instead of leather, they were Nylon with Suede Toe/Heel. I forget the exact cost but I know they were at least $40 and it was an ouragous price back then. They lasted about a month, complete garbage sneakers. I have owned every other major brand of sneaker over the years when I got into running, my favorite were Brooks (very comfortable and lasted long), then I had a pair of Adidas Peach Tree 10K sneakers which were really good as well (they were super light but supportive). The only brand I didn't try was Saucony, the soles looked weak, strange heel (too narrow and squared off).