As Nike releases to the public its Spring 2012 collection the now company celebrates one of its most iconic model: the Nike Cortez.This running shoe first released 40 years ago presented what was then the most cutting edge footwear technology. Now the Bill Bowerman-made sneaker has proven itself standing the test of time, and Nike has released two models to celebrate it: A leather Cortez titled “OG” and a nylon version.As the story goes, in 1972 Bill Bowerman (Nike’s “guru,” as they say) made it his goal to create a pair of sneaker that would be the most comfortable, durable, and performance-enhancing for runners, who on average face the extremities of running 100-mile a week. It would have to be a shoe that could complement the kinetics of running, and a product that can withstand the constant punishment of the weather and terrain.

What resulted from the laborious efforts was the Nike Cortez. The thick outer sole combined with the sponge mid-sole cushion absorbs the impact of the foot landing on the road, which not only provided comfort but also helped reduce the stress transferred to the runner’s legs. Although like many other running shoes the Cortez was first produced with leather, soon Nike revolutionized the shoes by using nylon as its material. This change of fabric has become part of the reason why the Cortez was so revolutionary. Using nylon has shed the weight dramatically, making the shoe much lighter, and as runners must face the elements the fabric is also quick drying – a practical but revolutionary idea at the time.