Fresh from her appearance at the 2026 Met Gala, Gabrielle Union stepped out in NYC wearing a pair of black leather Nike Cortez sneakers that instantly made me stop mid-scroll. For a rainy day, she styled them with cozy navy trousers, a white tee, and a sharp black coat. The Nike Cortez has held a certain cool-factor cachet since its debut in 1972 as one of Nike’s earliest running shoes, but lately, the sneaker feels newly relevant. Maybe it’s the ongoing obsession with retro sportswear, or maybe everyone is tired of overly complicated shoe trends, but the low-profile silhouette suddenly looks fresh again.
Union isn’t the only one bringing the classic style back into the rotation. Dakota Johnson has been wearing her brown suede Cortez sneakers with casual denim and an oversized jacket in New York City, while Paris-based fashion influencers like Camille Charrière have been quietly endorsing the shoe for several seasons. Plus, the tapered shape works with the wide-leg pants that are dominating fashion right now. Scroll down to buy the shoes for yourself.
How well women style Nike Cortez sneakers
(Image credit: The Image Direct)
On Gabrielle Union: Nike Cortez Leather Sneakers ($95)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
On Dakota Johnson: Nike Cortez Textile Sneakers ($95)
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