How Nike Cortez is staking its claim as the it-shoe of the summer

In all of the ways activewear has taken over mainstream style (these days it’s spotted on both high-fashion runways and in the closets of New York City downtown girls), the most ubiquitous by far is not what’s happening on legs, but on feet. Specifically, the added cool factor of the old-school sneaker.

Exhibit A: Nike Cortez, the iconic style that went from 1970s running shoe to millennial street-look must-have. And at our back-to-back celebrations of the it-shoe’s 45th anniversary, the transformation was on full display.

The most ubiquitous activewear trend is not what’s happening on legs, but on feet.

If you weren’t at Niketown New York’s 57th Street flagship on June 1 and June 8, here’s what you missed: an entire lobby that was all about the shiny new Cortez (the latest style is a white mesh superstar you may have peeped on Bella Hadid’s Instagram) and throngs of NYC cool girls stocking up on sneakers to a soundtrack of DJ-spun Beyoncé hits.

To kick things off, Well+Good co-founder Melisse Gelula and senior editor Jordan Galloway joined style blogger Christina Zayas (AKA Le City Kitty) to pay homage to the classic kicks—which, if you haven’t surmised already, means the Cortez is definitely back.

Scroll down to see the latest Nike Cortez looks and all of the action from the energy-packed, W+G-approved bashes.

The space-age Niketown New York lobby was all decked out in Cortez to celebrate the 45th anniversary.

Meanwhile, fashion expert Christina Zayas struck a pose amidst the all-white backdrop.

Hashtag Cortez!

Guests poured in to check out the wears…

…and went home with just a few boxes.

Even Well+Good senior editor Jordan Galloway (left) and chief content officer Melisse Gelula (right) couldn’t help eyeing the goods with Zayas.

Hello, Cortez-themed manis—doled out by Vanity Projects.

Finished result (with a glass of Prosecco, of course!).

The evening’s hosts gave a few remarks about the endurance of the Cortez in pop culture. Proof? Galloway (left) even spotted the same black pair on a bike messenger while she cycled through Soho in her kicks.

Throughout the night, Nike athletes helped Well+Good readers find their perfect fit.

Swag alert: Guests who went home with the Cortez also nabbed anklets, pins, and patches—and got to pack it all up in a Well+Good tote.

Seriously, how cute are these pins?!

It was tough to choose which one to pick.

Also on hand: oh-so-summery mini lobster rolls and spiked lemonade.

Another shot of the sleek space (oh hey, Bella!).

Readers brought their girl squads…

…and snapped pics.

As Gelula proved, the super-chic backdrop was a photo opp dream.

Manis, manis, manis!

We’re calling it: Anklets are the accessory of the summer.

The latest style: Nike Beautiful x Powerful Cortez.

Shoppers mingled to the very end.

Hey, it’s tough to leave when the tunes keep coming!

The overall vibe, summed up in one shot.

Looking fab at 45, Cortez.

In partnership with Nike

Photos: Nike