If anyone knows about classic sneakers, it’s definitely Katie Holmes. Check through her back catalog of looks and you’ll find her dressed in straight-leg denim and flowy slip dresses with adidas Sambas and New Balance’s range of dad sneakers on her feet.
That she’s wearing Nike Cortez in the middle of 2025 just speaks to how there are silhouettes that simply don’t go out of style. A retro design with a slim, low-profile finish, these sneakers reflect a sense of timelessness that makes them feel of-the-moment and cool, whatever your own aesthetic.
Farrah Fawcett wearing Nike Cortez sneakers in 1977.
Photo: Getty Images
The revival of one of the most iconic sneaker models in history is gaining steam for fall. The white model of Nike shoes is distinguishable for its blue stripe on the heel and red Swoosh. The Cortez first became famous as the brand’s first set of sneakers for runners; launched in 1968, it was during the 1970s when they had a remarkable apogee, thanks to the celebrities who wore them.
One of the most memorable photos of this era is that of Farrah Fawcett in an episode of Charlie’s Angels. Zooming by on a skateboard, she wore her Nike Cortez sneakers with blue flared jeans and a red zip sweater.
