# Sleek Retro Sneakers The Nike Cortez '72 Revives a Popular Minimalistic Shoe for Today's Audience By M | Published 2015-09-04 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-cortez-72 References: [freshnessmag](http://www.freshnessmag.com/2015/09/03/the-nike-cortez-72-returns/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/ca/en_gb/?ref=https://www.google.ca/) Often popular sneaker designs make a comeback in fashion, just like these [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metallic-gold-1) Cortez '72 shoes are today. These killer [minimalist sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shai-001-clean-slate) are super sleek, classic and clean making them ideal to pair with everyday outfits to add a sporty touch. These chic sneakers feature a skinny silhouette that is popular for pairing with jeans, activewear and even dresses making them incredibly versatile. The shoes are made out of [simple white leather](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general-82) coupled with a thick rigid sole that is effortlessly classic as well as outstanding for traction. The silhouette is complete with a large, bold red Nike swoosh logo and a thin royal blue stripe along the sole. Classic white laces and a thick cream tongue complete the look of these dapper shoes. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 79% | Activity: 80% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Minimalistic Sneakers:** Opportunity to create minimalist sneaker designs that appeal to today's fashion-forward audience. - **Versatile Shoe Pairings:** Opportunity to design sneakers that can be easily paired with jeans, activewear, and dresses for maximum versatility. - **Retro-inspired Designs:** Opportunity to revive classic sneaker designs with a modern twist to cater to the growing demand for retro-inspired fashion. ### Where This Applies - **Footwear Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunities to create sleek and classic sneakers that resonate with the fashion-conscious consumer. - **Fashion Industry:** Opportunity to incorporate minimalist sneakers into everyday outfits, tapping into the demand for stylish and comfortable footwear. - **Athleisure Industry:** Disruptive innovation opportunities to design sneakers that seamlessly blend sporty aesthetics with casual wear for a versatile athleisure appeal. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Slim Low-Profile Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slim-lowprofile-sneakers.md) - [Metallic-Tinged Retro Sneaker Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metallic-gold-1.md) - [Sleek Low-Cut Lifestyle Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/court-shot.md) - [Slender Retro Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sl-72-shoes.md) - [Minimalist Suede Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/morse-code-cortez.md) - [Luxurious Satin Texture Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cortez-sneaker.md) - [Stealthy Monochromatic Court Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/killshot-2-sneaker.md) - [Minimalist Sneaker Collaborations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/king-avanti.md) - [Contrasting Minimal Lifestyle Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-and-white-colorway.md)