Nike Cortez Laser by Mark Smith (113/200)

I am a sucker for a Cortez. Mainly due to the fact of Forrest Gump being my favourite film of all time. This pair though. Something seeerrriiouuuusssss……

Releasing back in 2003. Nike once upon a time in the early 2000s pieced together an exhibition that showcased their latest technology. Instigator of BTS genius, Mark Smith. Brought his love and interest of tattooing into the footwear world, giving people an extremely limited excerpt of Nike product. These were showcased at 255 Elizabeth Street, New York.

Initially a concept brought to the Nike Innovation Kitchen by Jay Meschter. Its original use was to find new ways of cutting material. It only took Mark Smith a second to look at it to come up with an alternative.

For newer heads in the scene. Mark Smith may not be a name you instantly recognise alongside Mark Parker, Hiroshi and Tinker. Mark Smith however is arguably just as big of deal. Having worked on the Jordan 9 [instigating the outsole design] through to 15, the Nike Air Raid and even designing some of the LeBron range and Kobes. He was even the brains behind helping Tinker and Jordan piece together the Jordan 20 and its intricately detailed foot strap paying homage to the GOAT.

Back to this pack - Featuring 6 designs; 2 AF1, 2 Cortez and 2 Dunks. Each pair was given its own rendition according to its designer: Maze (AF1), Mark Smith (One Piece AF1 & Cortez), Tom Luedecke (One Piece Cortez), Michael Desmond (Dunk) and Chris Lundy (One Piece Dunk). Each pair features incredibly premium Poron materials, soft leather uppers and pigskin sock liners.

This pair in particular is the Mark Smith Designed Cortez made with a traditional Cortez panelled upper and all over print lasering with a mask motif on the heel. One the best quality shoes from the brand I have ever owned. Each pair is also numbered from 1/200.