In this review, we take a closer look at the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ, a 3-in-1 shoe that combines the classic Cortez silhouette with kung fu shoes and Tai Chi philosophy.
If you are a fan of Nike collaborations or kung fu movies, you might have heard of the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ, a unique shoe that blends the iconic Cortez silhouette with kung fu shoes and Tai Chi philosophy. The CLOTEZ is the result of a joint creation between CLOT founder and creative director Edison Chen and aspiring designer Harry Wong, who met at the Nike: On Air contest in 2018.
The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it in different ways depending on your mood or occasion. In this review, we will take a closer look at the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ and its three colorways: “Black/White”, “Yellow/Black” and “Red/White/Blue”.
What is the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ is a shoe that combines the classic Cortez silhouette with kung fu shoes and Tai Chi philosophy. The name CLOTEZ is a portmanteau of CLOT and Cortez, reflecting the collaboration between the Hong Kong streetwear label and the American sportswear giant. The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that consists of an inner shoe, an outer slip-on and a detachable insole.
The inner shoe is based on the design of the Cortez, which was originally released in 1972 as a running shoe. The shoe features premium leather uppers, contrasting Swooshes, nylon tongues, tongue tags and heel embroidery. The heel embroidery features Chinese characters that spell out different words depending on the colorway. For example, the “Black/White” colorway has “功” and “夫”, which mean kung fu, while the “Yellow/Black” colorway has “潮” and “幫”, which mean trendy gang.
The outer slip-on is inspired by traditional kung fu shoes, which are worn by martial artists for training or fighting. The slip-on is made of elastic material and has serrated outsoles for traction. The slip-on also has drawstring fastenings with yin-yang symbols, which represent the balance and harmony of opposites in Tai Chi philosophy.
The detachable insole is an optional feature that provides extra comfort and cushioning for the slip-on. The insole can be removed or inserted depending on your preference.
The CLOTEZ is designed to be worn in different ways depending on your mood or occasion. You can wear the inner shoe alone for a casual look, or pair it with the outer slip-on for a more kung fu-inspired look. You can also wear the outer slip-on alone as a pair of Old Beijing-style slip-ons for a more traditional look.
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Main Features of the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ
Here are some key features of the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ:
- 3-in-1 design: The shoe can be worn as a whole or taken apart to become a sneaker and a slip-on. This gives you more options and versatility to match your style or mood.
- Yin-yang theme: The shoe is inspired by the yin-yang philosophy of Tai Chi, which is about finding balance and harmony between opposites. The shoe features a black-and-white contrast that represents the duality of light and dark, positive and negative, male and female, etc.
- Kung fu shoe: The shoe pays homage to the traditional kung fu shoe, which is worn by martial artists for training or fighting. The shoe has a thin, flat and grippy sole that echoes the design of typical kung fu shoes. The shoe also has a slip-on that resembles traditional kung fu apparel.
- Drawstring fastening: The shoe has a drawstring fastening system that features a yin-yang symbol on the lace toggle. The drawstring allows you to adjust the fit and tightness of the slip-on according to your preference.
- Heel embroidery: The shoe has Chinese characters embroidered on the heel that spell out different words depending on the colorway. For example, the “Black/White” colorway has “功” and “夫”, which mean kung fu, while the “Yellow/Black” colorway has “潮” and “幫”, which mean trendy gang.
These are some of the features that make the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ a unique and innovative shoe that combines two different cultures and styles: kung fu and Cortez. If you are looking for a shoe that offers different ways to wear it and pays tribute to different icons and influences, you might want to check out the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ.
What are the colourways of the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ has been released in three colorways so far: “Black/White”, “Yellow/Black” and “Red/White/Blue”. Each colorway has its own inspiration and meaning behind it.
Black/White
The “Black/White” colorway is the first and most basic expression of the CLOTEZ. It is inspired by the yin-yang philosophy of Tai Chi, which is about finding balance and harmony between opposites. The colorway features a black-and-white contrast that represents the duality of light and dark, positive and negative, male and female, etc. The heel embroidery features Chinese characters that spell out kung fu, which is not only a martial art but also a way of life that requires discipline and harmony.
The “Black/White” colorway was released on February 10, 2023 via JUICE globally. It was priced at $140 USD.
Yellow/Black
The “Yellow/Black” colorway is the second and most vibrant expression of the CLOTEZ. It is inspired by one of the greatest and most influential martial artists of all time: Bruce Lee. The colorway draws from the iconic jumpsuit worn by Bruce Lee in 1979’s Game of Death, which was his final film before his untimely death. The colorway features a yellow-and-black contrast that represents Bruce Lee’s dynamic spirit and energy. The heel embroidery features Chinese characters that spell out trendy gang, which is a reference to CLOT’s Trendy Gang NFT project.
The “Yellow/Black” colorway was released on March 10, 2023 via JUICE globally. It was priced at $140 USD.
Red/White/Blue
The “Red/White/Blue” colorway is the third and final expression of the CLOTEZ. It is inspired by the original colorway of the Cortez, which was also known as the Forrest Gump colorway because it was worn by Tom Hanks in the 1994 film Forrest Gump. The colorway features a red-white-and-blue contrast that represents patriotism and nostalgia. The heel embroidery features Chinese characters that spell out peace gang, which is another reference to CLOT’s Trendy Gang NFT project.
The “Red/White/Blue” colorway was released on April 7, 2023 via JUICE globally. It was priced at $140 USD.
What are my thoughts on the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ?
In conclusion, I think that the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ is a very creative and innovative shoe that combines two different cultures and styles: kung fu and Cortez. I like how it offers different ways to wear it depending on your mood or occasion. I also like how it pays homage to different icons and influences such as Tai Chi, Bruce Lee and Forrest Gump.
My favorite colorway is probably the “Yellow/Black” one because I think it captures Bruce Lee’s spirit very well and it stands out from other shoes. I also like how it references CLOT’s Trendy Gang NFT project, which I think is very cool and futuristic.
However, I also have some criticisms about the shoe. For one thing, I think that $140 USD is quite expensive for a pair of shoes that are essentially two pairs of shoes in one. I also think that some people might find it inconvenient or cumbersome to switch between different modes of wearing it. Moreover, I think that some people might not like how bulky or unconventional it looks compared to other shoes.
Overall, I think that the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ is a shoe that appeals to a niche audience who appreciate kung fu culture or Nike collaborations. It might not be for everyone, but it definitely has its own charm and uniqueness.
What do you think of the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ? Do you like it or not? Which colorway do you prefer? Let me know your thoughts or questions in the comments section below or on social media.
FAQ:
- Are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ Comfortable?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are comfortable shoes that offer different levels of cushioning and support depending on how you wear them. The inner shoe is based on the design of the Cortez, which is a classic running shoe that provides a snug fit and a smooth ride. The outer slip-on is inspired by traditional kung fu shoes, which are flexible and breathable. The detachable insole is an optional feature that provides extra comfort and cushioning for the slip-on.
- Are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ good for running?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are not designed for running, but rather for casual wear or kung fu practice. The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it in different ways, but none of them are optimal for running. The inner shoe is based on the design of the Cortez, which is a classic running shoe, but it has a thin, flat and grippy sole that is more suitable for kung fu shoes.
The outer slip-on is inspired by traditional kung fu shoes, which are flexible and breathable, but they lack stability and traction. The detachable insole is an optional feature that provides extra comfort and cushioning for the slip-on, but it adds weight and bulk to the shoe.
- Why are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ so popular?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are so popular because they are a unique and innovative shoe that combines two different cultures and styles: kung fu and Cortez. The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it in different ways depending on your mood or occasion. The shoe also pays homage to different icons and influences such as Tai Chi, Bruce Lee and Forrest Gump.
The shoe is a collaboration between CLOT, a Hong Kong streetwear label founded by Edison Chen, and Nike, an American sportswear giant. The shoe is part of CLOT’s mission of nurturing new voices in China and bridging the East and the West.
- Why are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ so expensive?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are so expensive because they are a limited-edition shoe that features premium materials and a complex design. The shoe features premium leather uppers, contrasting Swooshes, nylon tongues, tongue tags, heel embroidery, drawstring fastenings, yin-yang symbols, detachable insoles and serrated outsoles. The shoe also features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it as a whole or as two separate pairs of shoes. The shoe is priced at $140 USD, which is higher than the average price of a pair of Nike shoes.
- Are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ worth it?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are worth it if you are looking for a unique and innovative shoe that combines two different cultures and styles: kung fu and Cortez. The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it in different ways depending on your mood or occasion. The shoe also pays homage to different icons and influences such as Tai Chi, Bruce Lee and Forrest Gump. The shoe is a collaboration between CLOT, a Hong Kong streetwear label founded by Edison Chen, and Nike, an American sportswear giant. The shoe is part of CLOT’s mission of nurturing new voices in China and bridging the East and the West.
However, the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are not worth it if you are looking for a shoe that is designed for running or other athletic activities. The shoe features a 3-in-1 design that allows you to wear it in different ways, but none of them are optimal for running. The inner shoe is based on the design of the Cortez, which is a classic running shoe, but it has a thin, flat and grippy sole that is more suitable for kung fu shoes.
The outer slip-on is inspired by traditional kung fu shoes, which are flexible and breathable, but they lack stability and traction. The detachable insole is an optional feature that provides extra comfort and cushioning for the slip-on, but it adds weight and bulk to the shoe.
- Does CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ true to size?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ fit true to size according to most reviewers. However, some reviewers have noted that the inner shoe fits snugly while the outer slip-on fits loosely. Therefore, some reviewers have suggested going half a size up or down depending on your preference.
- Where to buy CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are available via JUICE globally and select retailers worldwide. You can also find them on online platforms such as GOAT or StockX.
- Are CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ good for walking?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are good for walking as they provide different levels of comfort and support depending on how you wear them. The inner shoe is based on the design of the Cortez, which is a classic running shoe that provides a snug fit and a smooth ride. The outer slip-on is inspired by traditional kung fu shoes, which are flexible and breathable. The detachable insole is an optional feature that provides extra comfort and cushioning for the slip-on.
However, the CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ are not good for walking long distances or on uneven surfaces as they lack stability and traction. The inner shoe has a thin, flat and grippy sole that is more suitable for kung fu shoes. The outer slip-on has serrated outsoles that might wear out quickly or get caught on obstacles.
- Does CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ run small?
The CLOT x Nike Cortez CLOTEZ do not run small according to most reviewers. However, some reviewers have noted that the inner shoe fits snugly while the outer slip-on fits loosely. Therefore, some reviewers have suggested going half a size up or down depending on your preference.