Corteiz is a streetwear brand that's on fast-track. Founded by British-Nigerian entrepreneur Clint (who is better known by Clint419), he's managed to achieve more in the past six years than most brands do over decades. Once known on the streets of London as the guy who screen-printed sweatshirts and tees straight from his bedroom, Clint's Corteiz is now collaborating with the world's biggest sportswear company for the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 - and it's dropping so much sooner than we previously thought.
Back in the day, the Air Max 95 was affectionately nicknamed the "110" because that was the original price tag here in the UK. While the RRP has increased significantly over the past few years (fantastic), the Swoosh silhouette still has a special place in the heart of British street culture, making this collab more than appropriate. Most people, at one point or another, have owned a pair.
Outfitted in a multi-material construction, Corteiz's take on the AM95 boasts a netted base and is overlaid by smooth panels of leather in a military-inspired colour palette. Chunky laces tie everything together, while Corteiz branding is stitched around the front and back of the trainer. The streetwear imprint's signature Alcatraz logo is on the tongue, and underfoot, the blacked-out midsole has been borrowed straight from the original Air Max 95 “Neon." Old school sneakerheads will be ever so pleased.
Many could've seen this partnership from a mile away, but a lot of OG fans are still in disbelief. Why? Well, it's because Nike actually filed a lawsuit against Corteiz back in 2021, as the brand's name bears an uncanny resemblance to one of their most famous models, the Cortez. So it's nice to see them finally becoming pals. Doesn't happen often after court proceedings. It's almost like The Banshees of Inisherin, just in, well, sneaker form.
If you want the Corteiz x Nike Air Max 95 ‘Green’ in your collection, take note. It's set to drop on March 10 (yep, that's tomorrow), and it'll be available exclusively via the Corteiz site. A much-wider Nike SNKRS drop is rumoured to be coming very soon, so keep your eyes peeled for more release info as it comes through.
