The Nike Cortez 23 Premium Leather Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Nike Cortez 23 Premium Leather is a lightweight sneaker designed for casual wear. It is ideal for individuals seeking a stylish yet functional shoe that pays homage to 90s running culture.

Lab tests reveal that the Nike Cortez 23 Premium Leather features a durable upper constructed from authentic leather, providing notable strength. However, this emphasis on durability results in minimal breathability, which may affect comfort during extended wear.

During our wear tests, we observed that the lightweight design contributes positively to overall comfort, allowing for ease of movement throughout daily activities.


Pros

  • Quite comfortable
  • Very durable upper materials
  • Authentic leather
  • Cool retro vibe
  • Iconic 90s runner inspo
  • Can be dressed up or down
  • Lighweight stucture

Cons

  • Not breathable
  • Outsole lacks durability

Key Features

  • 100% Authentic materials used in construction
  • Wider toe box for enhanced comfort
  • Stiffer side panels to maintain shape over time
  • Classic Cortez design lines
  • Premium smooth leather outer material
  • Lace-up closure for a secure fit

Specifications

  • Origin: Imported
  • Sole Material: Rubber for improved traction
  • Outer Material: High-quality leather
  • Closure Type: Lace-Up for adjustable fit

Nike Cortez 23 Premium Leather Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Cortez 23 Premium Leather Nike Tech Hera New Balance 2002R Nike Air VaporMax Plus
Price $110 $160 $145 $210
Style Retro Sporty Classic Retro
Breathability Warm Warm Warm Warm
Weight lab 11.9 oz / 336g 13.4 oz / 381g 13.5 oz / 383g 12.9 oz / 366g
Size Slightly small True to size True to size True to size
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Firm Firm
Material Leather Suede Mesh -
Season Winter Winter Spring Spring
Inspired from Running Running Running Running
Width / fit Narrow Wide Medium Medium
Toebox width Medium Medium Medium Wide
Leather/suede quality Real leather Real suede Real suede -
Toebox durability Good Good Decent Bad
Heel padding durability Bad Bad Decent Good
Outsole durability Bad Bad Good Decent
Heel stack lab 30.8 mm 35.8 mm 35.4 mm 39.3 mm
Stiffness Stiff Stiff Stiff Moderate
Tongue padding Average Thin Average Average
Drop lab 9.9 mm 11.1 mm 11.1 mm 9.8 mm
Forefoot 20.9 mm 24.7 mm 24.3 mm 29.5 mm
Removable insole
Heel tab None Finger loop None Finger loop
Torsional rigidity Moderate Stiff Moderate Stiff
Heel counter stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Reflective elements
Closure Laces Laces Laces Laces
Top Low top Low top Low top Low top
Ranking Top 10% Bottom 14% Bottom 30% Top 17%
Popularity Bottom 2% Bottom 14% Top 10% Top 48%