Serena Williams’ Design Crew program is back in 2026, bringing another Nike icon into the fold with the Cortez, a certified classic in her hometown of Compton. The silhouette gets a total overhaul with premium materials and tons of added details, and are set to release soon.
In 2019, Serena Williams partnered with Nike to launch the Serena Williams Design Crew (SWDC), an apprenticeship program that brings emerging designers into Nike’s creative pipeline and lets them co-design performance and lifestyle products. The first SWDC collection debuted in 2021, featuring apparel and footwear inspired by Williams’s legacy and personal story. Subsequent SWDC releases have included collaborative sneaker designs like the Victory Tech, Air More Uptempo and Air Max 90 Futura reinterpretations, showcasing diverse creative voices.
This week, we have a full official look at the next release in the SWDC x Nike pipeline, coming later this year in Spring or Summer. Details about this project are still largely under wraps, so we likely won’t learn about the designers or stories behind the shoes until later. For now, we can soak up the gorgeous details added to two pairs of the Cortez. Both shoes incorporate the same premium materials, featuring a nubuck leather main body with tumbled leather accents for the toes, heels, and Swooshes. Metal eyelets and molle straps transform the lacing system, while Swooshes are connected around the heels to form a rear pull tab. The first colorway comes in black Light Khaki as its secondady tone, while the second is dressed in Light Iron Ore with black for the rest of the shoe.
SWDC X NIKE CORTEZ PACK RELEASE INFORMATION
The next release from Serena Williams’ SWDC line with Nike has not been officially announced yet, but is expected to arrive in Spring or Summer of 2026. Featuring the Cortez for this release, two colorways have been gussied up with premium materials and details for an elevated take on the classic silhouette. Pairs will be available from both Nike and select retailers, though pricing is currently unknown for these styles.
SWDC x Nike Cortez
Color: Black/Metallic Silver-Volt-Light Khaki
Style Code: II5708-002
Release Date: 2026
SWDC x Nike Cortez
Color: Light Iron Ore/Volt-Metallic Silver-Black
Style Code: II5708-003
Release Date: 2026
Check out the official images below, and stay tuned to JustFreshKicks on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for more of the latest sneaker news, release dates, and restock alerts.Â
