Serving Up Style | Retro Tennis Shoe Round-Up

With The Wimbledon Championships 2024 right around the corner, it can only mean one thing. Tennis season is well and truly here! Similarly to basketball and football-focused silhouettes, Tennis shoes have paved the way for many of the lifestyle hits that we see today. In this round up, we’ll be taking you through some of the most iconic tennis shoes that have ever graced the courts, as well as a progressive contemporary entry that’s making waves today.

Nike Attack | FB1447-100

Starting off strong, we can’t talk about tennis shoes without giving the Nike Mac Attack an honourable mention. Renowned for his controversial temperament and flawless left-handed serve, John McEnroe is celebrated as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. With a total of seven Grand Slam singles titles, including victories at Wimbledon and the US Open, McEnroe frequently stunned the world with his combative demeanour, setting him apart from his rivals. Nike’s partnership with the fiery player in 1984 resulted in a dynamic collaboration that spotlighted the iconic Nike Mac Attack, easily recognisable on the court amidst a sea of traditional white tennis shoes.

Brought up to speed with improved composition, the Nike Attack still serves as a solid choice of tennis shoe in a contemporary climate. Maintaining the same colour-blocking appearance as the OG, this model is the epitome of retro legacy.

Shop the Nike Attack below…

adidas Stan Smith | FX5502

The adidas Stan Smith is globally acclaimed as one of the Three-Stripes’ most iconic trainers, celebrated for its timeless style, versatility, and functionality. Featuring a signature perforated leather base and green heel, the model gained fame in the 70s when Wimbledon champion Stan Smith rose to prominence. Originally named ‘adidas Haillet,’ the shoes required a new identity following tennis star Robert Haillet’s retirement, leading to their rebranding.

Fast forward to more than 50 years later, and the Stan Smith model still stands as an undisputed icon. Refashioned with a more sustainable focus, the silhouette now boasts a construction consisting of recycled polyester and rubber and a vegan upper. Classic style with an eco-friendly update, what’s not to love?

Shop the adidas Stan Smith below…

PUMA GV Special | 398632-01

Next up, we have the PUMA GV Special. Alongside many of the tennis greats during the late 70s – 80s stood Argentinian player, Guillermo Vilas. As the nature of the game got increasingly faster and more agile, athletes required footwear that could keep up, so naturally, that’s exactly what PUMA did.

Marking the next evolution of PUMA court shoes, the GV Special swiftly became one of the most coveted styles amongst the tennis shoe climate of the ‘80s. Although the height of Guillermo Vilas’ career had passed during the model’s debut in 1983, the co-sign still commanded respect within the elite tennis circuit, garnering significant excitement in a time when the sport was immensely popular. Commemorating the heritage with a collaboration with Lost Management Cities, elevate your kick game with a slice of tennis history.

Shop the PUMA GV Special below…

Reebok Club C 85

As with other competitor brands of the time, Reebok had to ensure their dominance on the courts. Arriving in 1985, the Reebok Club Champion took tennis footwear trends by storm, bridging the gap between style and performance. Flaunting a minimalist exterior of timeless appeal, the silhouette acted as a catalyst for Reebok’s success within performance footwear, allowing the label to branch into realms of basketball and aerobics. 

Like many sportswear-derived models, the Reebok Club C 85 seamlessly found its way in spaces beyond the court. Acting as the foundation for many dynamic collaborations over the years – like JJJJound, BAPE, Maison Margiela, and Brain Dead (to name a few) – the silhouette has earned its spot within the fashion scene. 

Shop the Reebok Club C 85 below…

ON The ROGER Advantage

If there’s one thing you can rely on the retros to do, it’s pave the way for modern releases, and that’s where our final addition, the ON The ROGER Advantage comes in. A progressive collaboration between Roger Federer and Swiss-label ON’s latest collaborative venture, the model pays homage to tennis shoe heritage with engineering for the everyday. 

Donning a versatile persona that’s ideal for lifestyle styling, the shoe combines innovative technology with CloudTec and Speedboard for the ultimate experience. Meanwhile, a soft sock construction ensures all-day comfort, whether you intend to combat the courts or the streets. 

Shop the ON The ROGER Advantage below…

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