The Best Tennis Signature Sneakers Of All Time

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Last year, tennis gained a lot of traction in the fashion world. The months between May and September saw a rise in Google searches for tennis attire, including items like tennis skirts, polos, and dresses. Fashion brands like Tory Burch, KULE, Danzy, and Year of Ours, as well as popular athletic wear companies like adidas, FILA, and Nike all expanded their offerings for tennis-related clothing. Today, the tennis aesthetic is highly favored not just over other athletic styles, but over other styles of streetwear as well.

But tennis isn’t a newcomer to the fashion scene. Tennis shoes, in particular, have been making waves in the fashion world since the launch of the adidas Stan Smiths. Many tennis stars have even partnered with big-name footwear brands to create sneaker styles that are both stylish and optimized for the sport. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most iconic signature sneakers throughout history.

 

adidas Stan Smiths

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In 2019, former U.S. President Barack Obama went viral for sporting a pair of adidas Stan Smiths. The viral image revived interest in the classic shoe, which had previously enjoyed a surge of popularity when it was relaunched in 2015 after four years of having been discontinued.

The silhouette of the Stan Smith was actually created in 1963, and was one of the first tennis shoes adidas had ever designed. Years later, adidas contacted tennis star Stan Smith for an endorsement deal, which led to the company renaming the shoe after him. The shoe then went on to become one of the most influential and best-selling sports sneakers of all time.

 

Nike Air Trainer 1

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This list will include many a shoe from athletic wear giant Nike, and topping off the collection is none other than the Nike Air Trainer 1. The story of the Nike Air Trainer 1 begins with a fired-up John McEnroe. Desperate for a sneaker that improved his court performance, McEnroe contacted Nike and demanded a new type of shoe to train in. Nike delivered a prototype of the Air Trainer 1, a sleek shoe that gave the volatile tennis star the support and stability he needed to focus on his play. The Air Trainer 1 was later launched as one of the world’s first cross-trainers, helping athletes to safely play court sports, run, lift weights, and do a number of other physical activities without switching shoes or risking injury. It may not have McEnroe's name on it, but it's his shoe, and it's an important one in Nike's footwear history.

 

Serena Williams NikeCourt Flare


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Serena Williams is one of the biggest names in tennis history. And aside from being a living tennis legend, Serena Williams earned a reputation as a style icon, serving memorable fashion moments on and off the court. In 2018, she collaborated with Nike and OFF-WHITE’s Virgil Abloh to launch a clothing line that blended high fashion with streetwear and sports practicality. The collection featured the NikeCourt Flare 2, a glittery sneaker that she later modeled in matches. The shoe was an upgraded version of the NikeCourt Flare, a breathable and durable court shoe that Williams had previously launched with Nike in 2015.

 

Andre Agassi Nike Air Tech Challenge


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Tennis legend Andre Agassi was beloved for the unconventional fashion choices he continually opted for on the tennis courts. In 1988, he signed a multimillion-dollar sponsorship deal with Nike, and partnered with the brand to launch his own line of apparel. A standout among the products launched was the Nike Air Tech Challenge II, a mid-cut sneaker that deviated from traditional tennis court aesthetics. The sneaker was characterized by its bold silhouette and vibrant colorways, which reflected the colorful and rebellious '80s fashion culture that Agassi himself embodied.

Shoes play an important role in tennis. They give players the support they need to perform well on the court while also allowing them to express their own individual styles. For those reasons, it's always fun to look into what legends of the game have worn.

But if you’re interested in improving your tennis performance, it won’t just be shoes you’ll need to shop for! Courses here at Top Level Tennis can teach you different strategies for upping your tennis game.