5 Forgotten Tennis Sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s

When it comes to retro footwear brands, basketball shoes and old-school runners often steal the spotlight. However, tennis sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s had their own unique style and street appeal. With recent sightings of celebrities like LeBron James and Travis Scott rocking original versions of iconic tennis shoes from this era, the spotlight is once again shining on these forgotten gems. Let’s take a closer look at five relics from the bygone time of tennis footwear that definitely deserve a retro comeback.

One of the forgotten gems is the Nike Air Alarm from 1995. While Andre Agassi is best known for his famous mullet and the Air Tech Challenge line, his footwear choices underwent a renaissance in the mid-1990s. In 1995, Nike released the Air Alarm, which was touted as the „most supportive lightweight tennis shoe we’ve ever made.“ It had a niche appeal and was loved by a select few enthusiasts. Surprisingly, Nike has yet to decide on a retro release for this underrated gem, even after 25 years.

Another forgotten brand is Converse. While Converse is renowned for its Chuck Taylor All Star and the signature sneaker of badminton legend Jack Purcell, what many may not be aware of is that two of tennis‘ greatest players, Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert, also represented the star and chevron brand. Connors‘ sneaker was appropriately named the Converse Jimmy Connors, while Evert had her own personalized version. These sneakers boasted improved durability, lightweight construction, and enhanced comfort, making them a must-have for any tennis enthusiast.

Adidas also had its share of forgotten tennis sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s. Ivan Lendl, one of the most influential tennis players of his generation, had a signature line with Adidas, including the Lendl Competition released in 1984. While Adidas was making waves in basketball with the Forum, the Lendl Competition was a classic white and blue shoe that helped Lendl dominate the competition as the world No. 1. With technical features like dual-density rubber tread and ghillie-style speed loops, the Lendl Competition was a standout sneaker in its time.

Wilson, known for its tennis racquets, also ventured into the sneaker market with the Wilson Pro Staff in 1986. The Wilson Pro Staff is a well-known series of tennis racquets favored by pros like Pete Sampras and Roger Federer. But it was also the name of Wilson’s clean and stylish tennis sneaker that debuted around 1986. Although it remained in circulation for quite some time, it fell out of sneakerhead consciousness in recent years. In 2020, Wilson revived the Pro Staff shoe with modern tennis technology, but it failed to capture the essence of its heritage. Nonetheless, Wilson should be commended for referencing their rich history in their latest release.

Lastly, we have the Puma Martina from 1984–87. During her contract with Puma from 1984 to 1987, Martina Navratilova, the world’s best female tennis player at the time, won multiple major titles. Her signature sneakers from that era are particularly obscure, despite her impressive achievements. While limited information exists online about Navratilova’s signature models, it is likely that each was optimized for the specific playing surface she excelled on. Currently, there is even a pair of West German-made high-top Pumas bearing her name available on eBay.

The 1980s and 1990s were an era of incredible innovation and style in the world of tennis sneakers. While sneakers like the Nike Air Tech Challenge series, Reebok Club C, and Gucci Tennis have attained legendary status, there are many forgotten gems that deserve recognition. These five relics from that era showcase the unique design and performance features that set them apart. It’s time to remember the forgotten tennis sneakers of the 1980s and 1990s and appreciate the impact they made on street steez.

With their rich history and stylish designs, these forgotten tennis sneakers deserve a retro comeback. Whether it’s the Nike Air Alarm with its lightweight support, the Converse Jimmy Connors and Chris Evert models that were favored by two tennis legends, the Adidas Lendl Competition that helped Ivan Lendl dominate the courts, the Wilson Pro Staff that combines heritage and modern technology, or the Puma Martina sneakers that bore the name of the world’s best female tennis player, there’s something special about these forgotten gems. Let’s hope that these brands take notice and bring back these iconic tennis sneakers for a new generation to appreciate.

As the fashion world continues to look back at the iconic styles of the past, there’s no doubt that the 1980s and 1990s tennis sneakers hold a special place in sneaker culture. These forgotten gems are a testament to the creativity and innovation of that era, and they deserve a resurgence on the feet of both athletes and sneaker enthusiasts alike. So, let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope that Nike, Converse, Adidas, Wilson, and Puma recognize the potential of these classic designs and give us the retro releases we’ve been waiting for. Because when it comes to timeless style and unparalleled comfort, these forgotten tennis sneakers from the 1980s and 1990s are game, set, match.