Billie Jean King’s adidas Pro Model is Back for a Retro Revival
PublishedQuick Facts
- The low-profile leather tennis shoe is arriving for its half-century retro rerun in monochrome off-white and blue and white, both in soft hairy suede
- The silhouette features side panels that curve to a point at the toebox and Billie Jean’s signature at the lateral heel
- The adidas Billie Jean King Retro is available at select retailers now, but will have a wider release via adidas and more retailers in the coming weeks
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When we think of signature sneaker stars, basketball players are the first pros that come to mind, and these days, recording artists and influencers might be next in line. Back in the day, though, tennis players were at the top of the list, and alongside Stan Smith and Andre Agassi, Billie Jean King’s signature shoes that she wore during the famed “Battle of the Sexes” match were a huge seller.
Tennis Heat from 1974
The adidas Billie Jean King first debuted in 1974, the year after King destroyed sexist aging tennis pro Bobby Riggs in front of a massive live and televised audience. The “Battle of the Sexes” match was a major boost for women’s tennis as a whole and for King individually, with adidas dropping her signature shoe the following year.
The low-profile leather tennis shoe is arriving for its half-century retro rerun in monochrome off-white and blue and white, both in soft hairy suede. The blue and white pair is a tribute to the adidas colorway that King wore in the “Battle of the Sexes” sets. The silhouette features side panels that curve to a point at the toebox and Billie Jean’s signature at the lateral heel.
adidas Billie Jean King Retro Release Details
The adidas Billie Jean King Retro is available at select retailers now, but will have a wider release via adidas and more retailers in the coming weeks. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set at $110. For all the latest adidas news and drop info, download the Sole Retriever App.
adidas Billie Jean King Bright Royal
adidas Billie Jean King Off White
Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
