Nike Tennis Classic runners

Tennis Classic sneakers

Nike began making performance tennis footwear in the 1970s. One of the brand’s most notable silhouettes from this time was a sleek, understated shoe known as the Wimbledon. Upgraded during the 1980s, it became the Nike Tennis Classic – a stylish design that has since returned many times as a minimalist retro sneaker.

The Tennis Classic features a durable full-grain leather upper with a long, straight eyestay and curved heel tab. Its traditional lacing system secures the foot, while the spongy nylon tongue adds comfort over the instep. A lace loop at the centre of the tongue holds it firmly in place, and plush padding makes for a soft sensation around the collar. It is supported by a vulcanised sole that is durable, flexible and delivers a broken-in feel right out of the box. Lastly, the cushy foam midsole and insole provide plush comfort underfoot, and its vintage herringbone tread offers reliable traction.

The Nike Tennis Classic is elegantly minimal, with a sporty edge that honours its heritage. Its Swoosh logos have been subtly perforated into the flanks alongside delicate lines of stitching that deliver a clean, timeless aesthetic. Capitalised Nike lettering has been etched into the heel, and a retro patch with throwback Nike branding adorns the tongue. This straightforward design is ideal for stylish colour-blocking, and many colourways come in either a graceful shade of white or a rich black tone with contrastive branding.

In the early 2000s, the original Tennis Classic was reimagined by Nike SB, beginning a broader comeback that has produced various new editions, including the  suave VNTG, the bulked up XL, the CS, with its durable stitched-in cupsole, and the luxurious PRM. It has also been involved in memorable collaborations with the likes of Hiroshi Fujiwara’s Fragment Design and Rei Kawakubo’s Comme des Garçons.

For the Tennis Classic’s 2026 return, Nike teamed up with skater and designer Tolya Titaev and his popular skateboarding brand, Rassvet. Together, they crafted a stylish edition of the Nike SB Zoom Tennis Classic inspired by the deep, enigmatic colours that emerge at the dawning of a new day. Meanwhile, the ‘Serving Looks’ launch campaign for the lifestyle model starred Olympic gold medallist Zheng Qinwen, who showcased the silhouette’s compelling fashion credentials.

The Nike Tennis Classic is a sleek, low-profile lifestyle sneaker deeply rooted in the brand’s sporting heritage. With its timeless look, versatile design and accessibility, it offers an appealing option for those seeking everyday comfort and style.