Nike reignite one of tennis greatest rivalries with the return of Andre Agassi‘s Air Tech Challenge III and Pete Sampras‘ Air Oscillate.
Andre Agassi Nike Air Tech Challenge III
The Air Tech Challenge III, launched in 1991 as the Air Tech Challenge ¾, included visible air in the heel and a flexible encapsulated Nike Air-sole unit in the forefoot.The third installment of the Air Tech Challenge line also moved away from the “Hot Lava” colorway made popular by its predecessor, opting for an equally eye-catching, tennis ball-inspired neon yellow pop. For Agassi, it represented an evolution in on-court aesthethics that, like many models in his signature line, resonated off the court.
We previewed it a few weeks ago, Nike officially unveiled it this week: the Nike Air Tech Challenge II “Clay Blue”.
Originally designed by legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield for Andre Agassi, the Air Tech Challenge II features bold colors and a paint-spattered pattern inspired by Agassi’s powerful backhand, making the shoe appear “faster.”
“I always wanted to wear the shoes off court, but at that time I worried they would attract too much attention,” Agassi says. “So while I never got to wear them off court back then, I’m excited I get to now.”
The Nike Air Tech Challenge II “Clay Blue” will be available globally at select Nike Sportswear retailers and on Nike.com beginning March 22.
At the 2012 Australian Open back in January, Roger Federer debuted the Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour, his most advanced tennis shoe to date. Created by Tinker Hatfield, the shoe was an instant classic, featuring a foot frame for increased support, Lunarlon and Zoom Air in the heel for lightweight cushioning, and finally Adaptive Fit that wraps around the midfoot for a personalized fit.
The shoe now makes its customization debut at NIKEiD in Men’s, Women’s and Kid’s sizes. You can now create your own personal version of the Zoom Vapor 9 Tour.
Via Federerfan07
Day
During daytime matches Roger Federer will don the RF Hard Court Crew. The crew’s forward leaning shoulder seams and v-neck design maximize range of motion and comfort. Roger’s outfit is finished off with the RF Woven Short, a mix of exceptional fit and minimal weight, and the iconic Tinker Hatfield-designed Nike Zoom Vapor 9 Tour.
Night
Roger will step onto the court for his night matches in the RF Hard Court Polo. The collar and bonded four-button placket is designed for comfort and class, highlighting the polo’s high-quality craftsmanship.
