Nike Air Zoom Vapor X GRS

White/University Blue

Ever since their first entry into tennis footwear back in 1973, Nike have set the trends that define the shoes we see on-court to this day.

Bringing colour and attitude to a sport famed for its formal dress codes, the Swoosh shook up the establishment in the 70s with some inspired designs and endorsements, signing up first Ilie Nastase in ’73, and then, in 1978, John McEnroe.

Confident and uncompromising, McEnroe was the perfect partner for Nike as they grew their influence in the game, particularly thanks to his personal championing of the classic Air Trainer 1 in the 80s – a shoe that likely wouldn’t have seen the light of day had he not insisted its prototype be developed into a full design.

After McEnroe came Agassi, Courier, and Sampras. All three had some superb shoes that pushed the boundaries for technology as much as looks, with Agassi’s Air Tech Challenge and Sampras’s Air Oscillate featuring industry-leading engineering, just as Federer and Nadal’s shoes have in more recent times.

Rafa’s signature shoe, the Zoom Vapor Cage, remains available today with its winning combination of performance and durability, while Naomi Osaka’s Zoom GP Turbo follows in the footsteps of Serena’s Flare in leading the way for women’s footwear. Elsewhere, check out the NXT range for the latest tech-focused designs, or if you prefer something simple, lightweight, and comfy, the Lite collection has you covered.

Grass court tennis shoes are specifically engineered for use on grass courts, where the game is fast and the footing can be slippery. These shoes typically feature a nubbed or pimples outsole rather than a deep tread pattern to ensure the right balance of grip and give, and to avoid damaging the court surface. This helps players maintain their footing and allows for quick, agile movements. Additionally, they often provide extra reinforcement in high-wear areas for increased durability. Grass court shoes may also include features like lightweight construction for speed and responsive cushioning for comfort during fast-paced play.

Roger Federer, born in Switzerland in 1981, is universally acclaimed as one of the greatest tennis players in history. Renowned for his elegance, precision, and effortless style, Federer's game is marked by a powerful serve, versatile shot-making, and an unparalleled one-handed backhand. His ability to adapt his game to different opponents and court surfaces has resulted in multiple Grand Slam titles. Federer, who turned pro in 1998, has also won numerous accolades for sportsmanship and is admired for his enduring competitiveness. He forms part of the legendary "Big Four" in men's tennis.