Dust off your racquet and put on your tennis whites; athleisure brand The Upside and creators of the archetypal tennis shoe Volley have released a heritage shoe style designed to be worn on and off the court.
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Released in tandem with this year’s Australian Open, The Upside x Volley collaboration sees the two homegrown brands apply the former’s retro feel to the classic footwear silhouette, with the three-stripe detail sitting prominently on the Volley heel tape and midsole, as well as custom ‘Volley Up’ logo. The nostalgic style is released in both low-top and high-top iterations, constructed from the original lightweight cotton canvas with a reinforced toe cap for stability, as well as the signature gum sole with herringbone pattern for traction and grip.
“Volleys conjure up so many great memories for me,” Jodhi Meares, founder of The Upside, said of the iconic Australian staple. “Your school shoes came off and your Volleys came on, signifying good times, fun times.”
While not typically seen on the courts today, Volley shoes were originally developed over 80 years ago by Australian tennis player — and winner of multiple Grand Slams — Adrian Quist. Volleys gained traction for their comfortable and practical design, and were swiftly embraced by tennis royalty of the time.
Alongside the collaboration, The Upside has released an elevated tennis capsule that sits at the intersection of fashion and function. Designed to be seamlessly transitioned from on-court wear to post-play activities. The capsule collection is defined by red, navy, and white tones, and represents a throwback to the golden era with vintage touches and ‘70s silhouettes.
Key styles include the v-necks, a classic training tip inspired by the inherent elegance of the sport, as well as the crochet dress that exudes old-school elegance (despite being a tad impractical for the sport itself). Other pieces in the collection are crafted from cotton pique and four-way stretch pleated fabrics with moisture-wicking properties, keeping you comfortable and carefree while slicing up a storm.
The Upside x Volley high-top ($89.99AUD) and low-top ($79.99AUD) shoes are available via The Upside and Volley webstores.
Words by AR Staff
