When FILA updated arguably its most classic sneaker ever with a one-piece knit upper and an internal bootie, creating the Original Tennis 2.0 SW, I knew I had to spend some time in it.
It is no secret that I have loved FILA since I was a kid. The designs were stylish, bold, luxurious — and sometimes, all three. The FILA Grant Hill II, now known as the FILA 96, is still one of my favorite sneakers of all time. If you’re a fan, you can thank the founder of Brandblack, David Raysse, for that one. Once FILA sent over the Original Tennis 2.0 SW, I spent over three weeks wearing the navy ‘n cream build.
For FILA fans looking for a classic with modern materials and comfort, look no further; the thick OrthoLite insole provides fantastic step-in comfort and the knit upper, which mimics the paneling of the original, is durable and feels premium. Plus, the internal bootie offers a great fit, making the laces more of an aesthetic cue than anything else (so I tucked them down in between the knit shell and inner bootie, although they wouldn’t always stay there).
For people who have never considered picking up a lowtop model from the good old days when the tennis aesthetic reigned supreme, the Original Tennis 2.0 SW is a great first step into that genre. It comes in three subtle and minimalist builds that are surprisingly comfortable and all three look clean with shorts or pants. And did I mention that this shoe is only $80?
Also, I headed to the court with my racquet to hit some balls. I’m no pro tennis player, but the lowtop build was great for running back and forth when my tennis partner had me running all over the place. After the OrthoLite gives out, the ride is pretty firm, but it offers good court feel.
My only issue with the Original Tennis 2.0 SW was the narrow forefoot. I have a wide foot and my toes couldn’t splay the way I wanted them too in the forefoot, so they felt jammed in there. I’d recommend going up half a size to almost everyone, because the fit seems a bit short, but trying this shoe on would be your best bet.
Are you excited brands are updating their classics with modern materials and technologies? Sound off in the comments.
Special thanks to FILA.
Photography by Noah Goldowitz and Katherine Stoutenburgh. All rights reserved.
Exclusively for WearTesters.
those cream ones are so sick
too bad fila in hong kong never bring anything in…..
if they release round my way i’d definitely pick up a pair
btw fila have jumped on the ‘athleisure’ knit/mesh lifestyle sneaker trend with a shoe called the ‘mind zero’ or something, i guess they’re the fila equivalent of the nmds, i don’t really know how i feel about how they look, don’t know if they’ve released in the states though
Do you mean the Mindbender? That is an OG silo from the mid-90s
no it’s kind of an update of the mindbender, it has the mindbender mid/outsole, a one-piece socklike mesh upper and a lace cage that looks suspiciously like the nmd xr1
Think its just Asia for now. Was only able to find links in Chinese: http://www.sohu.com/a/147717461_101717
Thank you!
How do I go about ordering a pair?
Fila.com