Sneaker News With the US open right around the corner, many companies with a rich tennis heritage are dipping back into their archives to tell their story. Having provided on-court footwear to greats like Björn Borg, Diadora is unquestionably one of those companies—and they’ve teamed up with New Jersey’s Packer for a special collection inspired by the legendary style of 90s tennis and running that still holds a great deal of influence today.
Entitled “ON/OFF,” the collection consists of two shoes: one for on-court wear, and one for off-court wear. The on-court shoe is a Diadora Rebound Ace, with an orange/blue/white colorway inspired by the Diadora 1991 US Open kit sported by tourney runner-up Jim Courier. The shoe’s construction is quintessentially 90s, with tumbled leather overlays giving way to mesh side panels for breathability. Special details arrive via custom tri-color heel loops and lace deubres, a bold blue eyestay, and a bold retro tongue badge/hangtag. On the other end, the off-court part of the pack is fulfilled by the Diadora N.9002. The retro runner arrives in the same kit-inspired color palate, but trades out the leather construction of the Rebound Ace for a mix of mesh and suede with leather overlays for a slightly speedier look. For a unique casual touch, the shoe’s heel and collar are draped in a cozy long-hair suede, and the look is completed by white and orange hits on the tongue, heel, quarter panel, and midsole.
Both shoes from the “ON/OFF” collection are available now exclusively on Packer Shoes online and in-store at their Jersey City location, each retailing for an even $200 USD. Enjoy a full set of lookbook images below, and let us know which one of the retro kicks is your favorite.
