Back in the '80s, Fila Tennis shoes signified deep pockets. Drug dealers, needless to say, loved the weighty price tag (which somewhat-untrustworthy oral history pegs at roughly $200). Continental athletic apparel in general was popping. Random sidebar: It is awesome when gun shooting bad men sport tennis shorts in the badly conceived British gangsta flick The Business. It is similarly awesome when Wu-Tang-aged rappers wax lyrical about the street appeal of the Fila Tennis Classic—a shoe that in suede makeup has made enthusiasts lose their shit.
Concepts is releasing these bad boys on Saturday. The reason to take notice is simple: For years the Fila Tennis Classic has been produced with bobo leather and relegated to sales racks at struggle sneaker boutiques. It hasn't been handled with coke boy reverence and it certainly hasn't been vaulted to "premium status". The Concepts team lines it with leather and pops all the hallmark flag accents out with embroidered webbing.
Don't be surprised when OGs give you a nod. Alternatively, give no fucks when young bucks don't understand. Just don't go overboard with a matching tracksuit.
