Arthur Ashe was a former #1 professional tennis player and Civil Rights icon who became the first African-American man to win a Grand Slam title. He’s already immortalized with an ESPY award, but Adidas is commemorating his commitment to human rights and pioneering spirit with the Arthur Ashe Tribute Collection.
Three shoes are included in the collection: the Harden Vol. 1, Dame 3, and D Rose 7. Details on each shoe pay tribute to the legendary tennis player. The black and white color scheme harkens back to the performance-wear Ashe used during his playing days. The left sockliner of each shoe features a printed “AA” for Arthur Ashe’s initials, as well as “AIDS Awareness” and “Anti-Aparthied,” along with a “1975” graphic that references the year of Ashe’s Wimbledon win and #1 world ranking. The multicolored patterning along each shoe tributes the 20+college degrees Ashe received throughout his life and after.
Adidas has called this only the “first release” in the Arthur Ashe Tribute Collection, suggesting there may be more on the way as part of a larger Black History Month celebration. Arthur Ashe passed away on February 3, 1993.
The Harden Vol. 1 will cost $140, the Dame 3 will cost $115 and the D Rose 7 will cost $140. All three drop on adidas.com on January 23. Which one is your favorite?
