While the usual suspects were dominating the footwear industry in the mid-90s, it was FILA an Grant Hill who came through and shook up the status quo. With an all-around skillset that made him the hair apparent of his day, Hill helped propel FILA from 7 to 3 in the footwear industry, only trailing Nike and Reebok at the time. As a result, he signed an ultra-lucrative 7-year, $80 million extension in 1997, still one of the richest sneaker endorsement contracts in history.
Arguably the most popular model from the Hill line is the Grant Hill 2, a shoe that has since been renamed the FILA 96. Known for it's classic aesthetic and patent leather trim, the 96 is returning for its 20th Anniversary courtesy of a collaboration between FILA and legendary Atlanta sneaker shop Walter's. Retaining most of its general features, the upcoming retro is constructed in white patent leather, that famous navy patent trim and bears hard-to-miss FILA markings on the tongue, ankles, toe bumper and heel.
“FILA has always been at the forefront for us and the 96 is just a classic shoe," said Jeff of Walter's. "In today’s market there are trends living and dying quicker than anyone can keep up. The FILA 96 will always be a respected shoe no matter what trend is inline. What better time than Memorial Day weekend.”
As stated, the Walter's x FILA 96 "OG" will release next Saturday, May 28 for $100 exclusively at Walter's.
