Adidas Drops Billie Jean King's Tennis Shoes for US Open

Billie Jean King's blue suede adidas tennis shoes are hitting shelves before the 2026 US Open.

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway. | adidas

The Cincinnati Masters just concluded, and the tennis world shifts its focus to Queens, New York. Top players will battle under the bright lights of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. It will also overlap with the 50th anniversary of Billie Jean King's "Battle of the Sexes" match, and adidas has planned something special.

Players inside Arthur Ashe Stadium will walk past the plaque highlighting Billie Jean King's quote, "Pressure is a privilege."

Most tennis fans won't be able to attend the event, but adidas will still give us reasons to celebrate the legendary women's trailblazer with a retro sneaker release. Below is a detailed look at the new release.

Shopping Information

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway. | adidas

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway (also called "The Blue Suede Shoe") was released on Monday, August 24. Online shoppers can buy the retro tennis shoes for $110 in adult sizes on adidas.com, the adidas app, and at select retailers.

In addition to the iconic Blue Suede Shoe, the silhouette is also available in an Off White/Bright Royal colorway. Adidas flipped the colors for a more neutral aesthetic without sacrificing any style.

Colorway Details

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway. | adidas

King's Blue Suede Shoe is actually designed to honor the 50th anniversary of the "Battle of the Sexes" match against Bobby Riggs in September 1973. But the August release date allows tennis fans to celebrate the US Open and King's legendary moment at the same time.

The lifestyle tennis shoe features King's portrait and signature on the tongue, the year "1973" on the left heel, and the match's set scores on the right. An extra set of white laces lets fans personalize the reimagined silhouette.

Spirit of Change

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway. | adidas

"These blue shoes will always represent so much more to me than one match," said King in a press release. 

"They remind me of the progress we've made, but also of the work that is still ahead of us. I hope bringing them back inspires the next generation to keep pushing for equality and to use their voices to create positive change."

King styled the shoes herself in a splashy campaign photo shoot for adidas. Unfortunately, the retro jacket that is heavily promoted in the imagery does not have a release date at this time.

Billie Jean King x Adidas

Billie Jean King for adidas. | adidas

Adidas aced this retro sneaker release, timing it perfectly with the US Open and the 50th anniversary of King's historic exhibition match. She wore the Three Stripes when defeating Riggs in front of a global audience of 90 million people.

It was a landmark victory that transcended tennis, challenged perceptions of women in sport, and became a defining moment in the broader fight for gender equality.

The adidas Billie Jean King "Bright Royal" colorway. | adidas

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