Adidas is bringing back Billie Jean King’s iconic Blue Suede Shoe, worn during the historic 1973 Battle of the Sexes. King was wearing blue suede tennis shoes when she defeated Bobby Riggs in front of a global TV audience of 90 million people. A landmark victory that challenged perceptions of women in sport and a defining moment in the fight for equality. More than 50 years later, the Blue Suede Shoe remains a symbol of King’s impact on and off the court.
Reissued as an everyday sneaker, the shoes incorporate details that honor the four-time US Open singles champ. These include BJK’s portrait and signature on the tongue, 1973 on the left heel and the match’s set scores on the right. The “shoes will always represent much more to me than one match,” said Billie Jean King. “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 change.” The 2026 US Open starts August 30 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City.
Billie Jean King Shoes ($110.00) – adidas.com
