Wilson Pro Staff 87in Living Color

Wilson is finally ready to embrace its footwear archive.

Wilson is finally ready to embrace its footwear archive.

By Tim NewcombJune 12, 2024

Image courtesy of Wilson

Image courtesy of Wilson

Wilson’s dip into its footwear archives comes with a little touch of color. It all starts with the rerelease of the Pro Staff 87, updated with both modern technologies and in a new array of design options. And that’s just the beginning.

“The Pro Staff 87 is a classic silhouette that we believe has tremendous potential for creative expression through new colorways,” said Shivam Bhan, Wilson senior director of product and merchandising.

That means the June release of the Pro Staff 87 in four different color combinations is just the beginning.

The Pro Staff shoe has released in a mixture of styles since the 1987 debut. In March, Wilson updated the silhouette with a fresh take on the leather upper, the addition of the brand’s R-DST+ foam for enhanced cushioning that combines with a new Ortholite sockliner, and Duralast rubber for some durability in case you take the lifestyle-focused shoe for a spin on a court. Wilson also updated the fit by crafting it on the brand’s performance last, “which allows for a more accommodating fit,” Bhan says.

Sure, the primary goal of the Pro Staff 87 is a “highly comfortable lifestyle option,” but the purpose doesn’t stop there. “The shoe pays homage to its athletic roots while being versatile enough for everyday wear,” Bhan says. “However, it retains enough performance features that those who choose to play in them can still enjoy a great experience.”

That March update, though, released in just the original white, blue, and red colorway. Wilson gave fans of the silhouette something completely updated in June, restocking the original colorway but also launching green on white, blue on white, and white on white for a total of four colorways of the Wilson Pro Staff 87.

Expect Wilson to continue to mine the value of a shoe that has been a staple of the brand. “The Pro Staff moniker at Wilson has always represented the best in the game—you can trace the design lineage through the past 36 years of the original Pro Staff 87 in much of what Wilson has done and continues to do,” Bhan says.

So, anticipate not only a mix of fresh colorway options in the future, but also Wilson embracing new materials. That’s not all. “Expect more from us on the Pro Staff family,” Bhan says, “and sharing more of the incredible styles in the Wilson footwear vault.”

Follow Tim Newcomb’s tennis gear coverage on Instagram at Felt Alley Tennis.

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