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History of the Nike Court Legacy Shoes

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History of the Nike Court Legacy Shoes

Jul 9, 2024

Clean lines, heritage design and comfort are just three of the attributes that characterize the Nike Court Legacy shoe. While it honors the history and legacy of tennis, the sneaker also serves as a pared-down style staple for anyone looking for a streamlined look. Here’s a breakdown of the Nike shoe, along with some ways to wear this slept-on silhouette.

A Brief Nike Court Legacy History

A Brief Nike Court Legacy History

You’ve got Nike shoes like the Air Max Dn, the Dunks and the Air Force 1s that debuted to plenty of fanfare and still get the well-deserved hype. But the Court Legacy kind of just quietly appeared on the sneaker scene. 

There’s little info out there about when the Nike Court Legacy was first released, but it definitely appeared by late 2021. No hype surrounding it, this classic shoe came ready to be discovered.

The Retro Inspo

The Retro Inspo

Rod Lavers, Stan Smiths, and Reebok Club Cs — when you think of a classic 1970s tennis shoe, you probably think of a flat-soled, white sneaker made of leather, a staple of the era. The Court Legacy is like that, too. This all-around well-constructed shoe is durable enough for the demands of the court but more suited to everyday wear. 

The Court Legacy’s upper is typically pebbled leather for durability, with some versions constructed from canvas or suede. The shoe’s most prominent feature is, without a doubt, the oversized Swooshes adorning the shoe’s sides. A padded collar and plush tongue add comfort to the sneaker, while the rubber outsole features a classic herringbone traction pattern. The shoe’s autoclave construction fuses the midsole to the outsole, contributing to the streamlined look.

Court Legacy Styles

The traditional low cut OG Nike Court Legacy still reigns as the most popular of the silhouettes, but there are a few variations: 

  • The Court Legacy Lift has a thicker, 1.5-inch sole for an elevated look compared to its lower-to-the-ground counterparts. 
  • The Nike Court Legacy Canvas trades out the leather upper for a more relaxed, casual aesthetic, while the Court Legacy Suede has a luxuriously soft, retro look. 
  • The most recent addition to the Court Legacy fam is the Nike Court Legacy mule. It features the same clean lines and straightforward design as the OG without laces. Perfect for summer days or around the house, these shoes are easy to slip on or take off. 

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Nike’s Court Legacy Next Nature incorporates at least 20% recycled materials by weight.

Erika Style Rayban Sunglasses

Nike Court Legacy Sizing

Need to find the perfect fit? The Court Legacy is generally true to size, so go with what you typically wear. If you have wider feet or are in between sizes, consider going up a half size, especially with leather materials that don’t stretch as much as canvas.

Nike Court Legacy Outfits

he shoe's clean lines and simple design make it easy to dress up or down, seamlessly integrating into various styles.

  • Synthetic leather trimmed with canvas gives a textured appeal to a pair of Court Legacy Next Nature kicks, while the large green Swooshes add a pop of vibrancy. Match these kicks with jeans or a sporty skirt and graphic tee.
  • Baby’s first pair of sneakers should be classic, whether you have them dressed in a fancy fit or just a onesie and socks. Try white infant Court legacy sneakers, complete with a midfoot strap for easy tightening.
  • Want to channel your inner flower child? Pick up a pair of the unfussy Suedes trimmed in shades of gold with a “Sail” colored Swoosh for a shoe that looks as retro as the ’70s, with all the modern comforts of a solid sneaker. Embrace the vibe with flared jeans or a flowy maxi skirt and a vintage tee. 
  • Make the OG classic your little one's everyday sneaker. Thanks to its white pebbled leather base, black Swooshes and “Desert Ochre” trim, these go with everything from jeans and a t-shirt to a dress.
  • More height and more pattern characterize the white and “Action Green” Legacy Court Lift, with its thick white platform outsole, large green Swooshes, and lime green corduroy collar. The Swoosh license plate and debossed Nike lettering at the heel also lend this street-worthy shoe some extra cred. Let the shoes be the star and match them with simple tops and bottoms.

The Court Legacy is here to stay, thanks to its breezy aesthetic and timeless appeal. Browse our in-store selection, or shop the Nike Court Legacy colorways online at Hibbett. 

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