Everything You Need To Know About The New Balance CT300 Trainer

The New Balance CT300 trainer is a classic tennis shoe which was first introduced in 1979 at the height of the "Casual Catwalks" of the major Grand Slam tournaments.

Whenever you think of New Balance you automatically think of the classic retro runners whether it's the 1500, the 577 or something (usually grey) from the 99X series. It was all about the running trainers for the Boston born brand when they first stamped their 'N' logo on the 320 trainer back in 1976. From marathon runners to Manhattan yuppies, New Balance built a loyal following thanks to their "no fuss" revolutionary running trainers. However, as with the majority of sportswear brands, New Balance aren't a one trick pony. All the way back in 1941 the brand diversified their products into the world of boxing & baseball. With running still at its fundamental core, New Balance introduced the New Balance CT300 trainer in 1979 following on the global success of the 320 in 1976. The New Balance CT300 trainer was one of NB's very first tennis trainers, a classic court shoe with a "no fuss" approach to centre court class etiquette. Above: The New Balance CT300 leather trainer in white/black now available from 80s Casual Classics. It didn't take a genius to see the potential of the tennis world for a sportswear brand back in 1979. Major Grand Slam tournaments like the highly prestigious Wimbledon had become almost like a "Casual catwalk" for the likes of adidas, Fila, Diadora & Sergio Tacchini. The men's Wimbledon final in 1979 was a great example which saw Bjorn Borg sporting his colourful Settanta alongside a pair of Borg Elite's for good measure. Maybe New Balance thought the CT300 was like their golden ticket to the Chocolate Factory as the world watched in awe at the Casual sportswear on centre court like it was some hyped up fashion event in Milan. Even though New Balance never really broke into the tennis like Nike did with the Wimbledon or adidas did with the Stan Smith, it was still a great shoe all the same. The CT300 offered superior stability, traction, comfort & cushioning for the speedy tennis courts of the late 1970s. Just like their running trainers the CT300 had a similar "does what it says on the tin" mentality. Above: The New Balance CT300 leather trainer in white/black now available from 80s Casual Classics. Originally released prior to other NB classics such as the 620 in 1980 & the 420 in 1982, the CT300 was revived from the NB archives back in 2014 curtesy of the brand's "Made in UK" factory in Flimby. Since its revival the CT300 has become a bit of a mainstay on the sneaker scene with previous collaborations with the likes of Comme des Garons Homme, United Arrows & 24 Kilates to name a few. Now introduced to 80s Casual Classics in some updated colourways, the CT300 is classic & charismatic with all its OG centre court charm. Featuring REVlite midsole technology for all day comfort alongside lightweight leather uppers with the iconic 'N' logo to the sidewalls, the CT300 is just about as classic as it gets when it comes to court shoes. Shop the latest New Balance releases now at 80s Casual Classics via the links.