The Pony Slam Dunk is a Classic Court Trainer From 1982
It didn't matter whether it was running, tennis, handball or basketball, the 1980s saw a seismic shift in the world of athletic shoes and the Pony Slam Dunk trainer was no different.
With bigger ranges, bigger endorsements deals & bigger advertising budgets, it was 'All American' sports like basketball that really set the bar as far as court trainers were concerned in the 1980s. The NBA not only captured the whole Reagan era of 'Reaganomics' & the USA's rise to dominance on the global sports stage, but also the innovation of the speediest court shoes as the biggest sportswear brands went all in with some of the biggest endorsement deals. Just like the other big sportswear brands of the era, Pony's dominance on the speedy NBA courts of the 1980s owed a lot to their athlete endorsements. Sponsoring basketball legends like Bob McAdoo, Spud Webb, John Havlicek & David Thompson, who each had their own pro Pony models throughout the 1980s, it was classic court silhouettes like the Slam Dunk Hi which featured canvas uppers and the iconic rubber toe that saw Pony become one of the most dominant brands in the sport. It's the classic low version of the Slam Dunk trainer which now gets treated to a very special re-release for 2025.
Above: The Pony Slam Dunk Low trainer in white/green/gum now available from 80s Casual Classics.
SHOP NOW
Since its inception in NYC back in 1972 Pony (product of New York) has sponsored everyone from Muhammed Ali to Pele, as well as some of the top NBA players of the 1980s. If you're an avid fan of retro football shirts then you'll also probably know of Pony's football connection a bit closer to home, kit sponsoring the likes of Tottenham, West Ham, Huddersfield & Hearts throughout the 1990s. Following on from the success of legendary running shoes like the Express & the Racer from the late 1970s, the 1980s saw Pony become one of the top athletic brands worldwide. Reaching $800 million in sales by the mid 1980s, Pony's dominance on the speedy NBA courts reached its pinnacle with classic high top silhouettes like the M-100, the City Wings and the Profile to name a few.
Above: The Pony Slam Dunk Low trainer in white/green/gum now available from 80s Casual Classics.
SHOP NOW
Bringing back the original Slam Dunk Low trainer from 1982, this latest archive release from Pony revives a retro classic. Featuring the iconic rubber toe to the front & gum outsole for that classic low style the Slam Dunk Low is the ultimate summer shoe. Other highlights include canvas uppers with tonal stitching & Pony branding in dark green to the sidewalls & tongue tab. Shop the very latest Pony trainer releases now at 80s Casual Classics via the links.
