The PUMA GV Special Gets The Super Suede Treatment
The PUMA GV Special Suede trainer puts a super 'suede' spin on the legendary tennis trainer as famously worn by the Argentinian tennis legend, Guillermo Vilas.
Something like the trainer endorsement equivalent of the Diadora Borg Elite to Bjorn Borg, the Nike Wimbledon to John McEnroe or the adidas Lendl Advantage to Ivan Lendl, the PUMA GV Special was all about Guillermo Vilas. In fact of all the tennis trainers PUMA rolled out in the Casual sportswear heydays of the 1970s & 1980s, the GV Special will always reign supreme. As endorsement deals became just as much about the athlete they were endorsing as the innovative trainer tech, the GV Special came at a pinnacle era of one-upmanship and legendary court silhouettes. Worn by the Argentina tennis legend, Guillermo Vilas, the PUMA GV Special is probably just about as good as it gets when it comes to classic court trainers from the 1980s. A 'Casual' mainstay, the GV Special is now introduced in an updated suede version, giving the classic Vilas silhouette the super suede treatment.
Above: The PUMA GV Special Suede trainer in intense red/frosted ivory now available to pre-order from 80s Casual Classics.
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Alongside Lendl, Borg and McEnroe, Vilas also dominated the Gram Slam rankings, titles and trophies during the late 70s and early 80s. As tennis athletes themselves became faster and more powerful, they demanded a new breed of shoe that could keep up with the fast pace sport. Although relatively simple when compared to modern day trainer technology, the court silhouettes of the era really pushed the boundaries of what was physically possible for a performance shoe at the time. Whether it was perforations to the toe box, speed lacing systems or NASA designed sole technology, the 1980s was where the magic really started to happen for tennis trainers.
Above: The PUMA GV Special Suede trainer in intense red/frosted ivory now available to pre-order from 80s Casual Classics.
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Following on from the release of the PUMA California trainer in 1982, the PUMA GV Special trainer marked the next generation of PUMA court shoes, quickly becoming one of the most sought after trainer styles among the Casual elite of the early 1980s. It also looked completely unique when with its chunky PU sole unit and perforated toe box. First released in 1983 at the height of 80s tennis fever and although Vilas' glory days were now some years behind him, his name on the elite tennis circuit still struck fear into his competition.
Above: The PUMA GV Special Suede trainer in blue skies/frosted ivory now available to pre-order from 80s Casual Classics.
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The ultimate 80s Casual Classics' collectible trainer, the PUMA GV Special now returns to its spiritual home in an updated Suede version. Giving a nod to the classic Suede silhouettes, as well as the legendary 80s tennis trainer the GV Special Suede trainer features suede uppers with the iconic perforations to the toe vamp as well as 'PUMA GV Special' branded tags in gold foiling to the laces. The chunky rubber sole unit stays in line with the GV Special's OG aesthetic with an added EVA midsole for all day comfort and of course the signature PUMA formstrip to the sidewalls. Shop the very latest PUMA trainer releases now at 80s Casual Classics via the links.