Nike Is Rereleasing Andre Agassi’s Most Iconic Sneaker
Details on the 2024 Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 "Hot Lava" retro.
Nike is bringing back one of the most significant tennis sneakers in its archive with vintage-inspired details that make the shoes look like they were dug up straight from the early 1990s.
Made famous by the legendary Andre Agassi, the Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 originally released in 1990 and was unlike any other tennis shoe on the market. Not only was it equipped for performance — it was worn on court by one of the game’s all-time greats, after all — but it had a striking design with loud colors that mirrored Agassi’s own flamboyant style. Known in his early career for rocking a lionesque mullet wig and acid-washed jean shorts, the flare of the Air Tech Challenge 2 was perfectly suited for Agassi. He wore the shoes in their eye-catching “Hot Lava” colorway during the 1990 French Open, where he played his first Grand Slam final but ultimately lost to Andrés Gómez.
The Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 “Hot Lava” blends perforated and smooth white leathers with Air Jordan 4-like support wings integrated into the shoelaces. The style’s nickname comes from the vibrant accent color used on the branding and on the decidedly ‘90s paint splatter pattern. The sneaker’s popularity has led Nike to reissue the sneakers numerous times, including retros in 2008, 2014, 2016, and 2019.
This year’s Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 “Hot Lava” release will see some aesthetic tweaks that give the shoe an aged appearance. The midsole’s white foam and rubber portions have been given a pre-yellowed treatment, and the contrast of the “Hot Lava” shade appears to have been dialed down a bit as well.
While the return of the Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 “Hot Lava” is imminent, the brand has yet to formally announce a release date. As of now, the pair is expected to launch during the Fall 2024 season for a retail price of $150. This story will be updated as details are confirmed. Readers can find a detailed look at the upcoming sneakers below.
