More than five decades after Billie Jean King changed the course of women’s sports, adidas is bringing back the signature shoe tied to one of the most important moments of her career. The low-profile tennis model returns for 2026 with a quiet off-white look and several details connected to King’s historic win over Bobby Riggs.

That match took place in 1973, when Riggs publicly argued that even an older male player could beat the best women in tennis. King accepted the challenge and defeated him in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3, 6–3, in front of an estimated global audience of 90 million people. The victory became known as the “Battle of the Sexes” and helped push women’s sports into a much larger public conversation.

King wore an adidas tennis shoe during the match, and the brand released her signature model the following year. That made her the first female athlete to receive a signature sneaker. Her original blue suede game-worn pair is now preserved by the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

The 2026 edition stays close to the shoe’s vintage court roots. Off-white suede covers most of the upper, while leather Three Stripes and matching heel tabs provide a slight contrast in texture. Curved overlays wrap around the toe, and the slim rubber sole keeps the original retro profile intact.

Many subtle tributes reveal more of the story. King is depicted on the heavy leather tongue label with a blue drawing. Her autograph is embossed in gold next to the side heel. Scores from each of the three sets against Riggs are listed on the heel tabs. “Pressure Is a Privilege” is written across the bottoms of the shoes.

The adidas Billie Jean King is expected to receive a wider release during 2026 in women’s sizing for $110. An exact release date has yet to be announced.

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