Per Nike: In 1988, 18-year-old Andre Agassi joined the Nike family, bringing with him prodigious talent and unique charisma. Those intangibles, plus the contribution of legendary sneaker designer Tinker Hatfield, would reignite the sport of tennis and inspire some of the most memorable tennis shoes of all time, including the Nike Air Tech Challenge II.
Like Agassi, the Air Tech Challenge II is more than what meets the eye. Its synthetic leather upper stood up to rigorous back-and-forth motion, while also remaining lighter than most low-top tennis shoes of that time. An external molded heel counter improved the fit and provided added comfort during long matches. As seen on the first Air Tech Challenge, a visible and flexible two-piece Nike Air cushioning system ensured a fluid ride.