does adidas still make rod laver shoes

You know that feeling when you’re scrolling through vintage sneaker pages, and you stumble across a pair that just looks *right*? Clean lines, a simple silhouette, and that unmistakable three-stripe branding. For many tennis enthusiasts and sneakerheads alike, that feeling is often tied to the Rod Laver. But then the nagging question creeps in: are these even made anymore? It’s a common frustration. You see the name on old highlight reels or hear it whispered in collector circles, but when you head to the official website or your local sporting goods store, the shelves are filled with something else entirely—perhaps the Barricade or the Adizero. You’re left wondering if the shoe that defined an era has been quietly retired, or if you’re just looking in the wrong places.

Let’s get right to it. The short answer is yes, adidas still produces shoes under the Rod Laver name, but not in the way you might remember from the 1970s or even the early 2000s. The story is a bit more nuanced than a simple “yes” or “no,” and understanding it requires a quick trip through tennis history, sneaker culture, and modern marketing strategy. So, grab a coffee, and let’s untangle this together.

The Legend Behind the Name

Before we dive into current production, it helps to understand why the Rod Laver shoe matters. Rod Laver himself is one of the greatest tennis players of all time—the only man to win the Grand Slam twice (once as an amateur, once as a pro). When adidas partnered with him in the 1970s, they created a shoe that was revolutionary for its time. It was lightweight, had a simple leather upper, and featured the now-iconic “Stan Smith” style toe perforations (though Stan Smith’s shoe actually came a bit later). The Rod Laver was a performance tennis shoe, plain and simple. It wasn’t flashy; it was functional. And for decades, it was a staple on courts worldwide.

But here’s where things get interesting. The original Rod Laver shoe was discontinued as a mainstream performance model in the late 1990s. Tennis shoe technology moved on—cushioning got better, outsoles became more durable, and players wanted more support. The Rod Laver, with its low profile and minimal cushioning, became a relic of a bygone era. For a while, it looked like the shoe would only live on in memory and on the feet of nostalgic players who hoarded their old pairs.

The Resurgence: From Court to Street

Fast forward to the 2010s, and a funny thing happened. The fashion world rediscovered vintage tennis shoes. Brands like adidas realized they were sitting on a goldmine of retro designs. The Rod Laver, alongside the Stan Smith and the Superstar, was pulled from the archives and re-released as a lifestyle shoe. This is the key distinction you need to make: the modern Rod Laver is not a performance tennis shoe. It is a lifestyle, casual sneaker that borrows its look from the original.

So, does adidas still make Rod Laver shoes? Yes, but they are produced in limited, seasonal drops. You won’t find them as a permanent, year-round staple like the adidas Originals Superstar. Instead, adidas treats the Rod Laver as a special release. They might drop a “Rod Laver Vintage” pack in the spring, featuring the classic white leather with green or blue accents. Or they might collaborate with a designer like Wales Bonner or a streetwear brand to create a reimagined version with premium materials like suede or mesh. These releases are often small in quantity and sell out quickly, which is why they feel so elusive.

Why You Can’t Find Them Everywhere

If you’ve been searching for a pair and coming up empty, there are a few reasons for that. First, adidas has streamlined its core catalog. The Rod Laver is not a “core” model like the NMD or the Ultraboost. It’s a niche product for enthusiasts. Second, the production runs are intentionally limited to maintain exclusivity and hype. This is a common strategy in the sneaker industry—create scarcity to drive demand. Third, the shoe is primarily marketed through the adidas Originals and Consortium channels, not the main performance tennis line. This means you’re more likely to find it on boutique sneaker sites or in specialized lifestyle stores than on the adidas tennis section of their website.

Another factor is the name itself. While Rod Laver is a tennis legend, younger generations might not have the same connection to him. adidas has to balance honoring the heritage with appealing to modern consumers who might just want a clean, low-top sneaker. As a result, some recent versions of the shoe don’t even have “Rod Laver” prominently displayed on the tongue or heel tab—they might just have the classic adidas branding, with the model name hidden on the insole or box label.

What to Look For If You Want a Pair

So, you’re convinced. You want a pair of Rod Laver shoes. Where do you start? First, understand that you’re buying a lifestyle shoe, not a performance tennis shoe. If you plan to play competitive tennis, look elsewhere—the modern Rod Laver lacks the lateral support, cushioning, and durable outsole of a proper tennis shoe. You’ll ruin them in a few sessions on a hard court. But for casual wear, they are fantastic.

Here are some practical tips for finding and choosing your pair:

• Check the adidas Originals app and website regularly. The Rod Laver often drops as a “surprise” release. Sign up for notifications or check the “New Arrivals” section weekly. Pay attention to the “Originals” tab, not the “Tennis” tab.
• Search for “adidas Rod Laver Vintage” or “adidas Rod Laver Classic.” These are the most common reissue names. Be specific in your search terms. You can also try “adidas Rod Laver Suede” or “adidas Rod Laver Leather” depending on the material you prefer.
• Look at resale platforms like StockX, GOAT, or Grailed. Since releases are limited, many pairs end up on the secondary market. You might pay a premium, but you’ll have access to a wider range of colorways and past releases. Just verify the seller’s reputation.
• Consider sizing. The Rod Laver generally fits true to size for most people, but it has a slightly narrow profile compared to modern adidas sneakers like the Samba or Gazelle. If you have wide feet, consider going half a size up. The leather versions will also stretch a bit with wear.
• Decide on material. The classic leather versions are durable and easy to clean, but they can be stiff at first. Suede versions are softer and more comfortable out of the box, but they require more care to keep them looking fresh. Some recent releases have also used canvas or mesh for a lighter feel.

Are They Worth the Hunt?

This is the million-dollar question. If you’re looking for a piece of tennis history that you can wear every day, absolutely. The Rod Laver has a timeless silhouette that pairs well with everything from jeans to chinos to shorts. It’s a subtle flex—most people won’t recognize the model, but those in the know will give you a nod of approval. The quality on the reissues is generally very good, with premium leathers and solid construction. They are comfortable for all-day wear, though not as plush as a modern running shoe.

However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, easy-to-find sneaker, the Rod Laver is not for you. The limited availability and higher price point (often $100–$150 USD at retail, and more on resale) make it a deliberate purchase. It’s a shoe for the enthusiast, the collector, or the person who wants something a little different from the crowd. It’s not a “grab-and-go” option from your local mall.

Final Thoughts on the Modern Rod Laver

So, to circle back: does adidas still make Rod Laver shoes? Yes, but they are not a mainstay. They are a special release, a tribute to a legend, and a nod to sneaker history. You won’t find them on every shelf, and you might have to hunt for them. But that’s part of the charm. When you finally lace up a fresh pair of Rod Lavers, you’re not just wearing a shoe—you’re stepping into a story. You’re connecting with a time when tennis was played in shorts that looked like underwear and shoes that were simple, elegant, and built to last.

If you’re patient and persistent, you’ll find your pair. And when you do, treat them well. They’re a piece of history that’s still being written, one limited drop at a time. Just don’t take them on the clay court—leave that for the modern gear. Instead, wear them to the coffee shop, the bookstore, or a casual dinner. Let them be a conversation starter. And if someone asks you, “Are those the Rod Lavers?” you can smile, nod, and say, “Yeah, they still make them. You just have to know where to look.”