In 1990, Tinker Hatfield designed the first Air Tech Challenge, which was specially designed for tennis legend Andre Agassi and was worn by him for the first time.

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Hatfield traveled to Las Vegas specifically to meet the then 16-year-old Agassi in person. Neither he nor Agassi could have known back then that this design would have a lasting impact on tennis.

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Before Hatfield began the first drafts, he wrote three words at the top of a paper sheet: “Anti-Country Club.” This idea became the basis for the entire design concept. Since then, numerous other models have come onto the market, and the Tech Challenge series has taken tennis courts around the world by storm.

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One model stands out in particular: the Air Tech Challenge II. This icon is a must for every sneaker collection and inspires fans then and now. With the Air Tech Challenge II, Nike is bringing back a true classic.

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The André Agassi series was one of the most successful signature lines of a non-basketball player and set new standards for tennis shoes in the 90s, which had a lasting influence on tennis.

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During the French Open, Agassi turned all conventions upside down with the Air Tech Challenge II “Hot Lava” colorway. With eye-catching color accents, he gave tennis a rebellious, new identity.

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The “Hot Lava” colorway not only symbolized Agassi's powerful game, but also brought color to the hitherto strictly white tennis world. Agassi and Nike's courage for color paved the way for a new era of tennis.

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The Air Tech Challenge II, particularly in the legendary “Hot Lava” design, remains an indispensable cult object that revolutionized tennis and is still celebrated by sneaker enthusiasts all over the world today.

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At 43einhalb, this legendary model is celebrated in a particularly creative way. The sneaker store is dedicating a special campaign to the “Hot Lava” colorway in the new edition of Air Tech Challenge II in 2024: They tell the story “What if Tinker Hatfield hadn't created this iconic design, but a tennis-loving painter in a parallel world had discovered it by chance during a night shift?”

With this original approach, 43einhalb opens the doors to a fictional painting workshop called “Concept Colors” in its own multiverse.

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In order to spread the “Hot Lava” colorway even further, 43einhalb among all customers are giving away 100 limited edition “Hot Lava” paint pots and specially designed 43einhalb brushes. Customers in the Frankfurt Store and members of The Grail Club even have increased chances of winning.

The Nike Air Tech Challenge II QS “Hot Lava” will be available from today via the 43einhalb online shop.

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ATC Photos via 43einhalb
Photos Andre Agassi (c) IMAGO/Jacques Löw, Oliver Hardt, Norbert Schmidt, PCN/Paul J. Suttin