The Wilson Pro Staff 87 puts modern fit and technologies into a classic style.
As Wilson continues to grow its Wilson Sportswear collections, the brand has now turned its attention to footwear, planning June releases of both a new performance tennis Rush Pro 4.5 sneaker and a tennis-driven lifestyle—or light recreational—Pro Staff 87 shoe.
The Rush Pro 4.5, worn on the professional tour by Marta Kostyuk, Nico Jarry, Peyton Stearns and Alycia Parks, provides an update to the Rush Pro 4.0 with a restructured design and improved stability and durability.
“The Rush Pro 4.0 is one of the best products on the market,” Tate Kuebris, senior director of design at Wilson, tells me. “Our updates for the Rush Pro 4.5 focused primarily on modernizing the model and providing consumers with a greater sense of stability both in perception and on the court.”
The Wilson Rush Pro 4.5 updates stability and durability on the tennis court.
Wilson upgraded the drag pad with an anatomically articulated rubber pad in zones with high abrasion to help with durability and a new medial mudguard brings both durability and stability to the silhouette. “The idea was to challenge products that have a strong foothold in the stability category,” Kuebris says. “We aimed to elevate the perceived level of stability in our product.”
To make it happen, the “Endofit” tongue directly contacts the foot, wrapping the foot for an enhanced stability feel. Changing the lacing system—bringing it back to basics—connects the laces directly to the upper to ensure better durability and support. The external lateral chassis improves lateral control and the shank under the foot helps limit twisting, all focused on creating stability.
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On the upper, Wilson introduced a new engineered mesh, which Kuebris says offers more wearability. “We started with small perforations at the back of the shoe and expanded them to the front in areas where players need more breathability,” he says. “Wearers will experience enhanced stability and improved comfort due to the updated technologies and design.”
An updated mesh upper makes the Wilson Rush Pro 4.5 more comfortable and stable.
Kuebris says athlete feedback has shown that the Rush Pro 4.5 offers more stability, but also improved comfort. Adding to that wearability is an updated aesthetic with a “modernized design, incorporating new mesh patterns and a new, fresh color palette.”
The lead colorway on the June 17 launch for the $135 sneaker for both men and women is a white shoe with green accents. Wilson also plans a variety of colorways for men and women, both in white and black.
Wilson Pro Staff 87
Pro Staff versions have marked Wilson footwear offerings since their debut in 1987. The shoe has re-released in various styles ever since, whether the Maxim, the 94 or simply the original. In 2024, Wilson modernized the Pro Staff, updating it and offering the Pro Staff 87 with the classic look combined with modern construction.
With the original red, white and blue colorway launching in March, now Wilson is welcoming three new colorways—white and green, blue and white and white on white—to the updated lineup. “The OG colorways released in March marked the first time we incorporated modern updates into the Pro Staff 87,” Shivam Bhan, senior director of product and merchandising, tells me. “This release was a special occasion as it combined the classic aesthetic with contemporary technology to enhance fit and comfort while retaining the shoe’s iconic look.”
New colorways are part of a fresh wave of footwear for Wilson and the Pro Staff 87.
Specifically, Wilson added upgraded leathers, a R-DST+ foam for underfoot comfort and Duralast rubber. Wilson moved the fit of the model to a performance last for a more accommodating fit and added a newer Ortholite sockliner for an improved step-in feel. “These updates ensure that the Pro Staff 87 offers superior comfort and fit,” Bhan says, “making it suitable for both casual wear and light athletic activities.”
While Wilson knows some folks will want to hit the court with the new Pro Staff 87, the brand’s “primary goal with this re-release is to create a highly comfortable lifestyle option. The shoe pays homage to its athletic roots while being versatile enough for everyday wear.”
Bringing a range of fresh colorways to the line signifies the start of a new approach to lifestyle-focused footwear from Wilson. “You can expect Wilson to explore and release a variety of exciting color and material options in the future,” Bhan says, “keeping the Pro Staff 87 fresh and relevant for both long-time fans and new enthusiasts. Also expect more from us on the Pro Staff family and sharing more of the incredible styles in the Wilson footwear vault.”