Fila has not been a strong player in the sneaker market since the late 1990s. The brand’s basic tennis and casual shoes were passed up quickly by brands like Puma, Vans and Adidas. Fila tried to keep up with simple basketball shoes but the competition from Reebok and Nike was stiff. The brand is returning strong with the Fila Centre Court.

This casual shoe is available in white and blue with the primary colors alternated between two available models. The Centre Court is designed for tennis players with a comfortable sole and soft leather exterior. These characteristics make it a great shoe for walkers, skateboarders and others who aren’t thinking about hitting the local tennis court in spring.

The last time I had a pair of Filas was high school when I needed new shoes for basketball. I was less than impressed with Fila’s style after I bought a pair of Gary Payton Nikes the next season. The brand’s new focus will go a long way toward drawing in skeptical sneaker fans like myself.

Tags: Fila, tennis shoes