Classic! adidas Originals Rod Laver Tennis Shoe

Before Roger Federer started breaking records left and right, there was Rod Laver. Rodney George "Rod" Laver won 200 career titles and holds the record for most singles titles won in the history of tennis. The Australian player was ranked No. 1 from 1964 to 1970. However, it is important to remember that before the Open Era of tennis, professional players were ranked at the end of the year by journalists, promoters and players' associations.  These were based on personal judgments not points; even so, Rod Laver was a force to be reckoned with on the court.

In fact, Laver won 20 major titles in his career. He is the only player to win all four Grand Slams in a single calendar year: 1969. His wins include:

• Australian Singles – 1960, 1962, 1969

• Australian Doubles – 1959, 1960, 1961, 1969

• French Singles – 1962, 1969

• French Doubles – 1961

• French Mixed Doubles - 1961

• Wimbledon Singles – 1961, 1962, 1968, 1969

• Wimbledon Doubles – 1971

• Wimbledon Mixed Doubles – 1959, 1960

• U.S. Singles – 1962, 1969

Rod Laver was inducted in the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1981 and was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985. Laver is also an Australian Living Treasure.

The Rod Laver shoe is also a treasure. Sneaker Report lists the Rod Laver and adidas sponsorship deal as number 14 in their list of "top 50 most influential sneaker sponsorships in sports history." The adidas Rod Laver lacks adidas' three stripes but boasts the beloved vintage round toe. Overall, the original Laver opts for a more classic look.

The adidas Rod Laver and its iconic counterpart, the adidas Stan Smith are both lifestyle shoes: simple, comfortable, good for walking the dog or playing hackey sack, and even acceptable for wearing with a suit. The adidas Originals Rod Laver is classic, one of the few sneakers that are still in style and will be in style years from now.

Take a look at the adidas Originals Rod Laver tennis shoe!