Nike Air Tech Challenge 2: Andre Agassi's iconic tennis shoe

Step into the world of the Nike Air Tech Challenge 2, the signature tennis silhouette worn by Andre Agassi in his late-80s "Image is everything" period. Released in 1990 and designed by Tinker Hatfield (the same designer behind the Air Jordan 3, 4, 5, 6), it revolutionized tennis with its aesthetic audacity — lava/neon yellow, white/black hot lava — in a sport until then constrained by mandatory all-white. MTHOR Shop curates the most coveted original versions and reissues for you: silhouettes authenticated by our team of experts, shipped sealed and delivered worldwide.

The story of an icon: Tinker Hatfield, Andre Agassi, and the color revolution

The Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 story begins in the late 80s, when Andre Agassi, the young American prodigy with a provocative look (long blonde hair, denim shorts, neon glasses), arrived on the ATP circuit shaking up all the codes. Traditional tennis then imposed strict white attire. Agassi, supported by Nike, would break this norm: he played matches in pink denim shorts and wore lava-colored sneakers in the middle of the 1990 Roland-Garros final.

The Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 was released in 1990, designed by Tinker Hatfield, the legendary Nike designer who would sign the Air Jordan 3 to 6. Its design was revolutionary for the time: white/black/hot lava palette (neon orange), offset lacing system on the side, mix of leather and breathable mesh. It's the apotheosis of late-80s Nike aesthetics. Reissued several times by Nike (notably in 2009, 2017 and more recently), it remains one of the most collectible tennis shoes in the brand's history.

A unique technology: how does the Air Tech Challenge 2 work?

The Air Tech Challenge 2 introduces a tennis-competition-specific technical combination. The midsole integrates a visible Air unit at the heel, a first on a Nike tennis shoe, providing cushioning and response to repeated impacts on hard courts. The upper combines robust leather on stress zones and breathable mesh on flex zones, with an offset lacing system on the side to optimize lateral support during brutal stops.

Three clear benefits: Air heel cushioning for hard impacts on hard courts, reinforced lateral support through the offset lacing, and iconic tennis silhouette immortalized by Andre Agassi.

Iconic colorways in the collection

The Air Tech Challenge 2 collection at MTHOR covers the most coveted OG versions: the legendary Air Tech Challenge 2 "Hot Lava" (white/black/neon orange) which is THE signature colorway worn by Agassi in 1990, the Air Tech Challenge 2 OG White in traditional white, plus the Air Tech Challenge 2 "Wimbledon" in white and green. You'll also find recent reissues Air Tech Challenge 2 "Black Lava", the Air Tech Challenge 2 SE drops with premium finishes, and the rare "AGASSI" personalized versions from 1990 ATP matches.

Why buy your Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 at MTHOR

MTHOR Shop specializes in authenticated sneakers. Every pair in our Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 collection goes through a rigorous check by our team of experts: we verify the box and size label consistency, the materials, smell, stitching, shape and sole, as well as the laces and accessories. For the most thorough checks, we rely on specialized tools such as UV lamp or microscope. Every order ships with a seal, a tangible guarantee that the quality control was performed and authenticity validated. Learn more about our authentication process.

We offer worldwide home delivery against signature in 2 to 8 days, with real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, 4x interest-free payment via Klarna or Scalapay, and a France-based customer service available Monday to Friday from 9am to 6pm. If anything goes wrong, our 14-day return policy protects you.

FAQ — Nike Air Tech Challenge 2 at MTHOR

How do you verify the authenticity of a Nike Air Tech Challenge 2?

Our team of experts checks every pair against a rigorous grid: box/size label consistency, material, smell, stitching, shape, sole, laces and accessories. On the Air Tech Challenge 2, attention focuses particularly on the precision of the offset lacing, the quality of the heel Air unit, the alignment of the leather/mesh panels, and the "AGASSI" signature on certain drops. We use UV lamp and microscope. Every order is sealed before shipping. See the full process.

What size should I choose for Air Tech Challenge 2?

The Air Tech Challenge 2 fits true to size, in line with other Nike heritage tennis models and Air Max from the same generation. If you already wear these silhouettes, take your usual Nike size. The interior is comfortable from the start.

What box comes with my pair?

You receive the original Nike box specific to the model (classic orange for standard colorways, special Tinker Hatfield or Agassi heritage box for collector drops), with its size label and all official accessories (replacement laces, tissue paper, inserts).

What is the delivery time?

We ship worldwide, with home delivery against signature within 2 to 8 days. You benefit from real-time tracking by email and WhatsApp, regardless of your destination.

Will I have to pay customs fees?

No, no customs fees are charged to you. MTHOR covers all customs fees and taxes, regardless of your destination worldwide. The price displayed on the website is the final price you pay: no nasty surprises on delivery.

Can I return my pair if it doesn't suit me?

Yes. You have 14 days after receipt to return your pair, provided it's in its original condition (never worn, intact box, seal not removed). Refunds are processed within 24h of receiving the return.

Going further

Also discover our Nike and Lifestyle collections. To learn everything about our sneakers' quality, check our detailed authentication process or our guide How to recognize a genuine pair of sneakers.