When you mine tennis nostalgia, you’re bound to churn up hot lava. That’s exactly what Nike has planned for a 2024 retro release of the 1990 Air Tech Challenge 2 “Hot Lava,” made famous by Andre Agassi. 

The innovative sneaker debuted on Agassi’s feet in California in early 1990 before really turning heads at the French Open later that year. Along with the three-quarter height, synthetic leather, visible Nike Air bubble for the first time in Nike tennis, and unique lock-down design, the shoe featured splashes of pink and black dubbed Hot Lava. 

Arguably the most famous shoe in the history of Nike tennis, the brand released a retro version first in 2008, then again in 2014. We saw more versions in 2016 and a limited run in 2019. The Jordan Brand borrowed the pattern in 2018 for a Legacy 312 and a LeBron 16 released in 2019 with a nod to the colorway. 

As first reported by Sneaker Files, the 2024 version will launch in fall, which places it likely around the US Open, which this year had Nike flashing new Mac Attack retro colorways and teasing a Supreme-exclusive Courtposite that is now available. Agassi himself has been seen around the Australian Open this year, so expect to see more of the tennis legend throughout 2024. 

The 2024 Hot Lava may include some vintage coloring that gives it a different hue from the original, including the potential for “phantom” and “pale ivory” added to the design. No matter the final tones, Nike has a tennis sneaker still exciting fans more than three decades later.

Follow Tim Newcomb’s tennis gear coverage on Instagram at Felt Alley Tennis.