The Dunlop Volley story
If it weren't for some forgotten luggage, the Dunlop Volley might never have been.
Back in the 1930's, Australian tennis player Adrian Quist (pictured) headed to the USA to compete in the Davis Cup.
Unfortunately for him, he left his tennis shoes at home.
As a replacement, he borrowed a pair of boat shoes that had a herringbone sole.
This sole meant they had incredible grip, for staying steady on-board a wet deck.
But as Adrian Quist found out, they were also incredible for playing tennis in.
He won the Cup, and came back to Australia with a plan to create a shoe based on this design.
Quist worked at Dunlop at the time, and together they created the first Volley, in 1939.
An instant classic was born.
For over 70 years now the Dunlop Volley has been an Australian icon, worn by other Australian grand slam winners such as Evonne Goolagong, who won Wimbledon in a pair, at just 21 years old.
Over the years, the Dunlop Volley has shown its versatility too. It is not just the shoe of choice for tennis players and sailors, but also surfers (easy to slip on and off at the beach), bushwalkers (great grip) and even roof tilers (the great grip again).
The Dunlop Volley has come a long way, but its core essence remains - function and comfort.
