The current resurgence of heritage fashion is undeniable.
Whilst many brands may be adapting their collections to suit the growing trend, Gola is one of the true pioneers of retro fashion. With 120 years of rich history and designs to call upon, it’s no wonder that the Gola brand is surging in popularity.
Before retro was a buzzword, Gola created iconic trainer designs influenced by its technical footwear knowledge and sporting expertise.
Although no longer the first brand you would call upon for your track and field exploits, the style influences from these heritage designs remain a key part of the Gola collection today.
Gola presents five heritage trainers from their sporting origins, ideal for embracing retro fashion or terrace wear trends. Here are the stories behind some of Gola’s heritage styles so you can add authentic retro-style trainers to your wardrobe.
Table of contents:
- The Iconic Gola Harrier
- Gola Elan, a retro-running masterpiece
- The Track-inspired Gola Tornado
- Vintage Gola Viper
- Gola Badminton: Courtside Classic
1. The Iconic Gola Harrier
Gola’s most iconic, well-known trainer, the Harrier, has been a staple of the Gola brand since 1968.
The first Harrier trainer was designed by Fred Dilley, crafted from white leather and featured a green suede cap and wingflash on its side. Created with sport in mind, the Harrier was originally designed for training and sports, including volleyball, badminton and squash. It quickly became a favourite throughout the late ‘60s and early ‘70s.
When retro fashion came back in style in the early ‘00s, Gola relaunched the Harrier, which quickly became a roaring success. Loved by those searching for men’s heritage trainers, it became the trainer of choice for men, from the terraces to the stage, when it was adorned by music icons including Paul Weller, Robbie Williams and the Gallagher brothers.
Versatile and timeless, the Harrier has spanned five decades and has been reimagined in over 500 different colourways. Gola’s flagship style, the Harrier remains a firm favourite today, embraced by nostalgic dressers, lovers of vintage fashion, terrace wear enthusiasts and trend-following fans alike.
The latest spring/summer 2025 men’s Harrier styles feature the same classic silhouette you’ve come to know and love, reimagined in bright and bold colourways, so whether you’re looking for a statement wingflash or something to set you apart on the terraces, the Harrier is the ideal choice.
2. Gola Elan: a retro running masterpiece
First added to the Gola range during the 1970s, Gola’s Elan trainers remain a firm favourite today, selling out as quickly as they come in stock!
Offering a retro running shoe aesthetic, it was first introduced to the Gola collection as a multi-purpose training shoe and retains its old-school gum sole, harking back to its roots.
With a similar silhouette as the Harrier, Elan has a distinctive additional heel tab panel; an opportunity to add in a fashionable colour pop!
When the Elan was reintroduced to Gola’s collection in 2023, it was met with instant success. Elan remains a true standout style of the Gola collection, even becoming the style of choice for the Gola 120 Years collection.
Reimagined in stunning brights for spring/summer ‘25, shop Elan trainers in women’s, men’s and kids’ sizes at Gola and embrace the new season in retro-inspired style!
3. The track-inspired Gola Tornado
Sweeping onto the trainer scene like a whirlwind, the Gola Tornado, available for men and women, is everything you could ever want in a classic terrace wear trainer.
Taking style notes from its 1985 ancestor, this track and field-inspired design is available in a selection of bright styles for the new season, alongside neutral classics created for pairing with all your everyday wardrobe staples.
With a slight wedge gum sole reminiscent of school-gym attire, the Tornado is crafted from a heavy weave nylon upper and finished with stylish suede detailing.
Whether you’re shouting from the terraces or embracing retro-inspired terrace dressing, the Tornado is a fashion force to be reckoned with.
4. Vintage Gola Viper
If you’re searching for timeless and versatile retro-trainers, look no further. The vintage-inspired Gola Viper is the ideal choice for purveyors of classic style.
The Viper is a perfectly proportioned heritage trainer rooted in 1970s sports shoe design, available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Featuring minimalist lines and an on-trend gum sole, the Viper offers many dressing options. Pair yours with track pants to fully embrace retro-inspired dressing, or pair with wide-legged jeans for a modern twist on a vintage classic.
Available in suede and leather designs and classic and contemporary colour palettes, find your perfect pair and curate a desirable heritage style.
5. Gola Badminton: Courtside Classic
A plimsoll design straight out of Gola’s archives, the Badminton brings a 1970s-inspired aesthetic to modern-day dressing. A re-release of a 1970s original, the Gola Badminton was originally designed for indoor court sport. While it’s been adapted to have a fashion focus, the style retains its flexible outsole and key elements of the original design.
This canvas classic is the ideal spring/summer choice and comes in a range of colours, from court-inspired white to classic black for both men and women. Each pair features the classic Gola wingflash in a range of colours, and this season, the style has even been reimagined with metallic detailing for a chic twist!
Embrace retro court shoe style by choosing Gola Badminton today!
Embrace heritage style this season with Gola Classics
Explore our exceptional Gola Classics collection and find true style icons with a history of sporting excellence. Shop men’s and women’s Gola Classics today to find your perfect pair, whatever your retro style!
