Jim Autry established the Autry sneaker brand in 1982, based in Dallas, Texas. The label swiftly gained popularity, becoming one of the leading sportswear brands in North America. Autry primarily focused on designing shoes for tennis, running, and aerobic activities, and its prime years stretched from the early 1980s to the early 1990s.
Thanks to its innovative designs and technological advancements in sports footwear, Autry not only garnered several accolades but also gained immense fame. In 1985, for instance, "Tennis Magazine" recognized the Kicks as the top sneaker in the industry with also Bob Lutz: a famous tennis player who won 54 titles in total and 5 Grand Slams in doubles, also supporting the launch of the brand four decades after his career.
The brand's reputation owes much to its tennis shoe, the "Medalist." This all-white favourite features a wide cut and a prominent yellowed rubber sole, representing a classic vintage aesthetic. Adorned with a small US flag and the Autry logo, the reissued version of this trainer exudes a delightful retro vibe, remaining faithful to its original design since its debut. It serves as a homage to the vibrant 1980s era.
However, the story continues with a significant turn of events. Following the passing of founder Jim Autry in 2009 and the lack of interest from his descendants to carry on the brand, Autry disappeared from the mainstream scene.
Fortunately, the passionate entrepreneur Alberto Raengo revived the Autry brand. Teaming up with his business partners Gino Zarelli and Marco Doro, they aimed to transform the dormant Autry label into a contemporary lifestyle brand.
Their efforts proved successful, as Autry made a splash in 2019 with the relaunch of the award-winning "Medalist," capturing attention not only in North America but also on a global scale.
The brand introduced the Dallas model, which featured another trendy sneaker silhouette. Additionally, various designs of the Kicks found their way into the market, further cementing Autry's revival. Shop the Medalist & our full Autry collection below, available online & in-store now at Stuarts London.
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