Jun 01 2008
Dunlop Volleys
Did you know the first Dunlop Volleys were rolled out in 1939?! They were developed by a then famous Tennis Player by the name of Adrian Quist who got the design idea from a pair of yachting shoes he saw overseas.
The original design had a black sole. In the mid 1950’s that was changed to a white sole to cater for the indoor tennis courts.
Back in 2006 they were supposedly ‘back in fashion‘ but I’d argue they never went out. But then again, fashion was never my strength.
It’s said that you’re either a Green or a Blue kinda Volley person. Maybe even black!
Until recently I was strictly a ‘Classic’ Volleys guy. I mean that’s what they’re all about isn’t it? That whole budget/unpretentious image? Well it might be that I’m getting older but last year I splurged and tried a pair of ‘Deluxe’… it’s hard to go back. They have a whole lot more rubber underneath and extra padding inside and it’s sooo cosy! I guess that’s why the Deluxe are the Volley of choice for those in the roofing trade. The sole is made of real rubber so their grip is far superior.
I notice Dunlop Volleys have recently been doing a bit of marketing, which as a long time Volleys traditionalist I have mixed feelings about. The whole thing that keeps them cool is that they don’t try to be cool. But I love the slogan… “exceptionally average”. So nowadays the good ol Volley comes in a huge range of variations. Now there’s even Volley Skate & Volley Street. They come in all colours, velcro, lace up… you name it.
It may sound weird that I’m so passionate about a shoe by it’s more about what they symbolise. The best conversation I had regarding our beloved Aussie icon was with an retired miner in far north queensland. He too had a pair for every occasion, you know, you have your ‘going out’ pair and your ‘fishing pair’ etc. We spoke of the different ways to customise the Volley (yes to make them into sandals), the different ways they wear out “for me, the holes usually start to appear on the front, right side”… “oh well mine usually start to go in the heal first…”
” I notice you’re a ‘Blue Classic’ kinda guy to which he replied, “yeah, except me lawn mowin’ pair, they’re not blue any more”.
