Fila Grant Hill 1 review

Who should buy the Fila Grant Hill 1

The Fila Grant Hill 1 is a solid option if:

• You are looking for a sneaker that could you back to the 90s with its retro vibe.
• A shoe that does not break the bank is what you are after.
• You prefer a shoe sturdy enough to last for extended periods. 
• A sneaker that offers an adequate grip to minimize slips and falls is what you need.

Who should not buy the Fila Grant Hill 1

Sneakerheads looking for a shoe that offers comfort straight out of the box may have to take this high-top sneaker off their wish list. The shoe needs some break-in time. That said, the Fila MB might be a better alternative. Also, those who prefer a shoe with a roomy toe box may drop Grant Hill 1 and instead take a look at the Fila F-13 and see if it fits the bill. 

Tie this time machine

Fila Grant Hill 1 grabs the attention of the sneaker community as it offers a strong 90s vibe.

Premium construction

It’s one of the excellently built retro basketball sneakers. An owner even commented that the quality of this shoe is top-notch.

The plush cushioning of Grant Hill 1

Grant Hill shoe fans love how this comeback model is assembled with tons of padding all over.

Rigid covering

Its synthetic covering feels quite rigid at the beginning.

Sturdy yet affordable

Supporters of Fila b-ball kicks are ecstatic that this blast-from-the-past shoe comes so cheap. Retailed at $110 a  pair, this sneaker is more budget-friendly than the Fila Grant Hill 3 ($125). Despite GH1's affordable price, it did not fall short of durability. The sturdiness of the Fila Grant Hill 1 makes it a "good buy for your money," says one reviewer.

Neat embroidered graphics

Neatly embroidered branding graphics are peppered around this sneaker. It gives out a premium flavor.

Superb surface bite

Variations of this retro sneaker made with thick gum sole offer superb traction. 

Not for big toes

A couple of owners observed that the confines of this shoe, especially the toe section are quite restrictive. 

Fila Grant Hill 1: A comeback shoe from 1995

Fila was founded in 1911 by Ettore and Giansevero Fila in Biella, Piedmont with undergarments as its first product. It ventured into sportswear in the 1970s, with tennis player Björn Borg as an endorser.

Fast forward to the 90s, Grant Hill, a then college basketball star of Duke University, signed a rookie contract with Fila when he was about to step into professional basketball. Grant Hill entered the NBA as the third overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, with an already strong resume. Hill was drafted into the Detroit Pistons and began his relationship with Fila as their endorser. From 1994 to 1995, Hill wore the Grant Hill 1 and the Grant Hill 2 from '95 to '96. This Detroit Pistons player commented that "Fila was there for my first professional steps on the court."

During his rookie season, Hill's debut shoe, the Grant Hill 1, sold over 1.5 million pairs.

In 1997, the brand unveiled the third in the Fila x Grant Hill series and dubbed it Fila 97. It was renamed Fila Grant Hill 3 when it was retroed in 2015. The Fila Grant Hill 3 reflects a never-out-of-style look, which is why Fila has decided to release this model in countless colorways over the years.

Throughout his career with Detroit, Hill wore Fila basketball shoes, which turned Fila into one of the most popular brands on the hardcourts.

On September 7, 2018, Grant Hill was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. After this momentous event, Hill signed a lifetime endorsement deal with Fila. This renewed partnership aims to revive the Grant Hills 90s basketball shoe and reintroduce them to the young generation while having the old-time fans of the GH series enjoy some remixes of this retro-styled shoe.

Grant Hill may have hung the gloves or should we say "hung the shoes," in 2013, but his first signature shoe, the 1995 Grant Hill 1, continues to score points to this day among hoop fans. The Grant Hill series was Fila’s successful entry into the early basketball era dominated by the Air Jordans, Nike Foamposites, Adidas Crazy, and Reebok Answer lineups.

If you've missed the first retro release of the Fila 95, aka Fila Grant Hill 1, there's no reason to fret. The brand releases remakes in lighter packages sporting the OG style plus a wider variety of colors for men and women.

Additional info

• Fila drops the suede finish seen on the original version's mudguard and neoprene on the tongue in place of synthetic leather. The use of non-leather on this shoe makes it much lighter.
• Like the NBA Hall of Famer's signature shoes, this reinterpreted one is built with a thickly cushioned ankle collar and midsole for comfort and support. 
• The forefoot comes with perforations for enhanced ventilation.