words // Zack Schlemmer

To the delight of many 1990′s sneaker fans, FILA is making a comeback this Spring starting with the return of Grant Hill’s second signature model, the Grant Hill II.  Also known as the GH2 and now the 96 since Hill isn’t officially signed on with the brand anymore, the Grant Hill II is one of FILA’s all-time greatest basketball sneakers.  From young Grant Hill (who, of course, is actually still in the NBA) doing work on the court in them to Tupac rocking a pair in a photo from one of his album CD booklets, the Grant Hill II is probably the most recognizable shoe from the brand’s glory days in the mid-90′s.

The shoe’s fairly simple design features a tumbled leather upper with a patent leather (depending on the colorway) piping which forms a triangular shape around the shoe and mirrored with the shape of the FILA logos at the heel and tongue. A strap at the ankle adds a finishing touch to this classic design. On this Eastbay page from the Fall of 1996 we see the shoe in three original colorways, including the white/navy pair set to re-release from select FILA retailers this week.  Along with some other FILA basketball models like the also soon-to-return Stackhouse, you’ll also see a full apparel line for the GH2 including t-shirts, shorts, tanks, socks, and even a polo.

Who is excited for the return of the Grant Hill II and other classic FILA models this year?