The Gola Harrier was originally launched in 1968 as a general training shoe, making it 50 years old this year. Five decades and over 500 colourways and numerous special editions later, we see the introduction of the Gola Harrier 50.
The Harrier has been the choice of many high profile sporting legends and celebrities, earning it a status as one of the firm favourites in the world of trainers. In fact musician, Paul Weller calls them 'quintessentially English trainers'
The Story of Harrier
Back in 1968, Harrier was the multi-purpose training shoe of choice. Built for track and field, gym or football pitch. In fact, Harrier was a leading style in sports footwear.
Originally launched in white/red, this colourway was soon partnered with royal blue/white as an option and, over the years, the choice of colours and finishes has grown into the hundreds. The original design featured a durable gristle rubber sole, suede toe cap, rubber toe guard, padded insole and contrast Gola wingflash branding on the heel.
In the 1970s the Gola Harrier developed into more of a leisure shoe, such was the growth in the wearing of trainers as part of a casual attire. The Gola Harrier was now equally at home on the track or on football terraces up and down the UK, where it then transcended into music culture, with a cult following from key members of The Jam, followed by the likes of Duran Duran, Oasis, Robbie Williams, Jude Law and Paul Weller.
Still very similar to its original form, the Gola Harrier has stood the test of fashion cycles and footwear fads and survived five decades as Gola’s best selling trainer. To celebrate this achievement, Gola has launched a special anniversary edition of the Harrier, with the design staying true to its 1968 roots. The special edition Harrier 50, available in leather or suede, is a purist silhouette - confident, genuine and unique.