HISTORY
From the clay courts of the French Open to the city streets, Spring Court has lived through massive societal change, carrying the dreams of several generations. However, the iconic white canvas G2 is a constant presence, unchanged over almost 90 years of history. Genderless, understated and durable, it has established itself as a true classic while keeping pace with the times.
1936
In the 1930s, sports gained widespread popularity. A tennis enthusiast with a background in the rubber industry, Georges Grimmeisen decided to create a pair of ventilated shoes, made from cotton canvas and vulcanised rubber, perfectly suited to clay courts.
'40S
A remarkably springy shoe, the G2 can be summed up in three words: flexible, ventilated and precise. Very soon, tennis players began choosing Spring Courts over espadrilles.
They became some of the first shoes created for high-level sports. Lew Hoad, Jan Kodes, Bjorn Borg, Ilie Nastase, Rod Laver, Françoise Dürr, François Jauffret, Pierre Barthès... All the major players were wearing them.
'60s
Until the mid-60s, Spring Court shoes were typically found on the feet of tennis pros and children in PE classes. In the second half of the decade, however, they broke out of their box to take to the streets. The G2 evolved into a symbol of emancipation.
With its minimalist style and discreet logo, Spring Court appealed to all ages and social classes. Wearing sports shoes in town became a form of self-affirmation and a way to break away from the conformist fashion of the 1950s.
John Lennon actually wore a pair of G2s on the cover of Abbey Road, and at his wedding to Yoko Ono in 1969. The model was also worn by other stars such as David Hockney, Thom Yorke and Jane Birkin.
'90s
Inspired by the success of sportswear, basic pieces were elevated into fashion statements. Spring Court shoes became stylish accessories, including both the original designs and reinterpretations.
Driven by the enthusiasm and expertise of the Rautureau Apple Shoes group, which licensed the brand, Spring Court embraced the eccentricity of the decade. It dared to play with new materials, cuts and unique colours.
2014
Société Th. Grimmeisen reclaimed control of the family brand.
2020
Théodore Grimmeisen, son of Georges, and his wife Sylvie decided to pass the torch to the third generation.
Florence, Laura and Théodora gave Spring Court a new lease of life, breaking free from the rigid seasonal framework.
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