Gola Classics: A Storied Legacy Continues with Three New Men’s Styles at Atom Retro
Few British sportswear brands can claim a legacy as long, as authentic, or as culturally resonant as Gola. For more than a century, Gola has sat at the crossroads of sport, fashion and youth movements, making its mark on football pitches, running tracks and high streets alike. Today, Gola Classics remains synonymous with retro styling, iconic silhouettes and timeless wearability and Atom Retro is thrilled to welcome three bold new additions to the men’s line-up.
Before we introduce the latest arrivals — Atlas, Delta and Cascade — let’s revisit the story that helped Gola become one of the UK’s most enduring trainer names.
A Brief History of Gola: From Leather Boots to Cult Classics
Early Origins (1905–1960s)
Founded in 1905 in a modest Northamptonshire workshop originally known as the Bozeat Boot Company, Gola first earned its stripes producing handmade leather football boots. The name “Gola” itself is widely believed to be an anagram of “goal,” reflecting the brand’s early association with the beautiful game.
By the 1930s, the product range expanded beyond football to include rugby and athletics footwear. A brief wartime slowdown paused innovation, but post-war Britain brought renewed demand for lightweight designs that allowed faster movement and superior ball control, innovations that helped Gola gain national traction.
The Golden Era (1960s–1970s)
If Gola was the rising star of the mid-century, the late 1960s marked its explosion into the mainstream. In 1968, designer Fred Dilley created the Harrier, a multi-purpose training shoe that would become one of the most beloved and instantly recognisable British sports silhouettes of all time.
Throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s, Gola appeared on the feet of top-flight footballers and professional athletes, supported by major clubs such as Liverpool FC and Manchester United. Beyond performance, Gola crossed into lifestyle culture, particularly with its iconic PVC Redford shoulder bag, a schoolyard, terrace and gig-night staple.
Modern Revival (1980s–Present)
As tastes shifted and international sports giants emerged, Gola pivoted toward its roots, relaunching as a heritage brand that embraced its history and craftsmanship. This evolution aligned perfectly with the Britpop era, where musicians, ravers and indie kids rediscovered Gola’s retro authenticity.
Today, the Classics line remains true to that ethos, mining archives, reviving silhouettes and celebrating original sports DNA through fashion-forward expression.
With that foundation in place, we’re delighted to introduce three fresh Gola Classics trainers for 2026, joining Atom Retro favourites including the Hurricane, the Hawk and the Harrier; a shoe that needs no introduction.
Introducing Three New Men’s Gola Classics at Atom Retro
1. Gola Atlas — 70s Heritage, Modern Refinement
First up is the Gola Classics Men’s Atlas, a shoe that strikes the perfect balance between retro sporting roots and modern-day clean styling.
Built from rich bone suede, the Atlas channels 1970s wardrobe sensibilities: simple lines, tactile materials and a slim, confident profile. The look is elevated by Gola’s signature black leather wingflash, which cuts cleanly across the side, while a moody orange heel counter adds just enough contrast to turn heads without overpowering the palette.
Underfoot, a gum rubber sole locks in that unmistakable throwback feel — the kind worn with everything from denim to running shorts in the brand’s heyday. Lightweight and versatile, Atlas slides naturally between casual daytime style and polished smart-casual fits. Whether you’re pairing with cuffed chinos, a Harrington jacket or a retro-tee ensemble, Atlas brings effortless authenticity.
Why we love it:
Heritage suede, timeless lines, and subtle colour pops make this one of the easiest archive-inspired silhouettes to wear any day of the week.
2. Gola Delta — Jogger DNA with 90s Energy
If Atlas is the 70s reborn, the Gola Delta fast-forwards two decades. Inspired by early 1990s running and fitness designs, Delta embraces the aesthetic of classic jogger silhouettes — layered materials, stripped-back performance detailing and a shape that feels simultaneously vintage and contemporary.
The Off White/Cement/Black colourway blends breathable open-weave mesh with suede overlays, building depth, texture and structure. The black wingflash adds punchy contrast, while a padded collar and cushioned insock introduce comfort levels the early 90s could only dream of.
The palette keeps things wearable and clean — neutral tones with just enough contrast to make the eye travel — and a tonal, lightweight sole grounds the design in everyday practicality.
Why we love it:
Delta captures that Irrepressibly cool “track to street” aesthetic without trying too hard — a true retro runner that delivers comfort all day long.
3. Gola Cascade — Y2K Style with Living Archive Attitude
Finally, the most future-facing (yet retro-rooted) of the trio — the Gola Cascade, a trainer that looks straight out of the early 2000s.
Cascade leans into the low-profile, lightly-built silhouettes that defined Y2K footwear, delivering a trainer that feels agile, streamlined and versatile. Khaki mesh forms the foundation, overlaid with tonal suede panels that shape and stabilise without losing breathability. Gola’s wingflash — rendered here in vivid sun yellow — instantly pops, adding shape and unmistakable branding.
But the star feature is the ultra-slim gum sole, a deliberate departure from today’s chunky sneaker trend. The result: a trainer that looks sleek on-foot, cuts a clean line and pairs beautifully with jeans, workwear trousers or cargo shorts.
Why we love it:
It’s nostalgic, lightweight and loaded with character — a shoe with retro rebellion in its bones and modern styling sensibility in its execution.
Why These Matter: Evolution Within a Legacy
With Atlas, Delta and Cascade, Gola proves it’s far more than a brand living off its past. Each design stays rooted in the archives — whether 70s training, 90s jogging or Y2K street style — yet brings a refreshed attitude suited to today’s wardrobes.
They join existing Atom Retro favourites including:
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Harrier — the legend that has defined British casual style since 1968
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Hurricane — a terrace-ready style hero
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Hawk — a clean cut everyday classic
Together, these lines showcase the breadth of Gola’s design story — from pitch to pavement, track to gig venue — always with unmistakable heritage running through every seam.
Shop the Collection
All three new men’s styles — Atlas, Delta and Cascade — are available now at Atom Retro alongside Gola icons old and new. Whether you’re chasing the archival roots of the Harrier or the fresh energy of Delta, there’s a Gola classic ready to become your next everyday favourite. Check out the full Gola men's collection here.