Gola

Explore the world of Gola Classics, a brand with over a century of sporting heritage and one of the most iconic names in retro trainers. Founded in England in 1905, Gola has shaped British sportswear culture across the 1970s, 1990s, and beyond, becoming a staple of the Mod, Indie, and Britpop scenes. Known worldwide for styles like the Gola Harrier, Elan, Hurricane and Hawk, the brand blends authentic vintage design with modern comfort, making Gola the go-to trainer for lovers of retro, heritage sportswear, and British subculture.

Whether you're reliving the spirit of the 70s, embracing 90s nostalgia, or hunting for timeless Mod-inspired footwear, the Gola collection celebrates classic silhouettes that never fall out of style.

The Gola Harrier: The Icon of Icons

The Gola Harrier Trainer has been the brands flagship style for more than 50 years. First designed in 1967 by Fred Dilley and launched to the public in 1968, the Harrier began life as the Gola 367, featuring a clean leather upper accented by the now-iconic Gola Wingflash in green.

By the late 60s and 70s, the Harrier became a multi-sport essential worn for squash, badminton, volleyball, and general training and famously sold more than 6,000 pairs a week. Its low-profile silhouette, gum sole, and unmistakable retro character helped transform the British sportswear landscape.

Today, the Harrier remains a must-have for fans of retro trainers, Mod fashion, Britpop styling, and authentic 1970s sports aesthetics.

Gola Classics: The Archive Reborn

Across its history, Gola has delivered some of the most beloved silhouettes in British sporting culture. Many of these have been reissued as part of the Gola Classics line, staying true to original materials, colours, and heritage design cues.

Key Retro Styles

Gola Harrier - The timeless 1968 classic.
Gola Elan Trainers - A sleek, vintage-inspired profile perfect for everyday retro styling.
Gola Hurricane Trainers - A 1970s court-style classic reimagined from the archives.
Gola Torpedo - A lightweight, heritage-inspired sports silhouette with authentic indoor-sport DNA.
Gola Hawk - A bold 70s- and 80s-inspired style with unmistakable retro detailing.

These trainers are loved across the Indie, Britpop, and Mod communities and continue to feature in modern retro wardrobes.

Gola Performance – Classic Indoor Football Spirit

Beyond its lifestyle Classics range, Gola Performancemodernises vintage design with a sharper sporting edge. This collection draws on Gola's deep connection to indoor football, blending nostalgic styles with contemporary technologies for improved comfort, stability and performance.

Expect classic indoor football silhouettes, retro court influences, flexible soles, and lightweight uppers—perfect for those who want a heritage sports aesthetic that still performs today.

Key styles within the Gola Performance range:

Gola Ceptor TX Trainers - Classic retro football trainers with an old skool 90s indie vibe.
Gola Super Cobra TX Trainers - Another retro styled football trainer, developed and created for indoor football and futsal.

A Century of British Sporting History

Founded on 22nd May, 1905 in Bozeat, Northamptonshire, Gola began as the Bozeat Boot Company, later becoming known as GOLA by the 1960s. By this point, the brand was the UK's number one sportswear label, worn by athletes, football stars, and sporting icons.

Famous wearers included:

Bill Shankly
Sir Alf Ramsey
Peter Shilton
Mark Cox (Tennis)
Even Roy of the Rovers in the comic strip wore Gola.

The 1970s also saw the launch of the Gola Redford Shoulder Bag, a trend-setting retro styled accessory that became a nationwide must-have.

The 1990s brought a major revival. During the Britpop surge, Gola trainers were embraced by cultural icons such as Paul Weller, Noel Gallagher, and Liam Gallagher. Paul Weller famously praised Gola for its classic British styling and unsung hero appeal, solidifying Gola as a timeless symbol of UK style.

Gola - Frequently Asked Questions:

What is Gola Classics?

Gola Classics is the brand's heritage line featuring retro trainers inspired by original 60s, 70s, and 90s designs. Styles such as the Harrier, Elan, Hurricane, Torpedo, and Hawk offer authentic vintage aesthetics perfect for Mod, Indie, and Britpop fashion.

Why are Gola Harrier trainers so iconic?

The Gola Harrier is iconic because it has been in continuous production since 1968, features a distinctive Wingflash design, and played a major role in shaping British sportswear culture. Its blend of retro style, comfort, and versatility makes it a favourite for fans of vintage trainers.

Are Gola trainers retro?

Yes. Gola is one of the most authentic retro trainer brands in the world. With over 100 years of history and roots in 60s and 70s sports footwear, Gola is synonymous with vintage British style and Mod culture.

What is the Gola Performance range?

The Gola Performance range takes inspiration from classic indoor football shoes and updates them with modern comfort and sporting functionality. These trainers offer lightweight soles, flexible movement, and heritage court aesthetics.

Which Gola trainers are best for a 1970s or Mod look?

For a true retro 70s or Mod outfit, the Gola Harrier, Hurricane, and Elan are top choices thanks to their authentic period styling and archival details.

Did Britpop icons wear Gola?

Absolutely. Gola became a staple of the 90s Britpop scene, worn by musicians such as Noel and Liam Gallagher and Paul Weller, who praised the brand's distinctive and classic look.

Paul Weller on Gola Trainers: "For me, Gola are up there with the likes of Adidas and the rest because they've got that really classic look about them. It's a very sixties and seventies look and it's good to know they've made a comeback and are getting back into people's consciousness. What I like about Gola is that they're a bit of an unsung hero. They've been slightly overshadowed by some of the bigger brands, but I like the fact that they're quintessentially English trainers".