Fila
Fila is a sportswear and footwear brand rooted in Coggiola, Italy. It was founded by two brothers, Ettore and Giansevero Fila. At first they made clothing for people living in the Italian Alps, mainly underwear. Fila only entered the world of sport in 1973, through a partnership with tennis player Björn Borg. Since the early 1990s, the brand's attention has shifted to footwear in the United States, backed by basketball players such as Grant Hill and Jerry Stackhouse. Today Fila is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. For secondhand buyers, this long history means shoes from each era can look different. For that reason, the condition and details of each pair need to be looked at one by one.
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In 1906, Ettore and Giansevero Fila joined the Giuseppe Regis and Figli wool mill in Coggiola, in Biella, Piedmont. In 1911 the Regis side left, and the mill was renamed Fratelli Fila S.p.A. Fila itself is officially recorded as founded in 1923. Its first products were clothing for people living in the Italian Alps, mainly underwear. Shoes were not yet part of the story at that time.
The turning point came in 1973. Fila moved into sportswear and signed tennis player Björn Borg as its ambassador. After that shift, the name became better known. In 1991, Fila moved its focus from clothing in Europe to shoes in the United States, and completed the purchase of its US license. Sponsorship of basketball players such as Grant Hill and Jerry Stackhouse also helped raise the brand's profile. In 1995, Fila was described as the fastest-growing shoe brand in America.
Ownership of Fila changed hands several times. In 1988 the brand passed from SNIA S.p.A. to Gemina. In 2003 Fila was sold to Cerberus Capital Management, after the company had overcommitted to expensive athlete sponsorship contracts. Since January 2007, the brand and all of its international subsidiaries have been owned by Fila Korea, and its headquarters are now in Seoul. For secondhand buyers, this sequence explains why Fila shoes from different decades can look quite different from one another.
What we check before listing
We start with the sole. We check whether the midsole has turned yellow, brittle, or crumbles easily, especially on pairs that have been stored for a long time. We check whether the glue where the sole meets the upper is still tight. We look closely at the logo, the lettering on the tongue label, and the print on the insole: how sharp the print is, the spacing of the letters, and how neat the stitching is. Because label appearance can differ between eras, we compare it with similar pairs from the same period. We also note odor, stains inside, and wear on the heel. All of this is our own observation, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
Clean the upper with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then use a fine brush for the gaps around the sole. Avoid the washing machine and drying in strong sunlight, because the glue and sole material can weaken. Dry in a shaded spot with good air circulation, and stuff the front with paper to help keep the shape. Store in a dry place, not packed too tightly, and do not stack heavy items on top.
FAQ
Which country is Fila from?
Fila was founded in Coggiola, Italy, by Ettore and Giansevero Fila. Since it was acquired by Fila Korea in 2007, the brand has been owned by a company headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
Are old secondhand Fila shoes different from new ones?
They can be. The brand has changed owners several times, and its product focus shifted from clothing to shoes in the early 1990s. Labels, designs, and production details can therefore vary between periods.
What should I check first on secondhand Fila shoes?
The condition of the sole comes first, especially the midsole, which can turn yellow or brittle on older shoes. After that, look at the sole bonding, the stitching, the condition of the insole, and how neat the logo and labels are.
How do I choose the size of secondhand Fila shoes?
Use the insole length in centimeters as a reference, not just the size number on the label. Sizing can feel different between models and eras, and secondhand shoes also take on the shape of the previous wearer.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).