As Wilson continues to add to its roster of head-to-toe tennis athletes—really, the slate of athletes sporting all-Wilson throughout the Australian Open has proven a visible boost for the brand—the Chicago-based company has something fresh for the toe portion of the head-to-toe deals: new shoes.

Keeping with the brand’s tennis sneaker naming history, Wilson unveils the Rush Pro 4.5 on Feb. 1 on Wilson.com, this time offering up both an extra duty and a lite version to appeal to a wider range of players.

“With the Wilson Rush Pro 4.5, we aimed to retain the trusted fit and comfort that players loved in our Rush Pro 4.0,” Shivam Bhan, Wilson senior director of product and merchandising, tells me. That focus gains an even stronger emphasis on performance, comfort, durability and versatility.

The Rush Pro 4.5 highlights the use of both a Cushlon compression foam and a Duralast rubber outsole. “The use of the Cushlon compression foam delivers responsive cushioning and stability for all-around players,” Bhan says. “This technology practically plays out by offering exceptional comfort and support during long matches while maintaining stability during lateral movements.”

Bhan adds that the Duralast rubber outsole is meant to ensure quick on-court movements without slippage, all in a highly durable package.

Designed for a “balanced player” who can handle baseline rallies or net play, Bhan says the shoe’s stability, cushioning and traction create a versatility that allows it to fit all-around players needing to adapt to various playing styles, even if those needs occur in the same match.

Wilson used the shoe’s previous last to maintain a fit with “immediate comfort, minimizing the need for a break-in period.” Bhan says the focus on comfort and fit allows players to concentrate on performance without calling attention to their footwear.

By offering up both an extra duty and lite version of the Rush Pro 4.5, Bhan says Wilson can meet the needs of additional players. “The extra duty version is designed for players who engage in long, intense rallies on hard courts, where the shoes endure greater wear and tear,” he says. “It provides exceptional durability and traction, making it ideal for those who frequently play on hard surfaces. On the other hand, the lite version is crafted for players who prefer a lighter, more agile shoe that is well-suited for faster play and court movement. This distinction allows players to choose the shoe that best aligns with their playing style and court conditions.”

Along with the focus on underfoot comfort and durability, the Rush Pro 4.5 features a synthetic and mesh upper designed for breathability and durability.

As Wilson places the Rush Pro family on more players across the tour—not only with head-to-toe sponsors such as Marta Kostyuk, Alycia Parks and Nicolas Jarry, but also a handful of additional athletes wearing Wilson apparel or Wilson footwear—Bhan says the goal was to create a tennis shoe that “not only performs exceptionally well on the court but also exudes a modern and stylish look.”

The Rush Pro 4.5, then, aims to pair functionality with aesthetics. “The sleek and contemporary appearance of the shoe is intended to appeal to tennis players,” Bhan says, “who value both performance and style, allowing them to step onto the court with confidence and flair.”