Behind the Development of the Intrigue Tennis Shoe

Understanding the Needs of Female Tennis Players

To ensure the Intrigue met the specific needs of women’s tennis, the Wilson footwear team, led by Shivam Bhan (Senior Product Director) and Tate Kuerbis (Senior Design Director), analyzed player movement patterns, studied performance analytics, and engaged in direct conversations with professional athletes.

One of the most revealing insights came from Wilson’s head-to-toe athlete, Marta Kostyuk. As a rising star in women’s tennis, Kostyuk was involved throughout the development process, testing prototypes and offering real-time feedback. She emphasized the importance of a shoe that felt light and responsive—like a running shoe—but also had the stability and control of a race car.

Beyond individual preferences, Wilson’s research uncovered key differences in how women and men perceive “support” in their footwear. While men often equate support with stiffness, female athletes prioritize cushioning and comfort—a critical distinction that shaped the Intrigue’s innovative design.

An Inside Look: Interview with the Footwear Product and Design Team

To gain further insights into the development process, we sat down with Shivam Bhan and Tate Kuerbis to discuss their experiences working on the Intrigue:

How did you establish a new design aesthetic for Wilson footwear?

Tate Kuerbis: It was a new team, and we had a lot to do in a little time. We focused on creating a bold, simple, and iconic design for Wilson tennis and the female athlete. Our goal was to make a timeless design that could be around for many years and would look modern, clean, and beautiful, even without a logo.

What was it like collaborating with Marta?

Shivam Bhan: A dream come true. We started working with Marta, discussing her game, her physical changes, and her goals. She wanted to play faster and more relentlessly, and we believed that shoes could be a tool for changing performance, and Marta’s feedback was crucial in developing the Intrigue shoe.

Shivam Bhan: We built the Intrigue Tour, our pinnacle performance on-court shoe, by completely rebuilding the last (the foot-shaped mold that is used to shape the upper part of a shoe, for those of us who aren’t sneakerheads) to fit Marta’s needs. After we developed the last, we designed from the inside out, starting with the materials that most closely touch the feet. Technologies like UltraShield (engineered mesh), FootFrame (dynamic support system), and SwiftStep (cushioning) provide comfort, durability, and performance. Marta’s feedback helped us refine the shoe, and she first wore it at the 2024 US Open.

How did you ensure the design met the specific needs of women’s tennis players?

Tate Kuerbis: We wanted to make sure the performance was there without being overly technical. The design was inspired by the simplicity and elegance of our apparel. We focused on creating a beautiful product that met the specific needs of women’s tennis players.

What was the inspiration behind the marketing campaign?

Shivam Bhan: The marketing campaign focused on the concept of grace and grit. We wanted to create a brand campaign that highlighted the elegance and technical aspects of the shoe. The campaign included a commercial with Marta and a focus on creating beautiful product shots.

What are the key technology pieces of the shoe?

Shivam Bhan: The key technologies included the cushioning system, the support system, and the engineered mesh. The most important aspect was the last, which was developed based on thousands of foot scans to accommodate women’s feet, which have higher arches, narrower heels, and wider toes.

What were the biggest risks taken during the project?

Tate Kuerbis: There were many unknowns, and we were doing a lot of things for the first time. Working with a top athlete like Marta and creating something completely new was a big risk. The idea of combining a running shoe with a tennis shoe was also a significant risk.
Shivam Bhan: Another big risk was time. We had to make decisions quickly and rely on our expertise. The urgency to act and move forward was crucial in bringing the project to life.

What was the most memorable moment of the project?

Tate Kuerbis: Seeing Marta wear the shoe at the US Open was the most memorable moment. We had no idea if it would come to life in time, but it did.

Can you share any final reflections on your journey with Wilson thus far?

Shivam Bhan: It’s incredible to hear all the positive feedback from Team Wilson – not only that, but to look around and see so many of our teammates wearing Wilson footwear is amazing. We’re so excited about what’s to come.

The Future of Women’s Tennis Footwear Starts Now

With the Intrigue now on the market, Wilson has set a new standard for women’s tennis footwear. Whether you’re a pro or a weekend player, this shoe is built to help you move faster, stronger, and more confidently on the court.