About

From the sailboat to the sidewalk

The Prada America’s Cup did not start as a fashion shoe but as a sailing shoe. In the late 1990s Prada designed it as a technical shoe for the Luna Rossa team, which sailed for the brand in the America’s Cup, the most famous sailing race in the world. Grip, light weight and durability on a wet boat were the priorities. That the shoe would later become one of the best-known luxury sneakers ever was not the plan.

The thick boat sole is the trademark

What makes the America’s Cup immediately recognizable is the sole: a thick, wraparound rubber sole that curls up at the front and on the sides, built to provide grip on a deck. Above it sits an upper of glossy patent leather over technical mesh, with a perforated panel that lets air through. That combination — sporty mesh and shiny leather on a blunt sole — existed nowhere else when it first appeared.

Why it became an icon

Insiders quickly nicknamed it the “Prada Cup”, and in the early 2000s it was worn by fashion people and musicians who favored understated luxury before that became a trend. The shoe was less loud than many other designer sneakers, and that made it desirable. It has since returned several times, each time in new materials.

Where the rest of Prada’s sneakers come from

The America’s Cup is the starting point of Prada’s sneaker story. The boat sole and the technical approach reappear in newer models: the climbing shoe Speedrock openly references it, while the low Downtown leans toward a court style. If you want the original, the shoe it all began with, you’re in the right place on this page.

What differs by version

The shape and the boat sole remain the same across versions. What changes is the material of the upper — patent leather with mesh, suede, or a softer rubber version — and the finish of the details. Put two versions side by side and the silhouette line is identical; only the skin around it changes.

On this page you can see which versions of the Prada America’s Cup are currently the hottest according to the Hypescore, their starting prices and how many shops have them in stock.