Australian Olympic Team Volley

Readers of Sneaker Freaker outside Australia won't recognise this rubber-toed canvas rambler, but for anyone living Downunder, the Volley is a compulsory part of childhood. With millions of pairs sold over the years, it's the antipodean equivalent to the Chuck Taylor, and the Volley's unique utilitarian style makes it practical for almost anything that invites a lightweight, grippy sneaker. All of which makes it the perfect candidate for lacing the Australian Olympic team in London. With laser-etched tongue tags, gold-medal branding and wattle-green laces offset by an antique white canvas upper, this is one patriotic Volley. Unfortunately they will only be available to athletes, so they're unlikely to make it onto the collector market... but you never know.