Biella Roots. Chunky Icons.
From 1911 Biella textiles to a Seoul-owned street icon: Borg-era tennis, the 2018 Disruptor 2 comeback, plus our hands-on review and sizing advice.
A Biella underwear maker became a tennis outfitter, then a nineties street icon — and the Seoul-owned brand still trades on that archive.
The Fila brothers made textiles and underwear in Biella before the company moved into sportswear in the 1970s. Björn Borg wore Fila from the mid-seventies, and his titles put the small Italian label on the global tennis map.
After changing hands several times — including a 2007 takeover by Fila Korea, now Fila Holdings in Seoul — the brand found its second act in the chunky-sneaker wave, with the Disruptor 2 revival named Footwear News Shoe of the Year in 2018.
Ettore and Giansevero Fila start a textile business in Biella, Italy, making underwear and knitwear.
Fila outfits Björn Borg, and his run of titles carries the label onto the world tennis stage.
The sawtooth-soled Disruptor launches and becomes a late-nineties staple.
Fila Korea acquires the global brand; it is now owned by Fila Holdings in Seoul, South Korea.
Footwear News names the Disruptor 2 revival its 2018 Shoe of the Year.
In-depth reviews and analysis of most popular and innovative Fila sneaker models
Common questions about Fila sneakers answered by our experts
The Disruptor 2 runs small: the toe box is narrow and short, and it comes in a single width. Most buyers size up half. That advice comes from buyer feedback, since Fila publishes no model-specific fit guidance.
For casual city days, yes — the soft EVA midsole feels broken in from the first wear. They lack the support of purpose-built walking shoes, so long standing shifts call for something designed for the job.
No. Fila started in Biella, Italy, but Fila Korea bought the global brand in 2007. It is now owned by Fila Holdings and headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
Archive looks and day-one comfort: a leather upper, a tall EVA platform, and loud branding. There is no modern cushioning tech and no published weight or stack specs — buy it for the style, not the lab numbers.
Explore our comprehensive Fila reviews, comparisons, and style guides to make the best choice for your lifestyle and needs.
