Some Pro Elite kits transcend the sport — they become visual shorthand for an era of athletics. From Michael Johnson’s golden Atlanta singlet to Eliud Kipchoge’s Ineos 1:59 outfit, certain racing pieces are now woven into the collective memory of track and field fans. In this article we count down the ten most iconic Pro Elite kits ever produced, the moments they defined, and where they sit in the global collector hierarchy today.
10. ASICS Netherlands 2016 Rio “Orange Wave” Distance Singlet
Worn by Sifan Hassan during her early international rise, the ASICS Netherlands Pro Elite singlet introduced a clean white-and-orange colorway that became synonymous with Dutch distance running. The Rio 2016 cycle marked the first time ASICS Elite Kit reached widespread visibility outside Asia.
9. Nike Germany 2019 World Championships Singlet
The Doha 2019 Nike Germany kit introduced a bold black-and-neon design with sweat-mapped panels and Aeroswift fabric. It became one of the most photographed kits of the championship and remains a frequently requested piece on the resale market.
8. adidas Ethiopia 2024 OLY Sleeveless Speedsuit
Designed for the 2024 Paris Olympics, the adidas Ethiopia OLY speedsuit combined Lightstrike textile inserts with an aggressive sleeveless cut that maximized airflow. The kit was worn during multiple medal performances in middle and long distance events and pushed the speedsuit category back into the mainstream.
7. Nike USA 2012 London “Red Volt” Sprint Singlet
Allyson Felix’s red-with-volt-trim Nike USA sprint singlet from London 2012 set a new visual standard for sprint kit. The bold contrast color combination influenced sprint federation kits for at least the next decade.
6. Vermarc Belgium 2024 Speedsuit
Produced for the Belgian federation in extremely limited quantities, the Vermarc Belgium speedsuit became an instant collector item thanks to its sharp tricolor design and one-piece construction. Vermarc, traditionally a cycling apparel brand, brought aerodynamic expertise from the peloton into athletics.
5. Nike NN Running Team 2023 Storm Tracksuit
The INEOS-branded NN Running Team Storm tracksuit became the visual signature of modern marathon training. Worn by Kipchoge, Cherono and other elite NN athletes, the kit blended Nike Storm-FIT weather protection with NN’s distinct deep-red colorway.
4. Nike Kenya 2008 Beijing Distance Singlet
The Kenyan distance squad dominated Beijing 2008 in a deceptively simple red-and-green Pro Elite singlet that became the template for all subsequent Kenyan federation kits. Original Beijing-issue singlets now trade for several hundred euros when they appear on the resale market.
3. Nike USA 1996 Atlanta “Golden Singlet”
Michael Johnson’s 200 m world record in Atlanta was made even more iconic by the metallic-gold Nike USA singlet and matching gold spikes he wore. The 1996 Atlanta kit is widely considered the moment Pro Elite design crossed from purely functional into pop culture.
2. adidas Germany 1984 LA “Black-Red-Gold”
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics saw adidas introduce a then-radical black, red and gold West German federation kit with the three-stripe shoulder treatment that would define adidas athletics design for the next forty years. Originals are extremely rare and have become museum-grade collectibles.
1. Nike Eliud Kipchoge INEOS 1:59 Challenge Kit
The kit Eliud Kipchoge wore to run 1:59:40 in Vienna in 2019 is the most iconic Pro Elite outfit ever produced. The pure white singlet, custom Vaporfly NEXT% and matching arm sleeves represented the absolute frontier of marathon technology. Original 1:59 Challenge kits exist in fewer than 50 units globally and are essentially unobtainable today.
What Makes a Pro Elite Kit Iconic
- A historic performance: world records and Olympic gold elevate any kit instantly.
- A bold visual identity: a unique colorway, cut or logo treatment that’s never been seen before.
- Extreme scarcity: the fewer units produced, the more iconic the kit becomes over time.
- Athlete association: kits worn by transcendent athletes carry their entire legacy.
- Technological firsts: the first Aeroswift singlet, the first sleeveless speedsuit, the first carbon-plated spike.
How to Start Your Own Pro Elite Collection
Building a Pro Elite collection starts with knowing what’s authentic and what’s a replica. Begin with a single piece from your favorite federation or athlete, learn the seven authentication checks (we covered them in detail in our authentication guide), and grow your collection slowly. At eliteathleticsclothes.com we offer authentic singlets, speedsuits and tracksuits from every major federation and athlete program.
Conclusion: Kit Tells the Story of Track and Field
These ten kits represent more than just clothing — they are visual chapters in the story of modern athletics, from the 1984 LA Olympics to the 2024 Paris Games and beyond. Owning a piece of this history connects you directly to the moments that defined the sport. Explore our full catalogue of authentic Pro Elite kit and start collecting the pieces that move you most.