The Ultimate Reebok Club C 85 FAQ

The History of the Reebok Club C 85

Introduced in 1985, the Reebok Club C 85 was originally released as a clean-cut tennis shoe, offering a more refined, all-leather alternative to the flashier styles that were popular at the time.

Evolved from the Reebok Revenge Plus, the Club C 85 was built with performance in mind. Constructed from a soft terry cloth lining, durable rubber cupsole, and perforated toe box, the sneaker delivered comfort, breathability, and support.

The ‘C’ in Club C stands for ‘Champion’, reflecting its original purpose as the go-to choice of tennis players, but off-court, the sleek sneaker also began to gain traction on the street amongst those who appreciated its subtle aesthetic and versatility.

The Club C’s stripped-back design, characterised by its monochromatic leather upper, minimal branding, and low-cut silhouette, made it easy to style with just about anything.

Its popularity exploded in the mid-2010s, its minimalist appeal helping it find a new life among fashion-forward crowds moving away from heavy branding. It became a blank canvas for numerous high-profile collaborations with brands like JJJJound and Maison Margiela, bridging the gap between function and fashion.

The Reebok Club C 85 has truly earned its place as a timeless classic, loved by minimalists, sneakerheads, and athletes alike.

Reebok Club C 85: Answering Your Questions

Does the Reebok Club C 85 fit true to size?

The Reebok Club C 85 has a rather narrow cut and is a relatively tight sneaker. People with wider feet should upsize by at least half a size.

Are Reebok Club C 85 unisex?

Reebok Club C 85 sneakers are unisex in design and aesthetic, available in a wide range of sizes for both men and women. Women will need to size down one to one and a half sizes when purchasing a men's sneaker, and men will need to size up one to one and a half sizes when purchasing a women's sneaker.

Is The Reebok Club C 85 vegan?

The Club C is available in a vegan version. All materials used for this product, including adhesives and colours, are 100% free of animal ingredients. The vegan Reebok Club C 85 has a small 'V' on the heel.

Is the Reebok Club C comfortable?

The Reebok Club C has a soft leather upper, padded foam sockliner, and low-cut silhouette that provides comfort all day long.

Are Reebok Club C good for walking?

The Reebok Club C 85 is designed more for lifestyle than for performance, so while it’s suitable for everyday use due to its sturdy rubber outsole and cushioned midsole, there are better options for long-distance walking.

Can you run in Reebok Club C?

The Reebok Club C 85 lacks the responsiveness, shock absorption, and support needed for serious running. It’s best suited for casual wear than athletic performance.

Are Reebok Club C 85 waterproof?

The Reebok Club C is not waterproof. With an upper made from leather or suede, it’s not ideal in wet weather conditions.

How do you style the Reebok Club C 85?

The Reebok Club C 85 has a clean, versatile look that goes well with different outfits. For inspiration on styling the model, check out the article here!

How do I tie my Reebok Club C laces?

For guidance on tying your Club C laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!

How can I clean my Reebok Club C?

A Reebok Club C 85 is best cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water, and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.

For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.

Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.

Where can you buy Reebok Club C?

Do you have your eye on this model? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the Reebok Club C 85 at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Club C restocks and new releases!

Notable Reebok Club C 85 Collaborations

JJJJound x Reebok Club C 85

Reebok and Montreal-based creative studio JJJJound have successfully collaborated together on a number of silhouettes over the years, and their Reebok Club C 85 has received a makeover from the minimalist brand a few times.

Their first collab on the model happened in 2019, where the sneaker received a tumbled white leather colorway, gum sole, and subtle JJJJound branding. The thoughtful detailing, premium materials and clean execution appealed to many.

In 2021, the Club C 85 was given a cool grey tone by the brand, while in 2024, three new beach-ready colorways hit the scene in ‘Footwear White’ and ‘Cork’.

Maison Margiela x Reebok Club C 85

Avant-garde fashion house Maison Margiela brought its deconstructive approach to the Club C multiple times, offering fresh takes on the classic silhouette.

In 2021, they used a unique trompe l’œil technique on ‘Black’, ‘White’ and ‘Tan’ versions of the Club C, where a single piece of flat leather was given an optical illusion with every stich, fold and shadow printed to mimic the traditional multi-panelled construction.

Continuing in 2022, the brands collaborated again on the ‘Memory Of’ collection. This time the Club C 85 was deconstructed, exposing underlayers and using cutouts to reveal nylon fabrics underneath the leather upper. Featuring zigzag stitching and a raw aesthetic, the model was available in ‘Black’ and ‘White’.