The History of Reebok
The journey of Reebok began in 1895 in Bolton, England, when pioneer Joseph William Foster first began crafting running shoes with spikes. His company, originally named J. W. Foster and Sons, was rebranded as Reebok in 1958 by Foster’s grandsons, inspired by the Afrikaans word for a type of antelope.
They gained a small amount of recognition, even supplying shoes for the 1924 Olympic games, but after decades of flying under the radar, the brand finally achieved a huge breakthrough in the 1980s when it saw an opportunity in aerobics.
While other brands were focusing on competitive sports, Reebok responded to the growing women’s fitness movement with the Reebok Freestyle in 1982.
The first athletic shoe designed for women exploded in popularity, helped along by the aerobics craze and an iconic campaign featuring legwarmers and bright tights. The Freestyle wasn’t just a shoe – it was a cultural shift. It made Reebok a household name and gave the brand its first real edge over rivals like Nike and adidas.
Reebok continued its success, introducing timeless icons like the Classic Leather in 1983 and the Reebok Club C in 1985. Both models helped to establish Reebok as a stylish brand that balanced both performance and streetwear appeal, with the Club C originally designed as a sleek, minimalistic tennis sneaker that became equally popular in the streetwear scene, and the Classic Leather’s simple, comfortable silhouette becoming a hit across both fashion and fitness crowds.
In 1989, Reebok unleashed the Reebok Pump, one of the most iconic innovations in sneaker history. With a built-in inflatable chamber in the tongue, you were able to pump up the basketball sneaker for a custom fit around the ankle. The Pump became an overnight sensation, worn famously by NBA star Dee Brown during the 1991 Slam Dunk contest.
Acquired by adidas in 2006, the two brands never achieved true success in challenging Nike’s dominance in the sneaker scene, and in 2021, adidas sold Reebok to ABG (Authentic Brands Group). In an attempt to bring Reebok back to its cultural roots, the brand is now riding a wave of retro revival, with vintage silhouettes like the Club C, Classic Leather and Workout Plus finding a home in both streetwear and casual fashion.
Reebok is also striving to make significant changes to their business practices in relation to sustainability, experimenting with plant-based materials, biodegradable shoes, and eco-conscious manufacturing.
Reebok: Answering Your Questions
What is Reebok?
J. W. Foster and Sons, founded by Joseph William Foster, began crafting running shoes with spikes in 1895 in Bolton, England. The company rebranded as Reebok in 1958, inspired by the Afrikaans word for a type of antelope, and continue to make innovative sneakers and running shoes today.
Who owns Reebok?
Currently, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) owns Reebok. adidas sold it to them 2021 after acquiring the brand in 2006.
Is Reebok a good brand?
With roots dating back to 1895, Reebok is well-established in the sneaker scene. Their iconic designs, innovative technology, and consistent comfort have given them a strong reputation in both lifestyle and athletic footwear.
Where are Reebok shoes made?
Reebok manufactures their shoes in various countries including Vietnam, China, India and Indonesia.
Are Reebok shoes good quality?
Reebok shoes are known for their durability, quality materials, and strong construction. Their leather sneakers, like the Classic Leather, are particularly long-lasting, and their performance shoes are built to handle both gym and sports use.
Are Reebok shoes unisex?
Many Reebok sneakers are unisex in style but sized separately for 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.
Are Reebok shoes vegan?
Not all Reebok sneakers are vegan, but they have added vegan and plant-based options to their range. Look for shoes that are part of their [Ree]Grow and [Ree]Cycled collections, or that are specifically labelled as vegan, which use plant-based or recycled materials with no animal products.
Are Reebok comfortable?
Cushioning is one of Reebok’s strengths. Most of their models feature responsive midsoles, foam cushioning, and soft linings.
Are Reebok good walking shoes?
Many Reebok models offer good support and cushioning, made with durable soles and some with memory foam or EVA midsoles for added comfort. The DMX, Classic Leather, Club C and Workout Plus models are great for walking.
Are Reebok good for running?
Reebok models from the Floatride and Zig series are particularly good for running, designed with lightweight cushioning and energy return. There are also many Reebok models designed by for specific running styles like long-distance (Floatride), sprinting (Nano), and trail (Ridgerider).
Do Reebok fit true to size?
For the full guide on how different Reebok sneaker models fit, check out our Reebok sizing guide here!
When did Reebok Pumps come out?
The Reebok Pump was released in 1989, and was seen on the feet of NBA Star Dee Brown in the 1991 Slam Dunk contest, which massively boosted their popularity.
How do you tie Reebok sneakers?
For guidance on tying your Reebok laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do I clean my Reebok sneakers?
A Reebok sneaker should be 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 I buy Reebok?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse Reebok at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on Reebok restocks and new releases!
Popular Reebok Models
Classic Leather
The simple, clean design and premium leather construction have made the Reebok Classic Leather model an icon in the sneaker world.
Versatile enough for both casual wear and street style, it’s a staple in many people’s wardrobes.
Club C
The Club C is another timeless model with a minimalist silhouette. Originally designed as a tennis shoe, it’s found new popularity as a lifestyle sneaker.
Its clean, understated design is a favourite for many, with a soft leather upper, perforated toe box, and low-top silhouette.
DMX
The DMX series is known for its air-cushioning system that adapts to movement, providing dynamic comfort. It’s popular in both casual streetwear and fitness.
This model is perfect for those who want a supportive yet breathable sneaker.
InstaPump Fury
With a bold, iconic design with the inflatable technology that put Reebok on the map, the InstaPump Fury is a standout sneaker due to its unconventional and futuristic look.
Lovers of retro sneakers, high-fashion collaborations, and innovative sneaker tech will appreciate the unique aesthetic of the InstaPump Fury.
Nano X
One of Reebok’s top training shoes, the Nano series is designed especially for CrossFit and HIIT workouts. Responsive cushioning and a durable outsole are its key features.
The Nano X, the latest iteration, offers a blend of stability, comfort and flexibility for intense training.
Zig Kinetica
The Zig Kinetica has gained popularity due to its futuristic look and innovative ZigTech cushioning, which offers excellent comfort and energy return.
A sleek design and modern tech make the Kinetica an ideal sneaker for those who seek high fashion with performance.
Floatride Energy
Floatride Energy sneakers are known for their lightweight design and energy-returning foam that makes them ideal for long-distance running.
One of the best performance running shoes on the market, the model offers a cushioned, lightweight, and breathable ride.
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
