History of the Reebok brand
What is the whole story of the Reebok brand? If any sportswear brand can boast a history of rocketing ups and downs, it's Reebok. Reebok was founded in 1958 as a spin-off of JW Foster and Sons, a sports shoe company that was one of the first to use running spikes in its running shoes. Hardly considered a sneaker titan, the sportswear brand has seen a meteoric rise in recent years thanks to the return of the "dad sneaker" that took it to an all-time high in the 1980s.
The company that later became Reebok was founded in the 1890s by Joseph William Foster in Bolton, Great Britain. Foster pioneered some of the first spiked running shoes. Foster founds the company JW Foster and focuses on the development of sports shoes. His sons join the family business and the company name changes to JW Foster & Sons. Foster develops a new style of running shoe with a leather upper and studded sole that improves grip on the surface.
Foster Running Pumps are becoming a hit with athletes and at the Paris Olympics, the shoe was worn by runner Harold Abrahams, who won gold for Great Britain in the 100m. The shoes are subsequently popular throughout Britain and can be seen on top athletes during the Olympics. Joe and Jeff Foster found Reebok. The name of the brand originated from the species of African antelope - "rhebok", originating from a South African dictionary discovered by a young Joe Foster.
1979 Reebok enters the American market. It also expands to other markets and starts selling its products in more than 28 countries around the world. In 1980, they also introduced sportswear and accessories, including tracksuits, which are still produced and designed today. In 1983, the Reebok Classic Leather sneakers are released, iconic sneakers that were originally made for running , but subsequently the Reebok brand preferred this shoe for everyday wear.
Actress Cybill Shepherd wore orange Reebok sneakers to the Emmys. The Freestyle line becomes popular on the streets and in the gym at the height of the aerobics craze of the 1980s. 1989 Reebok introduces the famous "Pump" technology - inflated chambers in the upper of the shoe provide the user with a more individual adjustment. Basketball player Dee Brown put on his Pumps in front of the crowd just before he made the basket.
1995 In collaboration with NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, Reebok takes another bold step in the 1990s and creates the "Reebok Shaqnosis" basketball shoe. In 2000, Reebok signed a ten-year licensing agreement with the NFL. And in 2001, Reebok contracts with the NBA and supplies 29 NBA teams and 16 WNBA teams.
2003 Reebok releases the S Carter collection with rapper Jay Z, their first collaboration with a non-athlete. Adidas acquires Reebok as a subsidiary in 2005 for approximately $3.5 billion. 2010 Reebok establishes a partnership with the organization cross training and becomes a sponsor of the worldwide competitions of this sport. 2014 Rapper Kendrick Lamar signs with Reebok as a brand ambassador. In 2016, well-known faces such as Gigi Hadid and Ariana Grande become brand ambassadors.
