Reebok Classic is a lifestyle shoe brand that consists of athletic shoes that became popular casual wear.[1][2] The brand evolved from the Classic Leather, the Workout, the Ex-O-Fit, the Newport Classic and the Freestyle.[2] Reebok Classic also includes Retro Running, Retro Basketball, InstaPump Fury and contemporary styles.
Reebok Classic established the Retro Running line to re-introduce popular shoe styles from the past.[12] The GL 6000 was a lightweight running and training shoe created to provide maximum stability.[12] The shoe was first released in 1986 and has been re-released to honor the shoe's history and illustrate its timeless appeal.[12] In 1990, the Ventilator, a lightweight flexible running shoe, was launched.[13][14] The Ventilator's versatility made the shoe popular.[15] Reebok Classic re-released the Ventilator "Tonal Ballistic" and "Heritage" limited edition packs in 2014.[13][15] The DMX Run was launched in 1997.[16][17] The shoe debuted Reebok's DMX technology, a system in which air runs through connected pods and releases energy.[17] DMX was later used in Allen Iverson's second shoe.[16] Reebok Classic re-released the shoe for the first time in October 2012.[18]
The Reebok Pump was introduced as a basketball shoe in 1989.[19] It was the first shoe to have an internal inflation mechanism designed to provide a customized fit.[20] Over a four-year period the shoe sold over 20 million pairs worldwide.[20] In 1992, the Shaq Attaq was released during the NBA season.[21] It was Shaquille O'Neal's first signature shoe and the first official shoe for a Reebok athlete.[21] The shoe gained popularity because it was featured on basketball cards, video games, Pepsi commercials and movies.[22] The retro version of the Shaq Attaq was released in April 2013.[22] The Reebok Kamikaze, Shawn Kemp's signature line, was launched in 1995.[23] That year, the Shaqnosis was launched. The shoe was worn by Will Smith in Men in Black.[24] In 1996, the Reebok Question Mid, Allen Iverson's signature shoe, was launched.[25] The shoe became popular because it was clean and wearable.[25] Iverson's fan-base also attributed to the Reebok Question Mid's popularity.[25]
The InstaPump Fury was released in 1994.[26] The shoe was lace-less and featured Reebok's pump technology, a reduced midsole, Hexalite cushioning and a fully synthetic upper.[26] That year, Steven Tyler wore the shoe during a performance at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards.[27] The shoe was inducted into the Design Museum of London.[28] It has received numerous re-releases and new colorways.[28]
Alicia Keys, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Travi$ Scott, Mike Skinner (musician) and Kid Ink have collaborated with Reebok Classic.[29][30] Swizz Beatz, a hip-hop recording artist and producer, was the creative director of Reebok as of 2013.[31]
