Reebok is a company founded by Joe and Jeff Foster in 1895. In 2005, Reebok was acquired by industry leader Adidas. The two huge companies unite, but the two brands still continue to operate independently. After the acquisition, Adidas took over all Reebok’s deals and contracts with the NBA and WNBA.
Reebok has several basketball signature lines such as the Answer, the Question, the Kamikazes, the Zigs, and the Shaq series just to name a few. The company boasts materials and technologies that make their shoe models great. In this article, some of the company's most famous models and the technologies used in them are presented, giving us the chance to see how similar they are to the products of other shoe companies like the formidable Swoosh and the steadily rising Under Armour. The stories of the athletes involved in the success and failure of Reebok basketball shoes are also briefly discussed in this article.
The On-Court Greats: NBA Stars and their Reebok Basketball Shoes
Best Reebok basketball shoes - June 2018
Allen Ezail Iverson
Allen Iverson, also known as AI, is a former NBA player. He was the first pick of the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1996 NBA draft. He has many NBA achievements, including being the Rookie of the Year in 1997 and Most Valuable Player in 2001. His playing position is both a point guard and a shooting guard.
Bowing only to the famous Michael Jordan signature line, Allen Iverson’s collection of Reebok basketball shoes is the second all-time best. In the present time, he is the captain and coach of BIG3 along with other former NBA basketball players. BIG3 is a basketball league founded by Ice Cube and Jeff Kwatinetz.
Below is the list of Allen Iverson shoes that were released from 1996 to 2014:
Reebok Answer 1. Released in 1997, the Reebok Answer I launched the Answer series. It is the second signature shoe overall in Iverson’s line. It was also the first shoe in the series to feature DMX technology. It has a hidden lacing system. It was renamed Reebok Answer DMX 10 when it was retroed in 2013.
Reebok Answer 2. The stability of the DMX Lite and flexibility of the 3D Ultralite cushioning make up the Reebok Answer 2, which was released in 1998. It has Iverson’s signature on the lateral side for cosmetic appeal.
Reebok Answer 3. In 1999, Reebok released the Answer 3 with the DMX Lite technology and a full leather upper.
Reebok Answer 4. Released in 2000, Reebok Answer 4 is considered to be the most famous of the Allen Iverson shoes because of two reasons: they were the pair worn by Al during the 2001 finals, and he was wearing the Answer 4 when he stepped over Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Lakers. It boasts a shrouded leather upper and a 3D ultralite compound. It also introduced the DMX I-pak cushioning to the AI series. The model was re-released in June 2017 as basketball sneakers for casual use. The 2017 release features a black and white image of Lue being stepped over by AI on the box.
Reebok Answer 5. The fifth Answer, which was released in 2001, tipped at only 13.5 ounces. These Reebok basketball sneakers are one of the lightest models in the series. It is equipped with the 3D ultralite compound and DMX I-pak cushioning. The heel has a hook-and-loop strap for additional lockdown and support.
Reebok Answer 6. In 2002, Reebok released another shoe model in the series to have a DMX cushioning. The Reebok Answer 6 has a combination of shoelaces and a shrouded zipper. The lateral side of the forefoot has an IVERSON detailing.
Reebok Answer 7. In the year 2003, the Reebok Answer 7 was released with a dimpled full-grain upper, DMX cushioning, and duracourt rubber outsole.
Reebok Answer 8. In 2004, Reebok released the eighth Answer model. Its upper has perforations in the shape of the number eight.
Reebok Question 2. In 2004, Iverson wore the Reebok Question 2 in the Olympics in Athens, Greece. It had the same Hexalite technology as its predecessor.
Reebok Answer 9. The ninth Answer Reebok basketball shoes that were released in 2005 introduced the Pump 2.0 system, which had an automatic on and off valve for a secure customized fit. For additional lockdown, this pair had a stability strap and external TPU heel counter. This pair surely matched the aggressiveness of Iverson’s playing and guarding style.
Reebok Answer 10. The Reebok Answer 10 has the same Pump system as the Answer 9. It has an ankle strap for foot stability and maximum support. Its upper has both shoelaces and shroud for lockdown.
Reebok Answer 11. The eleventh Reebok Answer was released in 2007 when Iverson was in Denver. As the first major flagship design of Drew Winfield, the Answer 11 was inspired by Greek mythology characters Castor and Pollux. They reflect the mortal and immortal sides of Allen Iverson, which refer to his life on and off court. These Reebok basketball sneakers come with a forefoot strap and DMX cushioning. They come in the standard width and length so they can accommodate a wide variety of foot shapes according to Winfield. The outsole has a widened herringbone pattern. Outriggers provide a good court grip and prevent slipping.
Reebok Question 3. In the same year as the Answer 11, Reebok released the Question 3 equipped with Hexalite technology and a midfoot strap for lockdown.
Reebok Answer 12. The twelfth Reebok Answer basketball shoes feature a translucent outsole and perforated leather upper. The perforations come in different shapes to add an aesthetic appeal to the shoe.
Reebok Answer 13. On the last days of Iverson in the NBA in 2009, the Answer 13 was released. The shoe’s design was based on Allen Iverson’s style. It is packed with a full-length Hexride technology that provides lightness and superb cushioning. The inner of the shoe has a thick foam in the collar for ankle comfort. The upper has vented lines for breathability and style.
Reebok Q96. 2013 marks a new start for Iverson’s Reebok basketball shoes after a few years of hiatus. The 2013 model Reebok Q96 is an updated version of the original Reebok Question. The new model has a DMX foam cushioning instead of Hexalite. The upper has mesh on both sides of the shoe to help wick away moisture.
Reebok Answer 14. Released in 2013, the Answer 14 is currently the most recent in the series. It features the DMX cushioning system, which it borrows from the Reebok Answer 3. It has a herringbone pattern on the outsole for a great court grip. The upper is a combination of synthetic leather and mesh cut-outs for breathability. The shoe is designed by Jeremy Sallee.
For sure, what we present here won’t be the only shoe models for Allen Iverson. After all, Iverson has a lifetime endorsement contract with Reebok, which certainly means he will have more to release to further build on his legacy.
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal
Retired basketball player Shaquille O’Neal, or more famously known as Shaq, is now a successful businessman and investor. He was the heaviest player to play in the history of the NBA. He was the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992. In his 19 years in the game, he was with a total of six teams.
Shaq has won several awards in the NBA such as the Rookie of the Year 1993 and the NBA Most Valuable Player titles among others. He became popular because of his extraordinary physical frame: he stands seven feet and an inch, weighs 325 pounds, and wears a US shoe size 23.
He signed with Reebok while in college, getting five million dollars a year for five years. A business-minded individual, he demanded creative control over all his commercials, and he dreamed of trademarking his signature logo. It proved to be a wise decision. Currently, he is a sport analyst on Inside the NBA.
Reebok Shaq Attaq.O’Neal’s first Reebok shoes, the Shaq Attaq, were released in 1992 and came only in two colorways. It features the Pump technology for a personalized feel and fit. It has the Graphlite plate in the midfoot for further support. These Reebok basketball shoes remain as O’Neal’s most popular pair .
Reebok Shaq Attaq 2. The second Shaq Attaq was released in 1993, and it did not feature the Pump technology like its predecessor. It was a mid-top and only had a Graphlite shank plate in the midfoot and an external TPU heel counter. It is not a bad shoe at all; it simply did not shine because Shaq wore this pair for only half a season because it did not provide what he needed as a center.
Reebok Shaq Attaq 3. In April 1994, the third signature shoe of the Shaq Attaq series was the first to be equipped with the Instapump technology. The shoe came with an Instapump gun and two CO2 cartridges to be used to fill the chamber inside the shoe.
Reebok Shaq Attaq 3. In April 1994, the third signature shoe of the Shaq Attaq series was the first to be equipped with the Instapump technology. The shoe came with an Instapump gun and two CO2 cartridges to be used to fill the chamber inside the shoe.
Reebok Shaq Attaq 4. In 1994, during O’Neal’s final and fourth season with the Orlando Magic, the Shaq Attaq 4 was released. It came with the Instapump technology and an adjustable strap. Both worked perfectly together to provide exemplary support and comfort to the foot. The fourth Shaq Attaq was first retroed in 2014.
Reebok Shaqnosis. The Shaqnosis is reported to be O’Neal’s favorite among all his signature shoes. It debuted in 1995 during O’Neal’s first NBA finals. It comes with the Hexalite technology in the heel and forefoot for comfort. The upper featured concentric circular designs, primarily put there to mesmerize or hypnotize opponents. Designer Jonathan Morris also produced Shaq shoes in grade school and infant sizes; he just adjusted the materials and simplified the pattern.
Johnathan Hildred Wall Jr.
Johnathan Hilred Wall Jr., or John Wall, is a professional basketball player of the NBA. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2010. As a guard, he is known for his powerful speed and agility. He has a larger wingspan than an average point guard, giving him a considerable advantage. In July 2017, he signed a four-year extension of his contract with the Washington Wizards at a whopping $170 million.
Reebok Zig Slash. The Reebok Zig Slash comes with a ZigTech outsole. The upper is a combination of patent leather and mesh. To add spice to the design, there are triangular patterns on the rear area. It was released in October 2010 at $100. This interesting shoe model comes in numerous colorways.
Reebok Zig Encore. After a flop with the Zig Slash, Reebok springs back with the Zig Encore in 2011. It consists of mesh, nubuck, and patent leather. This pair of John Wall shoes from Reebok came out at $115 and with over a dozen colorways.
Shawn Kemp is a retired American professional basketball player. He has played with the NBA for fourteen seasons from 1989. He has a few awards under his belt.
The Seattle Supersonics picked Kemp in the 1989 NBA draft. He is best remembered for his Kamikaze shoe series. He was nicknamed the “Reign Man” by broadcaster Kevin Calabro because of his impressive and beastly performance on court.
During his playing days, he had dealt with several legal and weight issues that eventually ended his basketball career. Additionally, most of his basketball earnings were lost to child support. Though he attempted to do a comeback to the NBA, he was not able to secure a position in any of the teams. The last report about Kemp talked about his sports bar, which was closed in 2015.
Reebok Kamikaze I. In 1994, Reebok debuted the Kamikaze I, Kemp’s first signature shoe and it featured Hexalite. The upper is made of a combination of suede and leather with overlays and perforations in the rear panel. The first re-release of this model was in 2012. These Reebok shoes are a favorite of most Kemp fans.
Reebok Kamikaze II. Aside from the Kamikaze I, the Kamikaze IIs are also celebrated Reebok shoes. They have the Hexalite technology in the heel and forefoot areas of the midsole. It surprisingly gets good feedback from wearers. It has been reported that Reebok uses great quality leather on the recent versions. To date, the Kamikaze has been re-released nine times in different colorways.
Reebok Aftershok. The Kamikazes are so popular that the Aftershoks, which were endorsed by Kemp in 1996, became almost forgotten. They come with a translucent outsole and Hexalite cushioning in the heel.
Reebok Reignman I. After the success of the Kamikaze II, Reebok launched the first Reignman with the same Hexalite cushioning. The heel counter has a unique and thick plastic pull tab. The shoe is semi-shrouded, and it has three eyelets for the shoelaces. It was released during the 1997 Playoffs.
Reebok Reignman II. The second shoe for the Reignman has an upper that is made of patent leather and mesh. The colorway matched the white and blue Cleveland Cavalier hues.
Reebok Shroud. Kemp modeled the Shroud back in 1997. The shoe features Ultralite cushioning and EVA foam for the insoles. Ultralite is a combination of materials to create the midsole and outsole into one. The midfoot has a TPU plate for stability. In the 90s, shrouded uppers are considered unorthodox and this shoe model was not a hit that time compared to when it was retroed in 2015.
Reebok Reignman III. Kemp was just traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers when the Reignman III was released in 1998. It comes with Hexalite cushioning and a 3D Utralite midsole.
The Formula for Greatness: The Technologies in Reebok Basketball Shoes for Men
The Reebok basketball shoes for sale are not only famous because of the brand or the athletes endorsing them. They have also become popular because of the technologies that they bear, which significantly influence how they perform and how wearers react to them. Listed below are some of the technologies Reebok boasted in their shoe models, together with brief descriptions for each.
Hexalite. Inspired by the honeycomb, Hexalite is one of the strongest and lightest cushioning technology ever created. It is made of thermoplastic urethane, making it more durable than other foams. The material also helps it keep its shape. It incredibly absorbs more energy and dissipates shock, resulting in great impact protection and support.
DMX. DMX is a soft, responsive, and durable foam that provides cushioning to the right areas when needed. This cushioning in Reebok shoes has a dual setup for better performance. The footbed area has soft DMX foam for great comfort. In the area that is closer to the ground, the foam is sturdier to provide better impact protection.
The Pump. The Pump is a technology that allows wearers to customize the fit of their sneakers. It can be inflated so it takes up all the dead space inside the shoe. The technology is used differently in different sports shoes. For basketball, the air chamber system is usually placed inside the tongue to provide lockdown to the ankle. In the Shaq Attaq 3, instead of pumping the shoe directly, the technology uses an Instapump gun to fill the chamber system with air.
Carbon Fiber. Carbon Fiber is used on sports shoes for a variety of purposes. Companies use it for support plates, arch support, torsional plates and others that help improve the performance of athletes. This plain technology has been innovated again and again by brands to improve its function and for it to serve other sports as well.
Graphlite. Graphlite is an engineered version of carbon fiber, which provides both stability and support. It is embedded in a reduced midsole, effectively bringing the size and weight of the sneaker down.
Hexride. Hexride is a cushioning technology that draws inspiration from honeycombs. It is a foam four times more durable than the standard EVA. It also has a lightweight structure that absorbs impact well.
Zigtech. ZigTech is a technology that provides comfort and efficient energy returns. It is said to lessen the wear and tear of the muscles by 20%. Its zigzag pattern is made of flexible foam that provides great support even when running on irregular surfaces.
Femme Fatale: Reebok Basketball Shoes for Women
Who says basketball is only meant for men? Though majority of basketball leagues are centered on the male population, there are plenty of women who play the sport professionally. Since most basketball shoes are designed for men, women need to know where they can avail of basketball shoes that can fit them.
In the basketball category, there used to be Reebok shoes for women. But nowadays, women will need to convert their shoe size to men’s sizes. More often than not, brand websites dedicate a specific page for size charts of their products. The conversions take into account sizes for men, women, teens, and children. To make sure, women may opt to fit the shoe in the nearest shoe outlets, and they can check online for discounted Reebok shoes for women.
Dates to Watch Out For (Release Dates)
Sneaker fanatics and collectors are really keen with details when it comes to the release dates of some shoes. The releases are usually scheduled on big events like Christmas, shoe model anniversaries, the NBA playoffs, and Chinese New Year, just to name a few.
More for Less: Reebok Basketball Shoes on Sale
Although the latest shoe models are talks of the town from the day their release dates are announced, there are wearers who prefer practicality over what is new on the market. Based on customer suggestions online, the release dates of new shoe models are also the best time to buy a previous release. Stores are said to put huge discounts on older models during those dates.
Some avid shoe shoppers mention that the month of January is a great time to shop for sneakers. They say people create resolutions for the new year like picking up a healthier lifestyle and eating better food among others. Shoe stores tend to lower down the prices of their shoe and athletic apparel to compete with each other.
In the second quarter of the year, shoppers have mentioned that April, or spring time, also brings bargain to most shoe stores. The change in season makes people decide to go outdoors and do some activities. Some would go back to their routines of morning and evening jogs and walks.
Another time to grab the best shoe deals would be before the opening of the school year. Parents and students empty shoe shelves for their school sneakers and other physical activities.
The yearly festivities and holidays also give a chance for shoes to get discounted. Black Fridays are famous for both online and physical store sales. Buyers for sure have saved up and had their check lists ready days prior the event. Similar to this would be the day after Christmas. There are stores that will drop the prices for an extra day of shopping.
Fun Facts
How did the Pump technology start?
Paul Litchfield joined Reebok in 1985 when there were only six employees in the company. The Pump Technology started with a ski boot that has pumping mechanisms. Litchfield was tasked to create a shoe using that technology. The first design of the Pump technology was made in 1988 in Boston, with the intent of giving a personalized fit to an otherwise hollow shoe. It was given numerous different names before its creators finally settled with Pump. The official name of the technology is The Pump by Reebok.
What happened to Allen Iverson and his contract with Reebok?
In the past couple of years, it has been reported that Allen Iverson is on the brink of going bankrupt. His spending habits were uncontrollable and so lavish that the over $200 million he earned for sixteen years turned into ashes. Aside from the income Allen Iverson earned from his basketball career, he was also a millionaire because of his Reebok endorsements. So-called friends and relatives milked the athlete through expensive meals to cars to jewelries to overrated vacations.
Reebok and Iverson inked a one-of-a-kind lifetime endorsement deal. Aside from paying him $800,000 annually, the company created a $32 million trust fund for Iverson which he cannot access until he is 55 years old or by 2030. This agreement became known when his ex-wife Tawanna filed for divorce in 2010. Terms were set in order for him to have the entire amount when the right time comes. However, as expected of Iverson, he failed to meet the requirements of such provisions. When the divorce was finalized in 2013, Tawanna surprisingly agreed to let Iverson acquire half of the amount by 2030.
Iverson’s shoe models had been retroed in different colorways. As part of his lifetime deal with Reebok, he posts photos of him and a few Reebok officials during their meetings. Based on the captions, it seems Iverson will have another signature shoe that will continue his I3 legacy.
12 best Reebok basketball shoes
Reebok Mobius
Reebok Answer DMX
Reebok Iverson Legacy
Reebok Shaqnosis
Reebok Shaq Attaq
Reebok Kamikaze II Mid
Reebok Royal BB4500 Low
Reebok Answer IV
Reebok Pump Rise
Reebok Question Mid
Reebok Pro Heritage 2
Reebok Shaq Attaq Modern
Author
Dimitrije Curcic
Dimitrije Curcic has been playing basketball for over 22 years. Like Manu Ginobili, he’s a left-hander whose moves led him to a better career-shooting percentage than the Argentine himself. After playing professionally for 10 years, Dimitrije moved to coaching for two seasons before he became a basketball statistician for StatScore, and FanSided contributor for the San Antonio Spurs. Dimitrije loves to tell hoop stories through numbers and graphics and has been featured on Fansided, FiveThirtyEight, Eurohoops, and TalkBasket among the others.
dimitrije@runrepeat.com
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