{{short description|Lifestyle shoe brand by Reebok}} {{Use American English|date=December 2022}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}} {{infobox brand | name = Reebok Classic | logo = ReebokClassic-logo.png | image = Classics_Freestyle_&_ClassicLeather_ReebokClassics.jpg | caption = | type = [[Sneakers|Footwear]] | currentowner = [[Reebok]] | country = United States | introduced = {{start date and age|1983}} | discontinued = | related = | markets = Worldwide | previousowners = | trademarkregistrations = | ambassadors = | tagline = | website = }}
'''[[Reebok]] Classic''' is a lifestyle shoe brand that consists of [[sneakers|athletic shoes]] that became popular casual wear.<ref name="itsnicethat">{{cite web|url=http://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/reebok-classics|title=Reebok Classics|date=September 22, 2014|author=Liv Siddall|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=It's That Nice}}</ref><ref name="hypebeast2">{{cite web|url=http://hypebeast.com/2013/2/an-interview-with-ryan-cross-of-reebok-classics|title=An Interview with Ryan Cross of Reebok Classics|date=February 19, 2013|author=Jonathan Poh|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Hype Beast}}</ref> The brand evolved from the Classic Leather, the Workout, the Ex-O-Fit, the Newport Classic and the [[Reebok Freestyle|Freestyle]].<ref name=hypebeast2/> Reebok Classic also includes Retro Running, Retro Basketball, InstaPump Fury and contemporary styles.
==Product history== ===Franchise 5=== In 1982, the [[Reebok Freestyle|Freestyle]], the first athletic shoe designed for women, was introduced.<ref name="footballshirtculture">{{cite web|url=http://www.footballshirtculture.com/History/the-history-of-reebok.html|title=The history of Reebok|date=March 8, 2007|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Football Shirt Culture}}{{Dead link|date=August 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="fashionbombdaily">{{cite web|url=http://fashionbombdaily.com/2010/02/17/black-history-fashion-trend-reebok-freestyle-hi-tops-aka-54-11s/|title=Black History Fashion Trend: Reebok Freestyle Hi-Tops aka 54-11's|date=February 17, 2010|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Fashion Bomb Daily}}</ref> The shoe popularized the [[aerobics|aerobic]] exercise movement, encouraged women to participate in sports and began the acceptance of athletic footwear as street and casual wear.<ref name=footballshirtculture/> In 1983, Reebok launched the Classic Leather, a running shoe.<ref name="hypebeast3">{{cite web|url=http://hypebeast.com/reebok-30th-anniversary-classic-leather|title=Reebok 30th Anniversary Classic Leather|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Hype Beast}}</ref><ref name="complex">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/10/sneakers-that-live-double-lives/|title=20 Sneakers That Have Lived Double Lives|date=October 4, 2013|author=Nick Engvall|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Complex}}</ref><ref name="mtv">{{cite web |url= http://origin-style-mtv-co-uk.vimn-q.mtvi.com/article/topic/style/1npr61/sneaker-sunday-30-years-of-reebok-classic/caguty?start=15&baseOffset=0&cpType=theLatest |title= Sneaker Sunday: 30 Years of Reebok Classic |date= March 24, 2013 |author= Kaash Sethi |accessdate= November 25, 2014 |publisher= MTV UK |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://archive.today/20141126050041/http://origin-style-mtv-co-uk.vimn-q.mtvi.com/article/topic/style/1npr61/sneaker-sunday-30-years-of-reebok-classic/caguty?start=15&baseOffset=0&cpType=theLatest |archivedate= November 26, 2014 }}</ref> It gained popularity as casual wear because of its simple design in comparison to the technical running footwear designs that followed the Classic Leather's release.<ref name=hypebeast3/> A print advertisement showing a couple on a motorcycle with the tag line "You've Arrived" was created for the shoe.<ref name=complex/> That year, the Newport Classic (NPC) and Ex-O-Fit were launched.<ref name="footwearplus">{{cite web|url=http://issuu.com/symphonypublishing/docs/footwearplus_august_2013/90|title=A Visual Compendium of Sneakers|date=August 2013|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref><ref name="kicksonfire">{{cite web|url=http://www.kicksonfire.com/reebok/reebok-newport-classic/|title=Reebok Newport Classic|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> The Ex-O-Fit was similar to the Freestyle, but designed for men.<ref name=complex/> In 1985, the Workout was launched as a cross-training shoe.<ref name=complex/><ref name="nicekicks">{{cite web|url=http://www.nicekicks.com/2014/02/20/reebok-workout-clean-hennawhite/|title=Reebok Workout Clean Henna/White|date=February 20, 2014|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref><ref name="thedroprate">{{cite web|url=http://www.thedropdate.com/news/reebok-classics-workout-plus-gore-tex-preview|title=Reebok Classics Workout Plus Gore-Tex Preview|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> The shoe's simple look made it popular as casual wear.<ref name=complex/>
===Retro Running=== Reebok Classic established the Retro Running line to re-introduce popular shoe styles from the past.<ref name="sneakernews">{{cite web|url=http://sneakernews.com/2013/08/07/reeboks-retro-runner-invasion/|title=Reebok's Retro Runner Invasion|date=August 7, 2013|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> The GL 6000 was a lightweight running and training shoe created to provide maximum stability.<ref name=sneakernews/> The shoe was first released in 1986 and has been re-released to honor the shoe's history and illustrate its timeless appeal.<ref name=sneakernews/> In 1990, [[Reebok Ventilator|the Ventilator]], a lightweight flexible running shoe, was launched.<ref name="dimemag">{{cite web|url=http://dimemag.com/2014/09/ventilator-tonal-ballistic-pack-reebok-classics/|title=Travi$ Scott, YG & French Montana Rock Reebok Ventilator "Tonal Ballistic"|date=September 22, 2014|author=Spencer Lund|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref><ref name="airows">{{cite web|url=http://airows.com/these-1990-inspired-reebok-shoes-are-actually-pretty-sweet/|title=These 1990-Inspired Reebok Shoes Are Actually Pretty Sweet|author=Jack Archer|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> The Ventilator's versatility made the shoe popular.<ref name="solecollector">{{cite web|url=http://solecollector.com/news/industrial-spaces-inspire-new-reebok-ventilator-pack/|title=Industrial Spaces Inspire New Reebok Ventilator Pack|date=October 6, 2014|author=Brandon Richard|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> Reebok Classic re-released the Ventilator "Tonal Ballistic" and "Heritage" limited edition packs in 2014.<ref name=dimemag/><ref name=solecollector/> The DMX Run was launched in 1997.<ref name="complex2">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/02/10-sneakers-that-debuted-significant-technology/reebok-dmx-run|title=10 Sneakers That Debuted Significant Technology|date=February 25, 2013|author=Russ Bengtson|website=[[Complex Networks]] |accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref><ref name="freshnessmag">{{cite web|url=http://www.freshnessmag.com/2013/06/10/reebok-dmx-run-10-summer-2013-pack/|title=Reebok DMX Run 10 Summer 2013 Pack|date=June 10, 2013|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> The shoe debuted Reebok's DMX technology, a system in which air runs through connected pods and releases energy.<ref name=freshnessmag/> DMX was later used in [[Allen Iverson|Allen Iverson's]] second shoe.<ref name=complex2/> Reebok Classic re-released the shoe for the first time in October 2012.<ref name="sneakerreport">{{cite web|url=http://sneakerreport.com/news/the-reebok-dmx-run-is-back-will-you-take-to-the-track/|title=The Reebok DMX Run is Back, Will You Take to the Track?|date=October 18, 2012|author=Riley Jones|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref>
===Retro Basketball=== {{multiple image |align = right |direction = horizontal |total_width = 300 |header = |image1 = Shaq_Attaq_IV_ReebokClassic.jpg |image2 = Iverson_ReebokClassic.JPG |footer = Two notable basketball players with Reebok Classics: (left) [[Shaquille O'Neal]] (with a pair of '' Shaq Attaq IV'') and [[Allen Iverson]] (right, holding his Reebok Question signature shoe) }} The [[Reebok Pump]] was introduced as a basketball shoe in 1989.<ref name="hoopsvibe">{{cite news|title=The History of Reebok in the Sneaker Industry|date=November 8, 2013|author=CY Ellis|publisher=Hoopsvibe}}</ref> It was the first shoe to have an internal inflation mechanism designed to provide a customized fit.<ref name="thatgooddubai">{{cite web|url=http://www.thatgooddubai.com/pump-up-and-air-out-the-history-of-reebok-pump/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140915052933/http://www.thatgooddubai.com/pump-up-and-air-out-the-history-of-reebok-pump/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 15, 2014|title=Pump Up and Air Out! The History of Reebok Pump|date=November 2, 2014|accessdate=November 25, 2014}}</ref> Over a four-year period the shoe sold over 20 million pairs worldwide.<ref name=thatgooddubai/> In 1992, the Shaq Attaq was released during the NBA season.<ref name="nicekicks2">{{cite web|url=http://www.nicekicks.com/2013/04/18/everything-you-need-to-know-reebok-shaq-attaq/|title=Everything You Need To Know: Reebok Shaq Attaq|date=April 18, 2013|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Nice Kicks}}</ref> It was [[Shaquille O'Neal|Shaquille O'Neal's]] first signature shoe and the first official shoe for a Reebok athlete.<ref name=nicekicks2/> The shoe gained popularity because it was featured on basketball cards, video games, [[Pepsi]] commercials and movies.<ref name="complex4">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/04/20-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-reebok-shaq-attaq/|title=20 Things You Didn't Know About the Reebok Shaq Attaq|date=April 18, 2013|author=Nick Engvall|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Complex}}</ref> The retro version of the Shaq Attaq was released in April 2013.<ref name=complex4/> The Reebok Kamikaze, [[Shawn Kemp|Shawn Kemp's]] signature line, was launched in 1995.<ref name="complex5">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2012/03/the-25-best-reebok-basketball-shoes-of-all-time/10|title=The 25 Best Reebok Basketball Shoes of All Time|date=March 6, 2012|author=Brandon Elder|accessdate=November 24, 2014|publisher=Complex}}</ref> That year, the Shaqnosis was launched.<ref name=solecollector3/> The shoe was worn by [[Will Smith]] in ''[[Men in Black (1997 film)|Men in Black]]''.<ref name="solecollector3">{{cite web|url=http://solecollector.com/news/throwback-thursday-will-smith-wears-reebok-shaqnosis-in-m-i-b-/|title=Throwback Thursday // Will Smith Wears Reebok Shaqnosis In M.I.B.|date=July 11, 2013|author=Nick DePaula|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Sole Collector}}</ref> In 1996, the Reebok Question Mid, Allen Iverson's signature shoe, was launched.<ref name="nicekicks3">{{cite web|url=http://www.nicekicks.com/2012/05/25/present-future-reebok-question/|title=THE Past, Present & Future of the Reebok Question|date=May 25, 2012|author=Ian Stonebrook|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Nice Kicks}}</ref> The shoe became popular because it was clean and wearable.<ref name=nicekicks3/> Iverson's fan-base also attributed to the Reebok Question Mid's popularity.<ref name=nicekicks3/>
===InstaPump Fury=== The InstaPump Fury was released in 1994.<ref name="complex3">{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/sneakers/2013/03/the-25-best-sneakers-of-the-past-25-years/insta-pump-fury|title=The 25 Best Sneakers of the Past 25 Years|date=March 18, 2013|author=Russ Bengston|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Complex}}</ref> The shoe was lace-less and featured Reebok's pump technology, a reduced midsole, Hexalite cushioning and a fully synthetic upper.<ref name=complex3/> That year, [[Steven Tyler]] wore the shoe during a performance at the [[1994 MTV Video Music Awards]].<ref name="straatosphere">{{cite web|url=http://straatosphere.com/why-people-dont-get-the-reebok-insta-pump-fury/5/|title=Why People Don't Get the Reebok Insta Pump Fury|date=May 28, 2014|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Straatosphere}}</ref> The shoe was inducted into the Design Museum of London.<ref name="solecollector2">{{cite web|url=http://solecollector.com/news/oral-history-of-the-reebok-instapump-fury-with-designer-steven-smith/|title=The Oral History of the Reebok Instapump Fury with Designer Steven Smith|date=February 5, 2014|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Sole Collector}}</ref> It has received numerous re-releases and new colorways.<ref name=solecollector2/>
==In pop culture== [[Alicia Keys]], [[Kendrick Lamar]], [[50 Cent]], [[Jay-Z]], [[Travi$ Scott]], [[Mike Skinner (musician)]] and [[Kid Ink]] have collaborated with Reebok Classic.<ref name="fuse">{{cite web|url=http://www.fuse.tv/2013/06/reebok-jayz-tyga-pharrell-alicia-keys-50-cent-sneakers|title=Reebok Exec on Sneaker Collabs With Jay-Z, Pharrell, Tyga & Alicia Keys|date=June 11, 2013|author=Jeff Benjamin|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Fuse}}</ref><ref name="hiphopworld">{{cite web|url=http://hiphopwired.com/2014/02/19/reebok-classics-cypher-swizz-beats-french-montana-agenda-las-vegas-2014-video/|title=Swizz Beatz, French Montana, Kid Ink's Reebok Classics Freestyle At Agenda Las Vegas 2014|date=February 19, 2014|author=Trent Clark|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Hip Hop Wired}}</ref> [[Swizz Beatz]], a hip-hop recording artist and producer, was the creative director of Reebok as of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2013/03/a-history-of-celebrities-as-brand-creative-directors/swizz-beatz-reebok|title=A History of Celebrities as Brand Creative Directors|date=March 14, 2013|author=Sam Lockhart|accessdate=November 25, 2014|publisher=Complex}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist|2}}
{{Reebok}}
[[Category:Reebok brands|Classics, Reebok]]