Hey there sneaker lovers! Today I‘m diving deep into one of the most well-known names in athletic footwear – Reebok. With over a century of shoemaking experience, Reebok has remained a go-to choice for fitness enthusiasts and fashion-conscious consumers alike. But with so many sports brands out there, you may be wondering – is Reebok still relevant? Is their quality up to par? And are their shoes and apparel worth your hard-earned cash?
Never fear, I‘m here to give you the full scoop on this iconic brand. I‘ve thoroughly researched Reebok‘s history, pored over customer reviews, and even tested out some of their most popular kicks myself. So lace up and let‘s sprint through everything you need to know in this ultimate Reebok review!
The Reebok Story
First, a quick history lesson. Reebok traces its roots all the way back to 1895 in England, when Joseph William Foster began making spiked running shoes. The brand as we know it today was officially born in 1958 and named after an African antelope. But Reebok really hit its stride in the 1980s when it introduced groundbreaking designs like the Freestyle, the first athletic shoe made specifically for women, and The Pump, which featured an internal inflation mechanism for a custom fit.
This innovative spirit and commitment to performance helped catapult Reebok to become one of the biggest sports brands in the world. They scored major points with athletes and celebrities repping the brand, from tennis pro Venus Williams to hip-hop star Jay-Z.
In 2005, Reebok joined forces with industry giant Adidas. And while Adidas now owns the company, Reebok has continued putting out the cutting-edge styles and reliable quality it‘s known for under its own brand name.
Who Is Reebok For?
One of Reebok‘s biggest strengths is its wide appeal. They offer shoes and apparel for just about every sport and fitness activity you can think of – training, running, weightlifting, dance, yoga, you name it. So whether you‘re a hardcore CrossFit junkie or just looking for some comfy kicks to rock on weekends, Reebok has you covered.
That said, I‘d say Reebok‘s target demographic is probably athletes and active individuals between 20-40 years old with a sense of style. Their designs tend to blend technical performance features with on-trend aesthetics for that coveted athleisure look. Reebok isn‘t as pricey as more premium sports brands, so they‘re a great option for folks who want quality and style without spending their whole paycheck.
Of course, you don‘t have to be a gym rat to appreciate Reebok. Their Classics sneakers have transcended the world of sports to become casual fashion mainstays. You‘re just as likely to spot Reeboks at the grocery store or campus quad as you are on the treadmill. The brand has major street cred.
Reebok‘s Greatest Hits
Now let‘s talk product. Reebok is constantly coming out with new tech and fresh designs, but they‘re perhaps best known for a few signature shoe lines. Here‘s the lowdown on Reebok‘s top styles:
The Reebok Classic
The Reebok Classic is the brand‘s quintessential lifestyle sneaker. Throwback looks meet modern comfort in this ultra-wearable kick. Some of the brand‘s most iconic silhouettes fall under the Classic umbrella, including the Club C, the Classic Leather, and of course, the Freestyle.
What makes the Classic so great is its timeless style and versatility. You can rock a crisp white pair of Club Cs with literally any outfit for an instant cool factor. Quality leather uppers and lightweight cushioning make them uber comfy for all-day wear too. Classics are the kind of sneakers you‘ll reach for again and again.
The Reebok Pump
The Pump is the shoe that made Reebok famous in the ‘90s, and it‘s still going strong today. The Pump uses an air-filled chamber in the shoe‘s upper that can be inflated for a personalized fit – kind of like Reebok‘s answer to Nike‘s Air technology.
Originally made for basketball performance, Pumps provide excellent ankle support and stability during quick cuts and jumps. But they‘ve also gained a huge following off the court for their eye-catching looks. Celeb collaborations and limited-edition drops have turned Pumps into collectors items over the years.
Newest models like the Pump Omni Zone II combine that beloved Pump tech with more modern design elements and materials. So these kicks look fresh while still giving that hit of nostalgia. If you want a statement sneaker with major street style points, the Pump is it.
Reebok Nanos
On the performance side of things, Reebok‘s Nano training shoes are the real MVP. Designed with feedback from the CrossFit community, the Nano line is built to withstand seriously intense workouts.
Standout features of the Nanos include an anatomical toe box for better foot positioning, a heel clip for stability during lifts, and RopePro carbon rubber for durability on rope climbs. Flexweave uppers provide both breathability and security.
The Nano‘s most recent iteration, the Nano X1, has racked up rave reviews for its improvements in cushioning and comfort. Most users agree it‘s Reebok‘s best cross-training shoe yet. So if you‘re looking to crush your next WOD, the Nano X1 will help you do it in pr-smashing style.
Reebok vs The Competition
Of course, Reebok isn‘t the only name in the sneaker game. How do they stack up against other athletic giants? Here‘s my take:
Reebok vs Nike
There‘s no denying that Nike is the biggest sports brand in the world. They‘ve got the edge on Reebok in terms of sheer popularity and celebrity endorsements. And when it comes to pure performance shoes, many athletes prefer Nike‘s tech like Zoom Air and React foam.
However, I‘d argue that Reebok beats Nike in two key areas – price and casual style. You‘ll often find Reeboks for $20-$50 less than comparable Nikes. And the Reebok Classic has no true equivalent in Nike‘s lineup. Retro heads will always reach for Reeboks over Nikes.
Reebok vs Adidas
With Adidas as its parent company, you might expect Reebok to be playing second fiddle. But these two brands still have pretty distinct identities. Adidas tends to focus more on fashion-forward, streetwear-inspired designs, especially through its Originals line and Yeezy collaborations.
Meanwhile, Reebok has stayed true to its fitness-first, performance-driven roots. You‘re more likely to see Reeboks in the weight room than on the runway. Both are great brands, but Adidas has more of a "hype" factor while Reebok is more of a workhorse.
Reebok vs New Balance
In my opinion, New Balance is probably Reebok‘s closest comparison. Both brands blend modern performance with heritage style, and both occupy a similar "mid-tier" price point.
New Balance takes the lead in running shoes with speedy models like the FuelCell Rebel and durable classics like the 990. But for training and lifestyle kicks, I‘d give Reebok the edge. Reebok has better CrossFit offerings and their collaborations with the likes of Victoria Beckham give them more fashion clout.
Reebok Reviews: What Customers Think
Alright, so that‘s one fitness junkie‘s opinion. But what are real Reebok customers saying about the brand? I combed through hundreds of reviews from Reebok‘s website and retail partners to find out.
Overall, Reebok scores very positive ratings from buyers. Their bestselling shoe lines regularly earn 4.5+ out of 5 stars. Standout models like the Classic Leather, Club C 85, and Nano X1 garner particularly glowing feedback. Reviewers rave about the style, comfort, and surprising durability of these kicks.
The Nano X1 especially earned top marks for its stable base for lifting, grippy sole for speed work, and overall comfort for all-day wear. As one reviewer put it, "I can both run a 5K or back squat heavy in them: they‘re perfect."
On the Classic side, people love the simple, goes-with-anything styling and lightweight cushioning. Many note how well Reebok Classics hold up over time too. "I‘ve had my Club Cs for 2 years now and they still look almost new after wearing them nearly every day," said one long-time fan.
As for apparel, Reebok‘s training tops, tights, and sports bras get plenty of love for their functional, flattering fits and on-trend designs. Customers appreciate the breathability and freedom of movement Reebok‘s workout gear allows.
The very few complaints I could find were around Reebok‘s cheaper "non-flagship" shoe models, which some buyers felt weren‘t as comfortable or well-made. A handful also mentioned inconsistent sizing across shoe models. But by and large, customers confirm that Reebok‘s core offerings live up to the hype.
Where to Buy Reebok
Now that you‘re ready to experience Reebok for yourself, you‘ve got plenty of shopping options. The easiest place to find the brand‘s complete product lineup is on Reebok.com. The website frequently offers discounts and free shipping promos too.
If you prefer to shop in person, Reebok has standalone stores in most major cities. You‘ll also find Reeboks stocked at most sporting goods and department stores including Dick‘s, Academy, Macy‘s, and Nordstrom.
Reebok Pros & Cons
To sum it all up, here are the key pros and cons I found for the Reebok brand:
Pros:
- 100+ years of shoemaking experience
- Iconic style and strong brand recognition
- Wide variety of high-quality shoes for sports, fitness & lifestyle
- Excellent value for the price compared to other major athletic brands
- Respected in the CrossFit community for top-notch training gear
- Sustainable initiatives like vegan & recycled material shoes
Cons:
- Not as much hype/popularity as Nike or Adidas
- Some inconsistency in sizing & quality on non-core shoes
- Limited apparel options compared to footwear
The Final Word on Reebok
So where does this Reebok review net out? All things considered, I feel confident recommending Reebok as a go-to brand for athletes, sneakerheads, and style mavens alike.
Reebok has serious pedigree in the sports world, with a commitment to innovation and performance that continues to shine through in their newest designs. Flagship shoes like the Nano, Pump, and Classic offer best-in-class features for your favorite activities.
At the same time, Reebok has built a devoted lifestyle following through their iconic looks and accessible price point. You don‘t have to be a hardcore athlete to get in on the Reebok action. Rocking a pair of Club Cs is an easy style win for anyone.
While Reebok may not have quite the clout of Nike or Adidas, I‘d argue that only adds to their appeal. Reebok wearers are more in-the-know. Supporting Reebok feels like repping an underdog that deserves more shine.
If you‘re in the market for quality athletic shoes or streetwear staples that blend performance, style, and value, you can feel great about choosing Reebok. This brand has stood the test of time for a reason. From the gym to the city streets, Reebok won‘t let you down.
