History of Reebok
Reebok was founded in 1958 in Bolton, England, by Joe and Jeff Foster, the grandsons of Joseph William Foster, who pioneered spiked running shoes in the early 1900s. The brand gained recognition in the 1980s with the rise of aerobics, launching the Reebok Freestyle, a women’s athletic shoe that became a cultural icon. During this period, Reebok expanded rapidly, competing with Nike and Adidas in the global sportswear market.
In the 1990s and early 2000s, Reebok secured endorsements with top athletes and celebrities, including Shaquille O’Neal and Allen Iverson, strengthening its presence in basketball and fitness. However, facing tough competition, Reebok was acquired by Adidas in 2006 for $3.8 billion. In 2021, Adidas sold Reebok to Authentic Brands Group, shifting its focus to lifestyle and fitness apparel. Today, Reebok continues to evolve, blending its athletic heritage with modern fashion trends.