Reebok is a popular brand of athletic shoes and apparel, but have you ever wondered when it all began? The story of Reebok starts back in the 1890s, when a man named Joseph William Foster began making running shoes in his small bedroom in Bolton, England.
Foster’s shoes became popular among local athletes, and in 1958, his grandsons officially founded Reebok. The name “Reebok” is actually derived from an African antelope called the rhebok, known for its speed and agility. Since then, Reebok has become a household name in the world of sports and fitness, consistently releasing new and innovative products to help athletes of all levels achieve their goals.
Reebok started in 1958 in Bolton, England, by Joe and Jeff Foster. The company originally produced running shoes and was named after an African antelope. Reebok has since expanded to produce various athletic and lifestyle products and has become a household name globally.
When Did Reebok Start?
Reebok is a global athletic footwear and apparel company that has been around for over a century. It was founded in 1895 by Joseph William Foster, a British shoemaker who wanted to create comfortable and durable shoes for athletes. Originally called J.W. Foster and Sons, the company began by making handmade running shoes with spikes.
The Early Years
In the early 1900s, J.W. Foster and Sons gained a reputation for making high-quality athletic shoes. The company continued to innovate, developing new technologies like the “spikeless” running shoe that revolutionized the sport. In 1958, two of Joseph Foster’s grandsons, Joe and Jeff Foster, took over the company and renamed it Reebok, after the Afrikaans word for antelope.
The 1980s: A Decade of Growth
The 1980s were a pivotal decade for Reebok. The company introduced the iconic Freestyle aerobics shoe, which became a cultural phenomenon and solidified Reebok’s position as a leader in the athletic footwear market. In addition to its popular shoes, Reebok also began selling apparel and accessories, further expanding its reach.
The 1990s: Challenges and Innovations
In the 1990s, Reebok faced increased competition from rivals like Nike and Adidas. However, the company continued to innovate, introducing new technologies like the DMX cushioning system and the Pump, a shoe that could be inflated for a custom fit. Reebok also expanded its product line to include basketball shoes and other sports gear.
The 2000s: Reebok Joins the Adidas Family
In 2005, Reebok was acquired by German sportswear giant Adidas in a $3.8 billion deal. The merger created a powerful new player in the athletic footwear and apparel market, with a combined portfolio of brands that included Reebok, Adidas, and TaylorMade. Under Adidas’ ownership, Reebok has continued to innovate and expand its product line, focusing on sustainability and social responsibility.
Reebok products are known for their quality, comfort, and performance. The company uses innovative technologies like DMX cushioning and the Pump to create shoes that provide a custom fit and superior support. Reebok also offers a wide range of apparel and accessories, including workout gear and casual wear, that are designed for both style and function.
Reebok’s main competitors are Nike and Adidas, two global giants in the athletic footwear and apparel market. While each brand has its own strengths and weaknesses, Reebok is known for its innovative technologies and focus on sustainability and social responsibility. Reebok is also known for its iconic designs, like the Freestyle aerobics shoe, that have become cultural touchstones.
Reebok has a rich history that spans over a century, and the company has continued to innovate and evolve over the years. From its early days as J.W. Foster and Sons to its current position as a global leader in athletic footwear and apparel, Reebok has remained committed to creating high-quality, innovative products that help athletes perform at their best. Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, Reebok has something for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most common questions about the establishment of Reebok.
When did Reebok start?
Reebok is a British athletic footwear and apparel brand that was founded in 1958 by Joe and Jeff Foster. The company originally operated under the name “J.W. Foster and Sons,” and its early focus was on producing high-quality running shoes.
In the 1970s, the company changed its name to “Reebok,” which is a type of African antelope. Reebok’s reputation grew throughout the 1980s, thanks in large part to its endorsement deals with high-profile athletes like Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan. Today, Reebok is a subsidiary of German sportswear giant Adidas.
Who founded Reebok?
Reebok was founded by two brothers, Joe and Jeff Foster, in Bolton, England. The Foster brothers had been making athletic shoes since the 1890s, and their company, “J.W. Foster and Sons,” was one of the first to produce spiked running shoes.
In the 1950s, the Fosters began to experiment with new materials and designs, and by 1958, they had developed a shoe that they believed would revolutionize the running world. This shoe, which featured a lightweight design and a unique sole pattern, was the first to bear the Reebok name.
What is the meaning of the name “Reebok”?
The name “Reebok” is derived from a type of African antelope, the grey rhebok. The Foster brothers chose this name because they believed it reflected the agility and speed that the company’s athletic shoes were designed to enhance.
The name “Reebok” was also chosen because it was short, easy to remember, and distinctive. In the early years of the company’s existence, the Fosters believed that having a memorable name would help them stand out in a crowded market.
When did Reebok become popular?
Reebok’s popularity began to soar in the 1980s, thanks in large part to the company’s innovative designs and high-profile endorsement deals. In 1982, Reebok introduced the Freestyle, the first athletic shoe designed specifically for women.
The Freestyle was a huge success, and it helped to establish Reebok as a major player in the athletic footwear market. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Reebok continued to introduce new products and collaborate with high-profile athletes, cementing its reputation as a leading athletic brand.
What happened to Reebok?
In 2005, Reebok was acquired by German sportswear giant Adidas for $3.8 billion. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move by Adidas to increase its market share in North America, where Reebok was particularly strong.
Under Adidas’ ownership, Reebok has continued to operate as a separate brand, with its own design and marketing teams. However, the company has struggled to maintain its position in the highly competitive athletic footwear and apparel market, and it has faced declining sales in recent years.
The Decline of Reebok…What Happened?
In conclusion, Reebok has come a long way since its inception in 1958. The brand started as a small company in the United Kingdom, but quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality athletic shoes. Throughout the years, Reebok has continued to innovate and expand its product offerings to include clothing, accessories, and more.
Despite facing tough competition from other athletic brands, Reebok has managed to stay relevant by focusing on its core values of quality, innovation, and authenticity. Today, the brand is known worldwide and has a loyal following of customers who appreciate its commitment to producing top-notch products.
Overall, Reebok’s journey has been one of growth and success. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a global brand, Reebok is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a dedication to excellence. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or simply someone who appreciates quality products, Reebok is a brand that has something to offer everyone.
