Reebok is one of the most recognizable names in the world of sports and fitness. The brand has a long and rich history of producing high-quality athletic shoes, clothing, and accessories for various activities and lifestyles. But did you know that Reebok actually originated in a small town in England over a century ago? In this article, we will explore the fascinating story of Reebok and its origins, as well as its current status and achievements.
Where is Reebok from?
The Origins of Reebok
Reebok was founded in England, in 1958, by a pair of brothers, Joe and Jeff Foster, to carry on a family tradition of making athletic footwear. Their grandfather, Joseph William Foster, had launched an eponymous company, J.W. Foster, in 1895 and developed one of the very first track spikes.
The brothers named their company Reebok, after the Afrikaans’ word for a type of African antelope. They found the name in a dictionary that Joe had won in a sprint race as a boy. They also used the flag of the United Kingdom in their logo to highlight their British heritage.
Reebok started as a small business that produced high-quality running shoes for local athletes. They gained fame when their shoes were worn by Olympic champion Harold Abrahams in the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris.
The Rise of Reebok
Reebok’s breakthrough came in 1979 when an American businessman named Paul Fireman noticed the brand at a trade show in Chicago. He negotiated a deal to license and distribute Reebok products in the United States.
Fireman introduced three new shoes to the American market at $60 each, which was considered expensive at the time. However, he managed to create a demand for Reebok shoes by marketing them as premium and exclusive products.
In 1982, Reebok launched the Freestyle, the first athletic shoe designed for women. It was inspired by the aerobics craze that swept the nation and became an instant hit. The Freestyle helped Reebok increase its sales from $13 million in 1983 to $1.4 billion in 1987.
Reebok also diversified its product line to include other sports such as basketball, tennis, and golf. It signed endorsement deals with celebrities and athletes such as Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Venus Williams, and Jay-Z. It also sponsored major events such as the Olympics, the NFL, and the NBA.
In 1986, Reebok changed its logo from the Union Jack to a stylized vector symbol that represented movement and energy. It also dropped the flag from its name and became simply Reebok.
In 2005, Reebok was acquired by Adidas, a German sporting goods giant, for $3.8 billion. The deal was intended to create a stronger competitor for Nike, the market leader. Reebok retained its name and identity as a subsidiary of Adidas.
In 2021, Reebok was sold again to Authentic Brands Group, an American company that owns various fashion and lifestyle brands. The deal was worth $2.5 billion and gave ABG full control over Reebok’s intellectual property and licensing rights.
Where are Reebok shoes made?
Reebok shoes are manufactured in various countries around the world, depending on the type, style, and demand of the products, mainly in Asia. Some of the countries where Reebok shoes are manufactured include China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, India, and Sri Lanka. Here are some of the main locations where Reebok shoes are made and why.
Asia
Reebok is a subsidiary of Adidas, and it manufactures most of its shoes in Asia, specifically in Vietnam. Before 2017, most of Reebok’s manufacturing companies were based in Asia. The reason for this is to reduce production costs and take advantage of the cheap labor and materials available in these countries. Reebok also has factories in China, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and other Asian countries to meet the global demand for its products.
Lincoln, Rhode Island
Reebok has a unique manufacturing facility in Lincoln, Rhode Island, where it makes shoes using modern robotic technology. The facility is called the Liquid Factory and it uses a 3D drawing process to create shoe molds and soles without using traditional molds. The process is faster, more efficient, and more customizable than conventional methods. The facility also uses recycled materials to make the shoes more eco-friendly.
USA
Reebok also manufactures some of its shoes in the USA, especially those that are valued by workers and members of the military. Some of these styles are made in Michigan and Rhode Island, where Reebok has partnered with local manufacturers to produce high-quality shoes that meet the standards and requirements of these professions. Reebok also supports American workers by providing them with discounts and benefits.
Reebok Today
Today, Reebok is a subsidiary of Adidas, one of the largest sports companies in the world. Reebok still produces athletic footwear and apparel, but it has also expanded into other areas, such as CrossFit gear and leisurewear. Reebok is known for its innovative designs and collaborations with famous athletes and designers.
Reebok also has a strong commitment to sustainability. The company has launched several eco-friendly initiatives, such as using recycled materials in its products and reducing its carbon footprint. Reebok is also committed to promoting diversity and inclusion, and it has partnered with organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign.
Last Say
Reebok is a global athletic footwear and apparel company that has a long and rich history of innovation and excellence. The brand originated in England in 1895 as a small family business that made running shoes. Since then, Reebok has grown into a worldwide phenomenon that produces high-quality products for various sports and lifestyles.
Reebok is also a socially responsible company that strives to make a positive impact on the environment and society. Reebok is more than just a brand; it is a culture that celebrates fitness, creativity, diversity, and empowerment. Whether you are looking for shoes to run faster, clothes to work out harder, or accessories to express yourself better, Reebok has something for you. Reebok is not just a product; it is a way of life.
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