Angel Reese made waves in the WNBA with her exceptional performance on the court while also marking a major comeback for Reebok in performance basketball footwear. During a game against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese shattered the league’s single-season rebounding record by grabbing her 418th rebound, surpassing the previous record held by Sylvia Fowles. This historic feat, achieved with eight games still left in the season, highlights Reese’s dominance and sets the stage for her to further extend this record.
SNEAKERS
Reebok Engine A: A New Era for Basketball Shoes
The game also served as the debut for Reebok’s latest innovation in basketball footwear: the Engine A. This sneaker represents Reebok’s first serious foray into performance basketball shoes since the early 2010s, signaling the brand’s ambition to reclaim its position in the basketball market. Reese’s choice to wear the Engine A during her record-breaking performance underscores the brand’s confidence in this new line. The vibrant neon green and black colorway worn by Reese certainly caught the eyes of fans, blending modern design with performance features.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Design
The development of the Engine A began in 2022, with Reebok’s Advanced Concepts team focusing on incorporating cutting-edge technology into the sneaker. Central to the Engine A’s design is the reintroduction of Reebok’s Energy Return System (ERS), featuring nitrogen-infused foam to optimize energy absorption and propulsion. This system is complemented by the use of SuperFloat foam in both the heel and forefoot areas, providing enhanced comfort and responsiveness. The inclusion of a high-density foam rim and internal shank ensures stability, crucial for the dynamic movements required in basketball.
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Enhanced Grip and Stability Features
Another notable aspect of the Engine A is its innovative outsole design. High-abrasion rubber outsoles with a multidirectional, modified herringbone traction pattern offer exceptional grip, tailored specifically for basketball maneuvers. Also, the outsole features cutouts to showcase the SuperFloat core, emphasizing the shoe’s technological focus. The upper construction draws inspiration from Reebok’s iconic Mobius line of the 1990s, integrating an “exoskeleton” design that allows for bold color blocking and revives the brand’s retro aesthetic. Lightweight synthetic materials, a molded heel counter, and internal support structures contribute to the shoe’s balance of durability and breathability.
A Strategic Partnership with Angel Reese
Angel Reese’s collaboration with Reebok merges Reese’s dynamic presence both on and off the court with Reebok’s renewed focus on basketball culture. Reese has already made a name for herself as a fashion icon, and her involvement with Reebok is set to influence future product designs, including her collection set to launch in September. This collaboration also aligns with Reebok’s broader strategy under the leadership of Shaquille O’Neal, President of Reebok Basketball, to reinvigorate the brand’s connection with the sport.
Reebok x Barbie: Reese’s First Collection
In addition to her role as a brand ambassador, Angel Reese is gearing up to release her first collection with Reebok. The Reebok x Barbie collection, which is set to launch this month, is designed to blend femininity with power, reflecting Reese’s own on-court talent and off-court style. Reese has worked closely with Reebok’s design team to ensure each piece in the collection promotes confidence and self-expression, aiming to inspire women and girls to embrace their uniqueness and strength.
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Commitment to Social Impact
The partnership between Reese and Reebok also focuses on social impact. Reese’s recently launched Angel C. Reese Foundation aims to empower young women through sports, education, and financial literacy. This philanthropic angle aligns with Reebok’s commitment to making a difference, showing that the collaboration is not just about selling shoes but also about fostering community development.
Reebok’s Reentry Into the Competitive Market
Reebok’s move to bring back performance basketball footwear, headlined by an athlete like Angel Reese, signals a bold reentry into a competitive market. With the Engine A as a launchpad, Reebok is set to recapture the attention of basketball enthusiasts, offering a blend of innovative technology and nostalgic design. Reese’s partnership embodies the spirit of the brand – unapologetic, bold, and performance-driven – ushering in a new era for Reebok in the basketball world.
The Reebok Engine A, which debuted with Angel Reese’s on-court performance, will be available for purchase in Spring 2025.
brat color sneakers again haha! Bravo REEBOK tho! Love this