Back then, Reebok pushed its competitors to stay on their toes and chase innovation, helping to create a golden era for basketball sneakers.
This shoe marks Reebok’s return to performance basketball after more than a decade without a new product dedicated to the sport. For the past 11 years, Reebok Basketball has survived solely on the nostalgia of models worn by its biggest stars—Allen Iverson and Shaquille O’Neal—who now, in this new phase, serve as Vice President and President of Basketball Operations at Reebok.
For us at Kickstory, especially Ian, this sneaker goes far beyond just being a cool product: it brings back the references and DNA that made him fall in love with this entire world, and it shows us a future where we can get excited again about new, bold projects from a brand that’s picking up where it left off. And that’s good for everyone—more brands competing means higher standards for innovation and quality!
We decided to do a special feature, not just for all the reasons above, but also because these pairs we received were sent directly from Boston. That gives them an even greater significance for us—they’re also a recognition of our work and the connections and relationships we’ve built with the people who share their stories on our platform.
Back in 2021, we made the investment to travel to Boston, where Reebok’s headquarters is located, to interview designers, creatives, store owners, and people in the industry who are behind the models and brands we admire so much. Michael Hesterberg was one of them. At the time, he was the Director of Innovation Design at Reebok, and he invited us to do his interview inside their headquarters, in the most special place possible—the Reebok archive. The room that houses the brand’s full collection, including accessories, apparel, original and sample sneakers. A once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially for true fans of the culture.
BEHIND THE DESIGN
The idea behind the Reebok Engine A was to launch a product that lived up to the brand’s legacy—imagining what Reebok would be putting out today if it had never left the basketball market. The process was deeply researched to create a shoe that carries the essence and DNA of what makes Reebok truly Reebok, but with a modern look aimed at an audience that may not have grown up with the brand, and without leaning too hard on nostalgia. That vision is clearly reflected in the shoe’s material choices, shape, and colorways.
In an interview with Complex, Michael explained how, during development, the team explored sketches inspired by old Reebok models and shared these concepts with basketball players at different levels—from high schoolers to semi-pros and retired athletes. These conversations were crucial for understanding how the perception of Reebok had shifted during its absence from the market. One thing became clear: players no longer cared about leather uppers or overly nostalgic looks—what they wanted was something current, with contemporary design that reflects today’s basketball culture.
ABOUT THE SHOE
The main highlight is the implementation of the ERS (Energy Return System) as the shoe’s core technology, but in a reimagined way — retaining the name and concept while using updated cushioning. ERS was Reebok’s first proprietary cushioning system, introduced in the late ’80s. It used thermoplastic elastomer tubes that compressed with each step and returned to shape, absorbing impact and providing energy return. The system appeared in models like the Reebok Twilight Zone and the original Omni Zone, before the Hexalite era. This time, instead of tubes, the design team applied the energy return concept using a new nitrogen-infused supercritical foam called Super Float — maintaining some of the original ERS aesthetic.
The design team dug deep into Reebok’s archives and drew inspiration from iconic past models like the Reebok Mobius, 3D Opus, Money ERS, and Sxt Pump. The result is a shoe that carries many of Reebok’s recognizable design elements—like the tongue shape, heel structure, and side panel lines — while presenting a completely fresh silhouette unlike anything else on the market.
One key design philosophy that remains intact is the idea that the shoe should stand out on its own, without the logo being the main focus — a hallmark of Reebok’s classic basketball models. The Engine A features a one-piece synthetic upper, allowing for endless possibilities in color, prints, and color blockings. That’s the canvas Reebok is using to tell stories with each colorway.
This sneaker brings new life to Reebok with a modern silhouette that speaks to today’s basketball aesthetic while staying true to its roots. From our first impressions wearing it, we can tell it’s a versatile performer: it offers cushioning in both the heel and forefoot, a wide base, and upper tension points that provide solid lockdown and stability. It works for both quick, agile players and heavier, more powerful ones. And the variety of colorways makes it easy to pair with whatever you’re wearing.
We’re genuinely happy to know that talented people we admire are leading this new era of Reebok Basketball, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.
HERE'S A TIP
If you want to see Michael in action and get a glimpse of the Engine A creation process, make sure to check out the Netflix series Shaquille O’Neal: Power Moves.
