Reebok: The rise and fall of a century-old sports brand (Part 3)

2025-04-22

Technological innovation and diversified development

In 1989, the "Advanced Concept Group" established by Reebok at great expense achieved significant results. The PUMP technology was successfully born and the first pair of inflatable basketball shoes were launched. This technology allows consumers to control the wrapping of the shoes by inflating and deflating them according to their needs by installing air bags on the upper and tongue of the shoe. It integrates high technology, safety and comfort, and provides breakthrough concepts and technologies for various sports and fitness activities. The launch of this innovative technology caused a huge sensation in the sports shoe market at the time and completely changed people's perception of traditional sneakers.

1991 was a landmark year in the history of Reebok. Reebok's signed star Dee Brown wore Reebok boots with Pump inflation technology and defeated Nike's ace Michael Jordan with a stunning "face-covering dunk" in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest. Dee Brown inflates his shoes before every dunk. This unique move has become the best advertisement for Reebok and has triggered a crazy pursuit of consumers. Within 18 months after the Pump sneakers came out, Reebok sold 4 million pairs of Pump sneakers, creating a sales frenzy of $500 million. More than 100 professional athletes wear Reebok Pump sneakers, including Shaquille O'Neal, who just stepped into the NBA league.
Having tasted the sweetness of technological innovation, Reebok continues to work hard on product research and development. In the 1990s, Reebok cooperated with NASA to apply the technology of the space shuttle to sports shoes and developed honeycomb air cushion technology. This air cushion technology adds air cushions to the uppers, and through a unique structural design, it provides better shock absorption and support performance, reduces the impact force for athletes during exercise, and improves reaction speed and explosive power. The application of this technology has further consolidated Reebok's leading position in the field of sports shoe technology and made Reebok's products more diversified and professional.

In addition to continuous technological innovation, in the mid-to-late 1990s, Reebok shifted its development focus and began to develop in a diversified direction. It is no longer limited to the fields of fitness apparel and basketball shoes, but has created a series of new sports shoes for rugby, baseball, football, track and field and other sports. At the same time, Reebok began to sign well-known athletes on a large scale to enhance the brand's popularity and influence through the star effect. In 1992, Reebok signed the top draft pick "Shaq" O'Neal. In 1996, it signed "The Answer" Iverson. In 2002, Reebok signed with Yao Ming. In addition, it also signed Peja Stojakovic, Andy Roddick, Venus Williams and many other sports stars. These star athletes have achieved outstanding achievements in their respective fields. They wear Reebok equipment and fight on the court, making Reebok's brand image more popular and making Reebok's products widely concerned and loved by consumers around the world.


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