Reebok is shaking up the global basketball shoe market once again by releasing its latest series, the Engine A "Pump". This move marks the return of the iconic innovation that dominated basketball courts in the 1990s, after the brand took a nearly decade-long hiatus from the high-performance basketball shoe segment.
This latest series is a direct tribute to the legendary Pump Omni Zone II model released in 1991. The public surely still remembers the iconic moment when NBA star Dee Brown pumped up his shoes just before winning the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest, a legendary move that propelled the technology's popularity worldwide.
Aesthetically, the Engine A "Pump" features a one-piece molded synthetic exoskeleton paired with a breathable mesh textile underlay to provide lightweight stability for the user. However, unlike the original model which could pump air into the shoe's tongue, this edition is not equipped with an active inflation mechanism, but instead serves as a captivating visual and historical tribute to celebrate the technology's 35-year legacy.
To support on-court performance, the shoe's sole is equipped with the Energy Return System (ERS) platform combined with SuperFloat cushioning for enhanced comfort. The traction pattern on the outsole is also precisely designed to ensure optimal stability during quick transitions on the court.
These retro-futuristic basketball shoes, featuring black, grey, and orange accents, are scheduled to launch on Friday (31/7) US time. This latest collection will be officially marketed through the Reebok website at a retail price of 160 USD.
