Swizz Beatz – doing it right?

Retrobok has been watching Swizz Beatz influences on Reebok with interest.

Whilst the Kamikaze III Mid doesn’t have any place here at Retrobok, details on the Kamikaze such as the Reebok Classic tongue stitching are noteable – especially for such a futuristic shoe. He appears to have done something else right too: the image below is of a sample for a revised Shaqnosis – itself one of the worst examples of sneaker design in history. Apparently the sample below has been rejected. Whether its by Swizz himself or Reebok: well done, let’s have some quality with this shit please. Swizz, I hope you drop in occasionally. More info at EUKicks.

80′s Wall of Fame updated

Further updates to the 80′s Wall of Fame: such as the Sydney Maree spike, LC1600, CL1400, ACT 600 and Phase I tennis shoes, Princess, Rapide (alternate colourway), PB 800 spikes… Click image to jump over. Feedback and corrections are always welcomed.

Reebok London pack

Not really setting the Olympic Torch alight with this pack, Reebok. However, the Grey/Red/Blue pair have something about the 1986 London Runner about them – though they’re clearly not a re-issue. Just appeared over at Size? in the UK. [Grey/Red/Blue] – [Dark Navy/Red/White]

(Additional: I spotted a nice design detail on these – the use of the Starcrest on the sole):

Reebok x Betong apparel

More Retrobok-oriented apparel has appeared over at Swedish Caliroots with 5 pieces in collaboration with Swedish tattoo studio Salong Betong. The prints mix the classic Reebok logo with details from the Betong heritage. Nice to see the Starcrest being used prominently too. Each image links directly to its’ product page.

ACT 600 re-issues

Now this is a surprise – the 1985 ACT 600 Tennis shoe has appeared re-issued on UK site Brandosa in both White and Black colourways. It’s hardly the most exciting looking shoe, but no doubt proved a reliable and stable piece of equipment for Tennis Players with finest garment leather uppers and (at the time) a removable custom-moulded cushion insert. Here’s the original ’85 advert (be sure check out the Adverts/Catalogues section here on Retrobok). Click on for more images of the ACT 600.

ERS Racer Field-Guide

The 3rd in the Retrobok series of Field-Guides: you might be surprised just how many ERS Racer colourways have been released over the years. Very surprised…

♥ CL Nylon Slim – Grey/Rosette

I spotted these over at Spanish Sivasdescalzo.com a few weeks back and fell in love with them – as Marley Marl said in 1986 ‘he cuts so fresh’… this colourway certainly does. Whilst the exact history of the CL Nylon itself may not stretch back as far as its inspirations, both the CL Nylon and the lowered Slims deserve a place here on Retrobok – especially when they inject a spot of retro freshness amongst the reissues. Again, these fall into the cheap and cheerful camp, with firm emphasis on the cheerful. Click the image to jump over directly. ~BokOne

Reebok RS Vector Windbreaker

A first for Retrobok, posting some non-footwear apparel – but this fits the bill perfectly as it features the original 80′s Reebok logo. This windbreaker is heavily inspired by the infamous 80′s Nike Windrunner, with a nice application of the Vector across the chest. Available in his’n'her flavours at Italys’ Shoelosophy.

EXCLUSIVE – The FIRST EVER Reebok logo!

And no, this isn’t it… Retrobok reveals more to the history of the Reebok logo than has been detailed anywhere else before.

4th World Best colourway breaks cover

UPDATE! Have added many improved images of this now – which certainly improves my overall opinion of this White/Royal/Aqua/Yellow colourway. Reebok releasing an OG colourway of these would be a worthy and much-appreciated finale to the World Best re-issues. Now available over at EPIC and Urban Industry. Click on to see more detailed pics. 

Paris Runners just keep getting fruitier

Just appeared over at Swedens’ Six Feet Down in Grey/Gravel/Purple/White and Black/Carrott/White. Quite a premium price for these Runners, it must be said. Paris Runners only have a single-density midsole so are not a technical runner even by comparisons with mid/late 80′s Reeboks, but they’re certainly light and very collectable. Click on for more fruity side-by-side pics!

SALE! World Best (Black/Glen Green/White)

Only a few sizes left over at Titolo, in Black/Glen Green/White.

2004 JW Foster Collection

Continuing Retroboks‘ history updates, here are some photos and press release for the 2004 collection inspired by original JW Fosters shoes. They look like an immaculately researched and executed collection – and it’s great to see Reebok do on occasion acknowledge their heritage. 

First Reebok Shoes

Retrobok continues to investigate Reeboks‘ true history with this gallery of JW Fosters’ and Reeboks’ earliest shoes. From the late 1800′s to the 1960′s they clearly show the craftsmanship and early innovation that helped make Reebok the global success it is today.

1900 - Foster Deluxe Spike

Fosters Famous Shoes

Retrobok unearthed a superbly detailed article about the history of the Foster family and Reeboks’ roots. 2 facts stand out most: Reeboks’ track success can be traced back to Cricket shoes, and for a short period JW Fosters and Reebok were rival companies.