The name Reebok comes from the Afrikaans spelling of ‘rhebok’, a type of African antelope or gazelle. In 1890 in Holcombe Brook, a small village 6 miles from the town of Bolton, England, Joseph William Foster was making a living producing regular shoes when he came up with the novel idea of a spiked running shoe. After his ideas progressed considerably, he founded a company in 1895 together with his adult sons, named J.W. Foster and Sons.
By 1924, Foster and Sons had established a reputation for manufacturing superior quality shoes, and the company was given the chance to manufacture running shoes for athletes representing Great Britain at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Among the runners performing in Foster shoes were the legendary Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, who were both portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. With this legacy of high-quality footwear construction in mind, two of Foster's grandchildren, Joe and Jeff Foster founded Mercury Sports. In 1960, Joe and Jeff Foster renamed the company Reebok in England, having discovered the name in a dictionary won in a race by Joe Foster as a boy. The dictionary was a South African edition, hence the spelling. And so the Reebok brand as we know it was born.
Today Reebok is one the world most recognised sports brands and their footwear makes sneaker collectors around the world weak at the knees. Whether you are a sneaker freak or an athlete there is no doubt Reebok has the perfect trainer for you in their collection.
Reebok at Wood has been a staple in our collections since the early days as we have always hand picked a choice selection of Reebok Vintage as well as brand new Reebok sneakers for you to ponder over. Whether it’s a Reebok Pump, a Reebok Freestyler or just a regular Reebok Classic, Reebok at Wood has something for everyone.
By 1924, Foster and Sons had established a reputation for manufacturing superior quality shoes, and the company was given the chance to manufacture running shoes for athletes representing Great Britain at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Among the runners performing in Foster shoes were the legendary Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, who were both portrayed in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. With this legacy of high-quality footwear construction in mind, two of Foster's grandchildren, Joe and Jeff Foster founded Mercury Sports. In 1960, Joe and Jeff Foster renamed the company Reebok in England, having discovered the name in a dictionary won in a race by Joe Foster as a boy. The dictionary was a South African edition, hence the spelling. And so the Reebok brand as we know it was born.
Today Reebok is one the world most recognised sports brands and their footwear makes sneaker collectors around the world weak at the knees. Whether you are a sneaker freak or an athlete there is no doubt Reebok has the perfect trainer for you in their collection.
Reebok at Wood has been a staple in our collections since the early days as we have always hand picked a choice selection of Reebok Vintage as well as brand new Reebok sneakers for you to ponder over. Whether it’s a Reebok Pump, a Reebok Freestyler or just a regular Reebok Classic, Reebok at Wood has something for everyone.
