Ayrton Oneill
The Reebok Pump, a basketball shoe with a unique inflatable chamber built into the tongue, was unveiled in March 1989 and released to the public in September of the same year. The shoe was developed by Reebok employees Paul Litchfield and Steven Smith, who sought to create a sneaker that could provide a customizable fit, inspired by the ski boot's ability to do so. The pump allowed players to customize the shape of each shoe to precisely fit the shape of their foot. The Reebok Pump quickly gained attention for its innovative technology and performance-enhancing features, becoming a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s and solidifying its place as a must-have basketball shoe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Company | Reebok |
| Creators | Paul Litchfield, Steven Smith |
| Inspiration | Ski boots' ability to provide a customizable fit |
| Launch Year | 1989 |
| Launch Price | $170 |
| Launch Colour | Black with an orange ball covering the pump |
| Launch Event | Dee Brown inflated his Reebok Pumps before winning the 1991 Slam Dunk Contest |
| Logo Designer | Jane Hathaway |
| Logo Design Time | 15 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Reebok Pumps were launched in 1989
The idea for the Reebok Pump was conceived in 1988 when Design Continuum, an industrial design firm, partnered with Reebok to design a shoe with inflatable chambers that could be pumped up for a custom fit. Two prototypes were initially produced: the Pro Pump, which was self-inflating, and the Pump Shot, which had a heel pump. These prototypes arrived in Massachusetts on 4 February 1989, and the following day, Reebok unveiled the Pump at The Super Show in Atlanta, the world's largest sports product show at the time.
The launch of the Reebok Pump in November 1989 was highly anticipated, but it also sparked controversy due to its high price tag of $170. This was considered an incredibly high price for a sports shoe at the time, especially compared to other popular sneakers on the market. Despite the initial controversy, the Reebok Pump became a hit, and by the end of 1990, it had generated over $500 million in sales. The success of the Reebok Pump can be attributed to its innovative technology, effective marketing campaigns featuring NBA players like Dominique Wilkins, and its cultural significance as a status symbol in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
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The pump technology allowed customisation of the shoe shape
The Reebok Pump, first released in November 1989, was the first shoe to feature an internal inflation mechanism that regulated a unique fitting cushion in the lower and upper tongue to provide locking around the ankle. The pump technology allowed players to customise the shape of each shoe to precisely fit the shape of each foot. This was achieved by pressing the orange ball in the tongue of the shoe, which inflated the lining until it modelled the shape of the foot.
The "air bladder" is quilted to control the amount of air that can be pumped out. By precisely fitting the foot, the pump moves in perfect sync with the feet. The pump was an immediate success, with sales of over $500 million by the end of 1990. The shoe was popularised by NBA player Dominique Wilkins, who starred in a TV commercial with the slogan, "if you want to fly first class, pump up and air out".
Following the success of the Reebok Pump, the company incorporated the pump technology in other lines such as tennis, running, golf, and aerobics shoes. The pump technology was also expanded to other shoe models, such as the ATR (Above the Rim) Pump, the Pump 2.0, and the Instapump Fury. Reebok also collaborated with various designers and retailers to create new designs and colourways for the Reebok Pump, such as the "Black/Citron/Red" colourway and the Keith Haring x Reebok Classic "Crack is Wack" collection.
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The shoe was made popular by NBA players like Dominique Wilkins and Dee Brown
The Reebok Pump was made popular by NBA players like Dominique Wilkins and Dee Brown. The shoe was launched in 1989 and was priced at $170, which was considered incredibly high for a sports shoe at the time. The Pump technology allowed players to customise the shape of the shoe to fit their foot perfectly.
Dominique Wilkins, also known as the Human Highlight Reel, wore the Reebok Pump in his 1990 Slam Dunk Contest win. He also featured in a campaign that made the shoe even more popular. In an advertisement, Wilkins said, "Micheal my man if you want to fly first class, pump up and air out". This quote became one of the slogans promoting the shoe, and by the end of 1990, the pump had made over $500 million in sales.
Dee Brown took the Reebok Pump to new heights when he inflated his shoes in front of a national audience before scoring a title-winning dunk during the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Brown's use of the shoe in the contest was not planned by Reebok. He stated that he wanted to make sure the judges could see him pumping his shoes. Brown's use of the Reebok Pump in the contest made it a "cultural phenomenon", and the shoe became a dominant player in the shoe game.
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Reebok Pumps were controversial due to their high price of $170
Reebok Pumps were launched in November 1989 and were an instant success. The shoe was endorsed by NBA player Dominique Wilkins, who famously said to Michael Jordan, "Michael, my man, if you want to fly first class, pump up and air out". This quote became one of the slogans promoting the shoe, and the shoe's popularity soared.
However, the Reebok Pumps were also controversial due to their high price of $170. This was an incredibly high price for a sports shoe at the time, and it sparked a moral panic in the nation's newspapers. The high price of the shoes led to them becoming a status symbol, with people willing to pay a premium and cut spending in other areas to own a pair.
The manufacturing process of the Reebok Pumps contributed to their high price. The shoes were made in Korea, but the air bladders were manufactured by a medical supplies company in Massachusetts. This two-step process involved shipping the bladders to Korea to be sewn into the shoes and then testing them again to ensure they hadn't been punctured during sewing, adding to the overall cost.
The high price of the Reebok Pumps also had unintended consequences. There were reports of teenagers resorting to selling drugs to be able to afford the shoes, and the shoes' popularity led to a market for knock-offs. Despite the controversy over their price, the Reebok Pumps were a commercial success, with sales of nearly $1 billion in less than a year.
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The shoe's design was inspired by ski boots
The Reebok Pump, introduced in 1989, is an iconic symbol of performance, technology, and style in the world of sneakers. Its concept was developed by Reebok visionaries Paul Litchfield and Steven Smith, who sought to create a sneaker that offered a customisable fit. Their inspiration came from ski boots, which featured inflatable air splints that provided a customisable fit.
The Reebok Pump featured a unique inflatable chamber built into the shoe's tongue, allowing wearers to adjust the level of support and customise the fit to their liking. This innovation offered superior comfort and stability, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing overall performance. The pump's ability to deliver a personalised fit resonated strongly with athletes across various sports, including basketball.
The development of the Reebok Pump began when Reebok owner Paul Fireman tasked Litchfield and his team with creating something fresh for the basketball market. Reebok had recently acquired the tennis and ski brand Ellesse, which had developed an inflatable tongue for a ski boot. Building on this concept, Litchfield and his Advanced Concepts team explored the use of inflatable systems to improve ankle stability without compromising performance.
The Reebok Pump's distinctive design and air-inflation technology made it an instant hit among sneaker enthusiasts and basketball players alike. Its popularity was further elevated by NBA stars like Dee Brown, who famously pumped up his Reebok sneakers before winning the Slam Dunk Contest. The Pump became a cultural phenomenon, symbolising the spirit of the 1990s and extending its influence beyond the sports realm into popular culture and fashion.
Over the years, the Reebok Pump has evolved, with various iterations and collaborations keeping the technology relevant. While its performance attributes have taken a back seat, the Pump remains a fashion accessory, with Reebok continuing to release new designs and collaborations that celebrate its iconic status in sneaker culture.
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Frequently asked questions
The Reebok Pump was created by Reebok employees Paul Litchfield and Steven Smith.
The Reebok Pump was inspired by ski boots' ability to provide a customisable fit.
The Reebok Pumps were unveiled at a trade show in March 1989 and introduced to the public in September 1989.
The Reebok Pumps were priced at \$170, which was considered controversial at the time.
The Reebok Pumps were famously worn by Dee Brown during the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest.
