How the Reebok Pump Shaped Sneaker History

In meditation, the practice of deep breathing is essential to relieving pressure and practicing stillness. Conversely, Reebok accomplished just the opposite in 1989 with the launch of their Pump technology.

Disrupting the market with their “Pump Up, Air Out” campaign, the flow based footwear put stress on the competition, focusing on fit and motion in a climate of conventional (though still revolutionary) cushioning. The result was a footwear phenomenon that stayed true to sport while penetrating pop culture. Edgy and interactive, the Pump played well with active athletes and style driven sneaker wearers alike, offering tangible performance benefits with immeasurable engagement.

You could claim that the proof was the in the pudding too, as Reebok athletes achieved ceremonius success in the Pump line. On the clay, Michael Chang took home the hardware in the Reebok Court Victory Pump II. On the hardwood, Dee Brown put the Pump even more on the map with his product placement proppelled Slam Dunk title in the Pump Omni Lite.

Over the years, the Pump has remained relevant by reinventing itself and also releasing in retro renditions. While ATR takes in basketball and Insta Pump Fury collaborations have kept the Pump active on the court and the street over the course of the last decade, the landmark innovation finds new terrain with the Reebok ZPump Fusion.

Catering to Crossfit and endorsed by UFC athletes, the ZPump Fusion finds the trademark technology taking to new athletes and appearing in new fashion. The sleek multi-purpose trainer takes well to workouts and casual wear thanks to its customizable, slimmed down, inside-out Pump bladder.

Still with strong ties to the hardwood, the Reebok Pump is giving you the chance to catch some live b-ball action by way of the ZPump Fusion. Reebok is giving away two tickets to this year’s college hoops semi-final, plus the four runner ups will receive a pair of the new Reebok ZPump Fusion. Click here to sign up for your chance!