Reebok Pump
91/100
Our Score
General Impression
Nothing quite says “hello from the 90’s” like Reebok Pumps!
With a sleek silhouette and flashy colourways, this iconic model is sure to upgrade your look. Hugely favoured by the young (and the young at heart), these unique kicks are well-suited for everyday wear.
For those of you wanting to get your hands on a pair, this Reebok Pump review will tell you everything you need to know, from how comfortable they are to how they fit.
Reebok Pump Pros and Cons
Pros
- Retro 90’s design
- Minimal break-in period required
- Unisex design
- Snug fit & Flexible
- Durable materials
Cons
- Expensive
- Traditional lacing leads to a better fit
- Instapump Fury can be hard to put on without shoehorning
Reebok Pump Style
With their eye-catching design, the Reebok Pumps have become a posterchild of 90’s footwear.
First bursting onto the scene way back in 1989, the modern iterations of this model have kept their unique retro style, while still finding a place in the contemporary market.
Although originally a favourite on the basketball court, this classic design has stood the test of time and is now regularly donned out on the street. Funky colours and bulky sneakers are in once again.
Reebok Pump Fit
Reebok sneakers run true to size for most people.
If you are in-between sizes, you should size up to the nearest full size.
At the time of their creation, Reebok Pumps used trailblazing innovation to deliver a custom fit.
They were the first-ever shoe to utilise an internal inflation system to deliver a personalised wearing experience.
The pump technology featured inflatable chambers which could be inflated or deflated to give the wearer a snug fit.
This helped to enhance support and stability on the court, preventing heel slippage.
Because of the pump technology, these sneakers are comfortable to wear right out of the box and require no breaking-in period.
Reebok Pump Upper
Reebok has long been a prominent player in the sports footwear industry.
As such, all materials used in the construction of their shoes are high-quality and stand the test of time.
Depending on the model of Reebok Pump that you buy, the upper could be made up of leather, synthetics, textiles or suede.
Older models of the Reebok Pumps have a lacing system, however, some of the most modern iterations of this model such as the Instapump Fury have no laces.
These shoes work using an exposed pump bladder system, usually on the tongue or the strap on the midfoot (depending on the model).
In the instance of the Instapump Fury, the upper is available in textile and leather.
The latter, also used by the Pump Omni Zone II, offers a degree of water resistance, however, this varies across different Reebok Pump models.
Reebok Pump Outsole
The aggressive rubber outsole of these sneakers delivers a lot of grip and traction, meaning that the wearer can move across varied terrains with ease.
Many models of the Reebok Pump come with the Hexalite hexagonal cushioning which is famous for its added comfort and bounce.
Reebok Pump Midsole
Reebok Pumps feature a lightweight EVA midsole that provides a good level of cushioning.
These midsoles also absorb shock from your footfalls, allowing you a comfortable wearing experience.
This EVA midsole, combined with the proprietary pump technology, works cleverly in tandem, to provide a truly comfortable fit.
These sneakers have been designed to limit the capacity of the air chambers in certain parts of the shoe. This means that flexibility is maintained where it is important and the foot still has freedom of movement.
The flexibility and custom fit that the pump system provides means that feet stay stable, even if the shoes are being donned on the basketball court.
Reebok Pumps Price
Back in 1989, the Reebok Pumps were expensive.
Clocking in at around $170USD a pair, they were by far the most expensive sneakers on the market at the time.
Even today, the shoes remain costly and many will be priced out of owning a pair.
Reebok Pumps FAQs
What does the pump on Reebok Pumps do?
The cutting-edge pump technology works with inflatable chambers which can be pumped up or deflated. This feature allows the wearer to get a personalised fit. It also helps to provide support and stability.
What NBA player wore Reebok Pumps?
Notable NBA players such as Dominique Wilkins and Dennis Rodman have both been seen sporting Reebok Pumps in the past.
However, the most famous endorsement of these sneakers by an NBA player was done by Dee Brown. He inflated his Pumps in front of the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk contest audience, before scoring a title-winning dunk.
Final Thoughts on Reebok Pumps
Reebok’s pump technology is one of the most important footwear innovations to have ever entered the market.
The custom fit provided by this tech, combined with the unique and eye-catching design of these shoes has long cemented Reebok Pumps’ place within the fashion and basketball scenes.
These shoes can be easily styled up or down and still provide unparalleled cushioning and comfort today, over 30 years after their release. This is one classic not going anywhere.