Reebok is a British athletic footwear and apparel company founded in Bolton, England, in 1958 by Joseph William Foster. Originally known as J.W. Foster and Sons, the company initially produced running shoes with spikes. In 1960, the company developed the first running shoes without spikes, which were more comfortable and provided better traction on surfaces such as grass and dirt.

In 1979, the company introduced its "Reebok" brand name, which was inspired by the African gazelle known for its speed and agility. The new name was intended to appeal to the growing market of fitness enthusiasts and the popularity of aerobics in the United States. Reebok became popular with its introduction of the Freestyle athletic shoe for women in 1982, which was designed for aerobic exercise and had a high-top style with Velcro straps.

Throughout the 1980s, Reebok continued to innovate and expand its product line, introducing the first athletic shoe designed specifically for women, the Princess, and partnering with NBA star Dee Brown to create the popular Pump line of basketball shoes. Reebok also became the official footwear and apparel sponsor of the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

In the 1990s, Reebok faced increased competition from rivals such as Nike and Adidas, and struggled to maintain its market share. In response, the company shifted its focus to lifestyle and fashion products, collaborating with high-profile designers and celebrities such as Jay-Z and Gigi Hadid to create limited edition collections.

In 2005, Reebok was acquired by Adidas in a $3.8 billion deal, which helped the company regain momentum in the athletic footwear and apparel market. Today, Reebok continues to produce a wide range of athletic footwear and apparel for men, women, and children, and has expanded into other areas such as fitness equipment and workout programs.

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