Reebok Unearthed an Minimalist '80s Basketball Sneaker Gem
Reebok does nostalgia with unmitigated ease, a certified throwback pro in a footwear era in which throwback moments reign supreme, and Y2K nods are just about everywhere.
The Reebok BB 4000 II sneaker is one such indicator of nostalgia's star power and the longevity of a classic silhouette.
Reebok's minimalist low-top basketball shoe is sleek in build, a slight deviation from the brand's other best-selling silhouettes, like its classic Club C shoe, while the BB 4000 II's fun new color ways, slightly aged in appearance, are an '80s-leaning iteration of the shoe's old-school monochrome iterations.
The BB 4000 II is now a lived-in shoe that pulls from the distressed, pre-worn aesthetics that have been catapulted into mainstream relevance.
Think Golden Goose's Dad-Star or New Balance's "Protection Pack" 2002. The BB 4000 II is not as decomposed as either one of these examples, but an undeniable affection for the trending sneaker style is apparent.
This shoe's worn-in leather and foam panels are more dimensional than the OG BB 4000 II, playing to the strengths of Reebok's fondness for a rugged build that is still considerably trim. This plays off another shoe trend we've seen from shoemakers: post-chunky shoe mania.
With ebbs and flows in popularity and relevance, Reebok has largely stayed the stylistic course, though now, with energizing partnerships and a refreshed perspective.
Take any number of the brand's buzzy collaborations, for example: Even while Reebok drops NASA-inspired sneakers and collaborations with luxury labels like Botter, it's still referencing its own timeless silhouettes.
This is the Reebok masterclass in playing the long game: always stay true to yourself.
