Angel Reese's Reebok Sneaker Launch: The Angel Reese 1 – Bold, Bold, and Boldly Sold Out

By Jocelyn Alano October 05, 2025 21:20

Angel Reese, the Chicago Sky forward and WNBA Rookie of the Year, isn't just dominating the court—she's lacing up her own legacy. On September 18, 2025, Reebok dropped the Angel Reese 1, her first signature sneaker, a fusion of on-court performance and off-court swagger that sold out online in minutes. At $150 a pair, the shoe celebrates Reese's unapologetic style and Chicago roots, marking a milestone for women's basketball endorsements. As Reese averages 14.2 points and 9.8 rebounds in the 2025 season, this launch cements her as a brand builder, embodying Fan Arch’s mission: empowering athletes to own their narratives from the hardwood to the high-tops.

The Deal That Sealed It: Reese x Reebok Partnership

Reese's Reebok journey began in May 2024 with a multi-year, eight-figure deal—the largest ever for a female rookie in sneaker history. "This partnership is about more than just shoes; it's about creating a movement," Reese said at the signing, emphasizing her role in designing the line. Reebok, revived under Shaquille O'Neal's oversight since 2018, saw Reese as the perfect ambassador: a 6'3" rebounding machine with 1.4 million Instagram followers and a flair for fashion. The Angel Reese 1 is the first fruit of that pact, blending basketball tech with Reese's bold aesthetic—think vibrant hues and motivational messaging like "Bayou Barbie" nods to her LSU days.

Launch Day Breakdown: Design, Colorways, and Instant Hype

The Angel Reese 1 launched globally on September 18 via Reebok.com, Foot Locker, and select retailers, priced at $150. Inspired by Reese's "dynamic energy," the shoe features a mid-top silhouette with responsive foam cushioning for explosive jumps, a herringbone outsole for grip, and a breathable mesh upper for all-day wear. "It's built for the court but styled for the streets," Reese told ESPN at the NYC launch event, where she debuted a custom pair with Sky jersey accents.

Three initial colorways dropped, each tied to Reese's journey:

Paradise Pink / Paradise Pink / Paradise Pink: A vibrant all-pink vibe celebrating her LSU roots and "Bayou Barbie" persona. The knee-high sock liner adds a feminine edge, perfect for Reese's post-game fits.
White / Black / Energy Red: Clean and classic, with red accents evoking Chicago's skyline. This one's for the purists, blending performance with understated cool.
Charm City (October Drop): A Baltimore-inspired gray and gold scheme honoring Reese's hometown, set for October 10. "Baltimore raised me tough," Reese shared, nodding to her AAU days.

The drop was a frenzy: Online stock vanished in under 10 minutes, with resale prices hitting $300 on StockX by evening. Reese hyped it on Instagram Live ("These are for the girls who hoop and hustle"), drawing 500K viewers.

The Flip Side: Hype vs. Reality – A $15M Lesson?

Not all launch tales end in triumph. Reports surfaced days before release that Reebok absorbed a $15 million loss after producing only 250 pairs of a limited edition, citing overproduction risks in women's sneakers. "It's a bold bet on Reese's star power," an industry insider told Footwear News, but the quick sell-out proved doubters wrong. Reese addressed the buzz on her podcast: "Haters gonna hate, but we're just getting started. This is for every girl who dreamed big." The incident underscores the high stakes in women's endorsements, where Fan Arch sees opportunity for athletes to flip narratives into fuel.

Why It Matters: Reese's Launch as a Game-Changer

The Angel Reese 1 isn't just footwear—it's a statement. As women's basketball surges (WNBA viewership up 170% since 2023), Reese's deal rivals Nike's with Sabrina Ionescu, signaling brands betting on Black women leaders. "Angel represents the next wave," Reebok's Shaq said at the event. Her input—from the cushioned heel for rebounding to motivational insoles—ensures authenticity. Off-court, proceeds from a "Reese's Pieces" charity colorway support youth hoops in Chicago and Baltimore.

For Fan Arch, Reese's launch is empowerment incarnate: A 23-year-old phenom turning trash-talk into trademarks, rebounds into revenue. With more drops planned (including a low-top in 2026), the Angel Reese 1 is just the beginning. Lace up— the Bayou Barbie is redefining the game, one step at a time.