Welcome back to another edition of my Sneaker Friday’s. I don’t think most of you look forward to reading as much as I look forward to writing but its ok. I enjoy going back down memory lane and revisiting some of the shoes I had or never got the chance to own.
This week takes us back to about 1989 when I was about 10 or so years of age. I think the first time I saw these shoes was on a commercial with Dominique Wilkins. The shoes are none other then the infamous Reebok Pumps.
Shoes that You Could Pump
I don’t know who thought of the idea to put a system into your shoe that would allow you to increase or decrease pressure but that the time that person was a genius.
Basically the shoe had basketball image on the tongue that if you pressed you could add air to your shoe causing it to give you a better fit. Also at the same time if you just pressed and held the basketball down it would release all the air.
What I like Mostly About the Pumps
Honestly I at that time it take much to impress me and having something I could actually do to some shoes excited me the most. Also at that stage in life I think I thought that things like pumps would give me an advantage.
I was playing sports and major basketball players endorsed these shoes. So of course I thought look how great these guys are and they wear these so let me go get them. Kids what can I see we use to think the weirdest things.
I also love the black/white color and when I did wear them it wasn’t so bad when some stepped on them.
How these Were Different then Others
The major difference from these shoes and most of the other sneaker’s I purchased was that I only used them for play basketball. The other shoes that I was buying at the time were strictly for fashion.
The Reebok Pumps got used and then used some more. I played basketball religiously in them and never worried about minor scratches or creases in them like with some of my other shoes.
I say truly say that I got my money’s worth when I purchased these.
The Sad Truth
The sad truth is that no matter how much I pumped those shoes I was no better then when I played before. That was a reality that I learned the hard way when I was playing a cousin of mine.
He was like shoes don’t make you play better you are still going to lose. He dared me to go get my Pumps and play him at a game of 21. Well I went got my Pumps, pumped them up and proceeded to get my ass handed to me on the basketball court.
Still A Classic
The pumps were a classic then and even now. The shoes have be re-release several times since their debut in 1989. There is even a release coming up in 2013 for the summer.
It’s amazing how many things I grew up watching and wearing are now coming back in style. I never so many other people thought this shoe to be a classic.
Have you ever purchased something that you thought would make you better, stronger, faster or smarter just because you wore it? If so what was it and why did you think it?
Photo Credit: Reebok Pump OG, Retro
Oh can you do a post on they need to make light up shoes in adult sizes! It’s not fair that toddlers get all the cool stuff. I don’t need the Dora figure, just the flashy lights
LOL! Mandy they already do they are called L.A. Gears. They were out when I was younger and they have brought them back. LA Gear Lights
Thanks for leaving a comment and stopping by.
I have fallen for this kind of thing numerous times before and I can honestly say I haven’ t gained much. The products often end up a sham in the end.
Miss T my mom used to say fool me once shame on you but twice well…. I know as a kid looks and who were wearing them made the difference. Not much for improving skills but hey we didn’t know better or did we?
You need to have a chat with my friend, Josh. He is probably a bigger sneaker nerd than you are
Hey Marissa, I have actually toned it down a lot. This are just memories, but i have friends who get sneakers before the stores get them. They wait on them like Apple products.
“The sad truth is that no matter how much I pumped those shoes I was no better then when I played before.”
That’s a tough reality, that one.
Yes it was Joe but it was the truth. My mom told me not to waste my money but hey I cut a lot of grass to get those shoes. Thanks for the comment.
Ah the power of marketing! AXE commercials are doing an excellent job as well!
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! Yes I really think it was all marketing plus being 10-12 years old didn’t help either.
Oh my gosh I used to have Reebok pumps!! I was SO excited when I got them and I had to beg and do all sorts of chores before I could get them. Total nostalgia.
Well at least you got them from begging Sydney! My mom said if I wanted to spend that much on shoes I had to get them on my own!