Of the many specious arguments I made to my parents to get them to buy me stuff, one of my favorite chestnuts has to be the one I offered in an attempt to get them to cop me some Reebok Pumps, which are currently celebrating their 20th year of being hype. These sneakers were an instant sensation upon their release, even prompting this Saturday Night Live parody:
In my then-pubescent mind, I was convinced that the only thing standing between me and immediate spike in my vertical jump (and my subsequent college scholarship and pro contract for the Philadelphia 76ers) were a pair of shoes with small basketballs on the tongue that, when pumped, would ... do something important.
How I made the jump in logic that simply depressing the pump on said Reebok Pump kicks would automatically make me proficient in violent, Philly Quaker league record-shattering dunks, I do not know. But I do know that a whole new generation of young people are about to go on that very same journey.
These iconic sneakers, a favorite of NBA ballers and the kids who wanted to be just like them, are making a comeback. I've seen a few lucky sneaker geeks rocking them, and now I know why.
The Pumps have been revamped and rereleased in a super-limited fashion. Only 20 retailers carry Reebok Pumps 20.0, and each retailer has a customized model. (But check Packer Shoes in New Jersey, Bodega in Boston and Undefeated in L.A.)
Did you cop a pair? Let us know!
