Reebok Engine A Review: My Honest Experience with Reebok’s Basketball Comeback

It’s not every day that a brand makes a strong return to a category it left behind for over a decade. But that’s exactly what Reebok has done with the Engine A — their first serious basketball shoe in years. I wasn’t expecting much when I first heard about it, but after trying it on and testing it out, I was genuinely impressed. This is my full Reebok Engine A review based on real experience, not just hype.

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First Impressions: A Surprising Comeback

When I first laced up the Reebok Engine A, the immediate feeling was, “Whoa, this actually feels legit.” This wasn’t a lazy attempt to tap back into the basketball market — the design, feel, and performance screamed effort and intention. It didn’t come in a regular box, but rather a massive media kit, which added a bit of excitement to the unboxing experience. The shoe instantly gave me the impression that Reebok was serious about performance again.

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Traction and Outsole: Built for Real Play

One of the first things I noticed was the outsole. It’s thick, rugged, and feels incredibly durable — a rare trait in modern hoop shoes. Whether you’re playing on clean hardwood or rough outdoor courts, I could tell this outsole would hold up. The rubber itself is shallow in pattern but dense in quality. It gave me that old-school durability vibe, which is something I’ve missed in newer models from other brands.

“Read Also: kobe mid top basketball shoes“

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Cushioning: Reebok’s ERS is Back (and Better?)

What really sets this shoe apart is the return of Reebok’s ERS — Energy Return System. While it visually mimics the original tube-based tech from 1987, the new iteration uses nitrogen-infused foam pads. And let me tell you — they feel incredible. There’s a distinct bounce underfoot, especially in the forefoot area, that makes every step feel responsive and springy. It reminded me of the first time I stepped into a shoe with Nitro foam from brands like New Balance or Puma.

Unlike the original ERS tubes, these are purely visual replicas, but the foam pads themselves are thick and functional. You can even see the forefoot pad through the strobel board, which means it’s sitting directly beneath your foot — no gimmicks here. That kind of attention to detail made me believe Reebok is really trying to get it right this time.

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Insole and Foam Setup

The insole itself isn’t anything special — it’s flat, firm, and dense. It’s not uncomfortable by any means, but it doesn’t offer any extra support or contouring. The surrounding midsole is lightweight EVA, which isn’t groundbreaking, but works well with the nitrogen-infused pads. There’s also a TPU stability piece in the heel that adds some structure, especially during lateral movements.

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Upper Construction: Functional, But Lacking Flair

If there’s one area where the Reebok Engine A falls a little short, it’s in the upper materials. As someone who remembers Reebok’s glory days — when they used premium leathers and materials — I found this part of the shoe a bit underwhelming. The upper is mainly textile and thick synthetic overlays. It feels durable and performs well on the court, but doesn’t offer that nostalgic quality feel I was hoping for.

That said, the upper does its job. It’s lightweight, strong, and doesn’t cause any pressure points. The fit is solid too — I went true to size, and I’d recommend others do the same.

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Design Elements: Small Details That Matter

One of my favorite touches is the tongue. It features padded pods designed to relieve lace pressure, and they mimic the ERS look, which is a fun callback to Reebok’s heritage. Flip the tongue over and you’ll find “Energy Return” printed on it, again nodding to their roots.

Another cool element is the visible ERS branding on the heel. It doesn’t serve a performance function, but it looks great and adds to the shoe’s nostalgic appeal.

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Aesthetics: Not the Best Colorway

Let’s talk colorways — because honestly, this one just doesn’t do it for me. It’s not hideous, but I wouldn’t call it striking either. And in my experience, color can make or break a silhouette. Hopefully, future drops include better color options that truly highlight the shoe’s design.

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Final Verdict: A Promising Start for Reebok Basketball

To wrap up my Reebok Engine A review: I’m honestly excited about this shoe. It’s not perfect, but it’s a bold and impressive step forward for Reebok’s return to performance basketball. The cushioning is top-tier, the outsole is ready for battle, and the overall build shows that the brand still has some fire left.

If you’re a longtime Reebok fan like me — or just someone looking for a well-cushioned, solid performer on the court — I’d definitely recommend giving these a try. Just putting them on twice was enough to convince me that these are not a fluke. I’m genuinely looking forward to hooping in them soon.

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Pros and Cons: Reebok Engine A Review

What I Loved:

• Cushioning is elite – the nitrogen-infused ERS pads are no joke.
• Outsole is super durable – ready for indoor and outdoor use.
• True-to-size fit – no surprises, just comfort and support.
• Great energy return – especially noticeable in the forefoot.
• Nostalgic details – the ERS elements and tongue pods hit the right notes.

What Could Be Better:

• Upper materials – solid, but not premium or exciting.
• Colorway – not the most eye-catching; hoping for better designs in future drops.
• Insole support – flat and basic; could use more contour or cushioning.

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Final Thoughts

This Reebok Engine A review comes from a real place — a blend of nostalgia, curiosity, and surprise. I didn’t expect much, but I’m walking away impressed. If Reebok keeps pushing in this direction, we might just see a full-blown comeback in the basketball world. Have you tried the Reebok Engine A yet? Drop your thoughts in the comments — I’d love to hear how they felt on your feet.