A forthcoming documentary will explore Reebok’s heritage to Bolton & the North West which is set to premiere at Bolton Museum this summer in collaboration with Broaden films.
As far as the classic sportswear brands are concerned, Bolton is like the equivalent to Reebok what Herzogenaurach is to adidas, Oregon is to Nike or Kobe is to ASICS. The birthplace of the Union Jack logo brand, and as much as Boltonians might not feel the same passion for the creation of Greater Manchester as some of us, we can all agree that Bolton is a North West hub of sportswear innovation dating all the way back to 1895. From its classic “all leather” styles to initial public offerings on Wall Street back in the 1980s, as well as supplying the NBA with some of the most innovative basketball court trainers of the 1990s, Reebok’s roots are still firmly “stamped” across the North West town.
A new documentary film is set to highlight the globally recognised sportswear brand’s Bolton heritage, looking back to the original track & field spike shoe business of Joseph William Foster which catered for local running clubs. Before Reebok was officially founded by his grandson’s, Jeff & Joe Foster in the 1950s, Joseph William Foster designed racing pumps for the 1924 British Olympics team. The documentary, in collaboration with Broaden Films, will explore how the sportswear business evolved from humble beginnings operating out of a small factory in Bolton into one of the very first mass produced running shoe companies. The film is set to premiere at Bolton Museum in July 2025. Also don’t forget to subscribe to Sneaker Jobs & follow @sneaker_jobs to keep up to date with all the latest industry news.
It’s incredibly exciting for Bolton to be showcasing the rich history of Reebok, a brand that has its roots right here in our town. This project not only celebrates our industrial heritage but also highlights the innovative spirit that has always been part of Bolton’s identity.
Nadeem Ayub – Bolton Council
