The Reebok Classic Leather has been a life-long icon for the Boston-based brand. A classic, as hinted by the name, the ’83 silhouette has been celebrated as a stylish icon for both men and women. With a history deeply rooted in sportswear and its origin as a performance runner, the Classic Leather was ahead of its time. Now, the silhouette is being overhauled in the form of the Reebok Classic Leather Legacy.
To understand the present, it’s important to contemplate the past. How did the 1983 silhouette become a standout silhouette in the ’90s and remain in production nearly 40 years later? What fueled the Classic Leather into becoming one of Reebok’s most recognized and beloved models?
Well it’s without question that the Classic Leather initially found popularity within the fitness community. The ’80s period featured a boom in fitness, with many regular peoples attending the gym. Figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger promoted muscular physiques that were found to be attractive and then eventually coveted by the masses.
Alongside this trend, an increase of “new money” among young people resulted in spending increases. Frankly, young people were making so much excess money that they didn’t know what to do with it. Put two and two together and the combination saw the demand of apparel and footwear rise like never before. Seeing this uptick in those devoted to sport and fitness, as well as those that had a new abundance of disposable income, Reebok struck and made their “Classic” mark.
Reebok’s “Classic” line was produced to be one-stop-shop for footwear goers. These sneakers were made to workout, to play sports, and to perform a variety of leisure activities. While other brands were primarily focused on the male market, Reebok ensured unisex accessibility that gave both men and women the ability to enjoy new, innovative performance products. One of these products was the Classic Leather.
The trainer’s introduction in 1983 was indeed revolutionary, marking Reebok’s entrance into the casual lifestyle marketplace. Initially marketed as a performance runner, the all-white style became a hit both on the track and the streets. It was perfect for a multitude of activities, gathering people of different races and interests to Reebok, in essence a real-life movement embodying the Classic Leather’s slogan: “You’ve Arrived.” The original marketing scheme promoted the fact that it was luxurious, rich, and soft: a league above any other sneaker.
From there, the Classic Leather became an icon in the realm of hip-hop and basketball culture. All-white Classic Leathers were the predominant shoe, easily among the upper echelon of sneakers. Everyone, from celebrities to teenagers to avid fitness connoisseurs wore the silhouette. Along with the Club C, the silhouette has stood the test of time as a true classic.
Today, innovations to the Classic Leather have been made. Perhaps the most significant in 2021, the Classic Leather Legacy has been its latest transformation, retooled for modern tastes while retaining its historical features. New additions include a heightened EVA foam mid sole and upper appearance.
In its latest iteration, the Classic Leather Legacy has arrived with GORE-TEX accents and a jet-black makeup. Along the upper, black leathers and mesh combine to capture the ’80s running look, while “Pure Grey” accents found themselves on the Reebok branding. Look for this sneaker to be prepared for any weather elements, ready for anything from snow to rain.
The Reebok Classic Leather Legacy GORE-TEX “Core Black/Core Black/Pure Grey” is currently available for purchase through select retailers like Allike. Enjoy official photos below and be sure to keep it locked to Cult Edge for all of your sneaker information.
In other sneaker news, have you gotten a chance to checkout Reebok’s latest DMX Trail Shadow?
