Sneakers

The History of Allen Iverson's Reebok Signature Sneaker Line

In honor of his Hall of Fame selection, take a look back at the history of A.I.'s signature line.

Image via mingsing

It was always just a matter of time, but Allen Iverson has now been officially named to the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame class. While A.I. was never able to capture an NBA Championship he did win an MVP, four scoring titles, and 11 All-Star appearances.

To celebrate his Hall of Fame announcement, we're taking a look back at A.I.'s Reebok signature sneaker line. The series makes up the second longest-running basketball line in history, which started with the iconic Question in 1996 and ran consecutively until 2009's Answer 13. In recent years, we've even seen Reebok resurrect the line with the Question-inspired Q96 and an all-new Answer model.

Take a look at each of Iverson's signature Reebok shoes below.

It was always just a matter of time, but Allen Iverson has now been officially named to the 2016 Basketball Hall of Fame class. While A.I. was never able to capture an NBA Championship he did win an MVP, four scoring titles, and 11 All-Star appearances.

To celebrate his Hall of Fame announcement, we're taking a look back at A.I.'s Reebok signature sneaker line. The series makes up the second longest-running basketball line in history, which started with the iconic Question in 1996 and ran consecutively until 2009's Answer 13. In recent years, we've even seen Reebok resurrect the line with the Question-inspired Q96 and an all-new Answer model.

Take a look at each of Iverson's signature Reebok shoes below.

Reebok Question

Year: 1996

Generally thought of as Allen Iverson's most popular and recognizable signature shoe, the Question was introduced for his 96-97 Rookie of the Year campaign. After Iverson famously wore Air Jordan 11s at Georgetown, Scott Hewett created a Reebok model that featured a similar toe-cap overlay, ghillie lacing system and translucent outsole.

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Reebok Answer 1

Year: 1997

The first shoe in the Answer series was highlighted by its hidden lacing system, Series 2000 midsole and visible DMX cushioning setup.

Reebok Answer 2

Year: 1998

Equipped with DMX Lite for load distribution and 3D Ultralite cushioning.

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Reebok Answer 3

Year: 1999

Going even lighter, the Answer 3 featured a full leather upper, traditional lacing system and DMX Lite technology.

Reebok Answer 4

Year: 2000

Arguably the most popular and personalized Answer model, the 4 was famously worn by A.I. during his MVP and NBA Finals season in 2000-2001. The shrouded sneaker introduced DMX I-pak cushioning to the line and featured a 3D Ultralite compound.

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Reebok Answer 5

Year: 2001

At just 13.5 ounces, the Answer 5 featured a full leather upper and hook-and-loop heel strap. Retained tech included I-pak and 3D Ultralight.

Reebok Answer 6

The Answer 6 marked the return of the zipper shroud and the exit of DMX. Forefoot 'grenade' construction provided a low-to-the-ground feel and 'IVERSON' detailing on the forefoot gave the a nice signature touch.

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Reebok Answer 7

Year: 2003

DMX is back. The line’s famous cushioning system supported a dimpled full-grain leather upper, and spandex foam collar lining. Duracourt rubber on the outsole increased durability and abrasion resistance.

Reebok Answer 8

Year: 2004

Reebok celebrated A.I.'s eighth signature shoe with 8-shaped perforations throughout the shoe's leather upper.

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Reebok Question 2

Year: 2004

Much like Team USA's run in the Olympics (where A.I. wore the shoe), the sequel to the Question was a huge letdown.

Reebok Answer 9

Year: 2005

At 18.2 ounces, the Answer 9 looked like it more suited for then-Reebok star Yao Ming than Allen Iverson. The bulky sneaker was equipped with Reebok's on/off valve Pump 2.0 system for an inflatable, customized fit.

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Reebok Answer 10

Year: 2006

Few athletes celebrate the release of a 10th signature shoe. The Answer 10 brought back the Pump technology from the Answer 9 and the model-inspired perforations we saw on the Answer 8. An ankle strap closure added maximum lateral support and stability.

Reebok Answer 11

Year: 2007

With Iverson in Denver, the Answer line returned to a sleeker look with the launch of the 11. The theme of the shoe's design was to capture Iverson's mortal and immortal sides. Highlights included an asymmetrical collar and forefoot cross-strap.

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Reebok Question 3

Year: 2007

In short, a reworking the Answer 11, but with a Question-inspired Hexalite cushioning setup.

Reebok Answer 12

Year: 2008

The Answer 12 featured return to a sleek and streamlined look that initially drew Iverson fans to the line. With the unexpected nature of Iverson’s trade to Detroit, Reebok had to scramble at the last minute and alter the shoe’s tongue from the “I3″ logo to the “ai” icon, as well as alter the shoe’s toe cap so that it included his new number #1 instead of the #3 that was planned for production.

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Reebok Answer 13

Year: 2009

What ended up being the last Answer of A.I.'s playing days featured a vented upper with radian lines for flexibility and breathability. Hexride technology added forefoot cushioning.

Reebok Q96

Year: 2013

In the midst of a transition, Reebok reached into its vault and updated the original Question with modern performance technology. The shoe features a lock-down lacing system, DMX foam cushioning and a lightweight and breathable synthetic upper.

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Reebok Answer 14

Year: 2014

Following a 5 year hiatus, the Answer series returned in 2014. A bit of a throwback, the shoe featured a full-grain leather upper, perforated cut-outs and a DMX Foam cushioning setup.

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