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REEBOK PHASE II OG
The ‘Reebok Reserve’ hasn’t been around long but it’s wasted no time showcasing how deep Reebok’s archive is – and they’re about to uncork another fine vintage duo in the form of the REEBOK PHASE II OG Light Blue / steel and Navy / Steel colourways.
Reebok’s Phase II originally dropped in ’86 as a mid-range running shoe aimed at stability and comfort for those working on increasing speed and distance, featuring a bunch of Reebok’s finest signature bits such as lightweight suede and mesh, moulded heel cup and multi-density midsole. Slotting in below the PB and Paris in the range, the Phase II’s great build, looks and reasonable price saw it win a heap of fans and quickly cross over into casual territory.
Fast forward 27 years and the Phase II is still doing the business, and Reebok Reserve have dished up a dose of original flavour here. The Reserve line has been doing great things of late, spinning out some killer collabs on classic runners with the likes of Mita, Solebox, Burn Rubber and BAU, but they’ve gone it alone for this drop, releasing the Phase II in two original ’86 colourways.
The navy/steel pair pretty much encapsulates all that defined Reebok’s 80’s greatness, with a signature dark upper with contrasting hits, whilst the light blue/steel pair keeps it summery and tonal in superb sky-blue suede and mesh – reminiscent of the recent Footpatrol ‘Macarons’ but done two decades earlier!
Both pairs come correct in the shape and build departments, looking and feeling great on foot. The nylon brand stripes are a true retro highlight, and come teamed with a quality suede and dual mesh upper, carbon outsole and those timeless woven labels – if only all retros were made this way!
We’ve got a lot of love for Reebok’s back catalogue and the Reserve have once again done it right – this is classic footwear at a decent pricepoint, and whilst this duo lacks the hype and drama of some other drops it’s all the better for it.
Both the REEBOK PHASE II OG Blue / Steel and Phase II Navy / steel colourways have started to drop and can be found via the link-through below.
By @slangwerks
