reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item | Our verdict

The Reebok Classics Men x Looney Tunes Nano X1 Black a standout retro model that honours Allen Iverson. For us, this shoe is a no-brainer, especially since we are suckers for classic leather silhouettes that are immensely durable and supportive. Even though this Reebok shoe falls short of proper cushioning and other features of a high-performance hoop shoe, it still performs decent on the court. But if you consider it for your casual sneaker collection, we think that the Answer IV is a fantastic offering with a rich background.

reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item Pros

  • Iconic '90s silhouette
  • Stunning leather quality
  • Exceptional stability and support
  • Phenomenal lockdown (laces, zip, velcro)
  • Lighter than other Reebok classics
  • Great forefoot traction
  • Reebok SUPREME STRAP Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers CN7190

reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item Cons

  • Reebok Court Peak GW7558
  • Unsatisfactory cushioning
  • Tapered toebox

Audience verdict

88
Great!

Who should buy

Reebok Classics Lenkkarit Club C Revenge:

  • you're a massive Iverson fan
  • you're looking for an authentic high-quality '90s silhouette that actually looks good
  • you want a basketball shoe that makes a statement (performance is secondary)

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust review

reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item | Who should NOT buy

If you are here to find an actual performance hoop shoe, this retro Reebok model is not it. Our current top recommendations are the Nike LeBron 20 and the Reebok Reebok Flexagon Energy Chaussures Enfant.

Another major turnoff of the Reebok Classics Men x Looney Tunes Nano X1 Black its unbearably hot upper. If you need some ventilation inside your basketball shoes, we suggest the reebok classic club c 85 mule chalk white black girl x reebok pump fury.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

Now let's take a look at how much cushioning this Iverson shoe has packed for us.

Using a calliper, we measured the shoe's heel stack at 32.2 mm. This is a couple of millimetres thicker than the average; most likely because of that thicker layer of rubber under the heel.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Heel stack
Test results
Answer IV 32.2 mm
Average 29.1 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
23.2 mm
Heel stack
38.4 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, the shoe's stack height becomes thinner, allowing us to get a better court feel.

Calzoncillos Reebok Davis.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Forefoot stack
Test results
Answer IV 19.1 mm
Average 21.6 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
15.5 mm
Forefoot stack
26.8 mm

Drop

The difference in stack heights that we got was 13.1 mm. This is a bit too steep for a performance-oriented hoop shoe these days.

Having this much elevation under the heel detracts from the player's ability to be in touch with the court and adjust the footwork quickly.

But after all, the brand is not promoting the Answer IV as a performance shoe. For a casual sneaker, the added heel cushioning is more beneficial as you need that for walking comfortably.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Drop
Test results
Answer IV 13.1 mm
Average 7.5 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
3.9 mm
Drop
13.7 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Gone are the days of the DMX air-transferring pod technology. The modern-day Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust features its successor, the DMX foam. It is a dual-density setup that uses softer foam for primary cushioning and a firmer component under the heel for better impact protection.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Midsole softness

Using our durometer, we checked how soft the main foam actually is. With a reading of 22.6 HA, it is in fact 18% plusher than hoop shoes on average.

But unfortunately, it doesn't make the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust feel so comfortable. The shoe, as a whole, doesn't really have any give to it and feels really firm.

If you're missing the original DMX air transferring system and want to catch a glimpse of it, the closest shoe we've got to that is the Gymball Reebok Stability 65 cm cinzento. It has small air pockets in the forefoot and in the heel.

Test results
Answer IV 22.6 HA
Average 25.1 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
11.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
38.6 HA

Reebok Answer 4 OG White Red

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Located in the centre of the heel, this cushioning component is much denser than the primary foam. At 32.0 HA, it is actually 17% firmer.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Reebok Answer 4 OG White Red

reebok reebok vector smash shoes.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust allen iverson face graphic

Fun fact: It features Allen Iverson's face graphic.

Test results
Answer IV 32.0 HA
Average 27.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Insole thickness

From our experience, the shoe's default insole doesn't do much to make underfoot experience softer. But it's not bad either.

Reebok Court Victory Grizzly.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Insole thickness
Test results
Answer IV 4.4 mm
Average 4.8 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
0.0 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Size and fit

Size

Reebok Classics Men x Looney Tunes Nano X1 Black slightly small (20 votes).

Reebok Damkläder Tröjor?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 71 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Reebok Black Lite Plus 3 Trainers

One of the shoe's pleasant surprises was of course its true-to-size fit. But having medium-width feet, we can only speak for ourselves.

Measuring the widest part of the shoe's toebox, we found that it is as much as 7 mm wider than average! Woow! That would've been some real good news for wide-footers, if it wasn't for the the shoe's tapered shape.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
Answer IV 108.2 mm
Average 101.6 mm
Compared to 65 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
92.6 mm
Reebok Black Lite Plus 3 Trainers
109.2 mm

Reebok x Victoria Beckham embroidered logo track pants

Please be informed that the shoe's toebox gets significantly narrower around the toes. Measuring its width at the big-toe mark, we got 72.3 mm which is 4.5 mm narrower than average! That's half a centimetre less space to wiggle your toes.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item
Test results
Answer IV 72.3 mm
Average 76.9 mm
Compared to 59 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
71.2 mm
Reebok x Victoria Beckham embroidered logo track pants
85.1 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

If there is one area where it's nearly impossible to criticise the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust, that would be stability.

The shoe's stiff leather upper, firm and rigid sole, TPU shank, and other supportive features make it feel like you've got bowling alley walls around your feet!

Also, those sturdy rubberized overlays on the sides (with AI's logos) are not just there for looks either, you know.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust quality

Torsional rigidity

reebok x victoria beckham vb rapide sneakers item.

This component significantly elevates the shoe's torsional rigidity. So much so, that we gave it a maximum score of 5 out of 5.

Spodnie reebok combat prime.

Test results
Answer IV 5
Average 4.4
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The shoe also comes with a good amount of rigidity in the heel counter. On a scale from 1 to 5, where 5 is the stiffest, we gave it the average 3.

Worry not, it doesn't make the heel hold any worse but it does give a little more breathing room for the ankle.

Test results
Answer IV 3
Average 3.7
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Удлиненные футболки reebok

The landing area of the Answer IV is pretty broad, especially in the forefoot. Measuring the widest part with a calliper, we got 117 mm which is a good 4 mm wider than average.

This definitely made us feel surefooted moving laterally.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
Answer IV 117.0 mm
Average 114.9 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
106.2 mm
Удлиненные футболки reebok
124.5 mm

reebok zig kinetica 2 edge gore tex release info

Back in the heel, the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust doesn't exceed the average width but is still amply wide for a hoop shoe (more so, for a casual sneaker).

Our calliper showed 89.7 mm in the widest part of the shoe's midsole in the heel.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Midsole width in the heel
Test results
Answer IV 89.7 mm
Average 90.1 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
80.0 mm
reebok zig kinetica 2 edge gore tex release info
105.1 mm

Lockdown

The Answer IV’s mid-top silhouette features not one, not two, but THREE lockdown components! We haven't seen this many all at once, on one hoop shoe.

First, there is a traditional lacing system. Secondly, it is hidden inside a zip-covered tongue. And finally, it is all topped with a Velcro strap.

Yes, it feels just as secure as it looks.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust closure

Reebok Classic Leather Vintage "Rose"

Freedom of movement is definitely not listed in this Reebok shoe's constitution.

Stiff in both the upper and the sole, the Answer IV did not give in to our flexibility lab test. Using a gauge, we measured how much force it takes to bend the shoe to a 90-degree angle. Just like we expected, it required a great deal more than average!

zapatillas de fitness Reebok talla 29 rosas.

But it's necessarily a bad thing. Some people actually prefer stiffer shoes for the pop that they provide. Walking or dribbling in the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust, we indeed found it a bit springy.

But if your playing style really favours the ability to bend your feet freely, we highly recommend the following shoes:

Test results
Answer IV 55.6N
Average 38.8N
Reebok floatride energy symmetros.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
17.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
62.2N

Weight

Having reviewed beasts like the Reebok Blast (17.5 oz/495g) and the Buty Reebok Cena od 100 do 199 (16.9 oz/479g), we were prepared to see a big number for the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust too.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust weight

But it wasn't so bad!

Our scale showed 15.1 oz (427g) in a men's US size 9. This is only an ounce heavier than average! Kudos, Reebok! Perhaps that little trick with dual-density rubbers worked?

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Weight
Test results
Answer IV 15.06 oz (427g)
Average 13.79 oz (391g)
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
11.29 oz (320g)
Weight
17.46 oz (495g)

Breathability

We had some questions regarding the Answer IV's breathability. But alas, no answers.

As our smoke-pumping machine test shows, this Reebok shoe is stuffy as hell! Its sturdy leather upper retained 98% of the smoke inside the shoe, allowing just a tiny streak to come out through the zip.

This shoe's ventilation is incredibly poor leading us to rate it with the lowest score of 1 out of 5.

To back it up, we even hovered half of the shoe over a bright light in search of any hidden ventilation pores. But to no avail. It's still a hot shoe.

Леггенсы женские reebok classics cotton leggings.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust microscope

Test results
Answer IV 1
Average 2.6
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

Oh-oh, here she comes!

And we are not talking about our shoe-eating Dremel tool this time around. This Reebok shoe's leather is the only monster in this room.

After 12 seconds of drilling the Answer IV's toebox at a 5K RPM speed, its wear resistance left us absolutely stunned! The minor scratch that occurred on the material was not enough to lower the shoe's durability score one bit. Thus, it deserves the perfect 5 out of 5 for toebox durability.

Let's add some comparisons to the equation. Here is what the exact same Dremel test did to a mesh-covered Adidas shoe.

Reebok Answer V 5 Black Dark Green Bethel Allen Iverson Me. Reebok Nanoflex Trainers Womens toebox durability test
Reebok Answer V 5 Black Dark Green Bethel Allen Iverson Me. Reebok Nanoflex Trainers Womens

At least the shoe on the right gets to be more breathable.

Test results
Answer IV 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 64 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1
Toebox durability
5

Swizz Beatz dévoile la Disruptive Kind x Reebok DMX Run

If you're someone who owned a pair of old '90s hoop shoes, you would probably know how after a year or even a few months, its collar lining would start peeling and flaking. The foamy padding becomes exposed and even though the rest of the upper looks unscathed, the overall look of the shoe suffers.

Well, that's exactly what we observe in the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust. The ease at which our Dremel damaged the heel collar lining confirms it.

We had to give this part of the shoe a lower durability score of 3 out of 5. Not terrible but a little disappointing for a £170 leather shoe.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust heel padding durability

Test results
Answer IV 3
Average 3.6
Compared to 61 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1
Swizz Beatz dévoile la Disruptive Kind x Reebok DMX Run
5

Outsole hardness

Looking at this Reebok shoe's outsole, we found it to be a mixed bag. That's because the Answer IV uses two different types of rubber with very different densities.

On the heel, we have a softer compound which returned 64.5 HC on our durometer. That is considered really soft for a hoop shoe and is 26% softer than the average.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Outsole hardness

On the other hand, the forefoot is lined with a super hard rubber which shows 88 HC. That is, on the contrary, 7% harder than the average!

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Outsole hardness forefoot rubber

This is actually the first time we have seen something like that in our lab. What's the logic behind it? To make heel landings softer? To keep the shoe's weight down?

We are not sure, to be honest. But one thing is for sure, the soft rubber makes this Reebok shoe a poor choice for outdoor games.

Test results
Answer IV 64.5 HC
Average 81.5 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
61.3 HC
Outsole hardness
91.0 HC

Outsole durability

Our statement above is 100% confirmed by our outsole durability test.

Having drilled the shoe's rubber at the heel for 22 seconds at a pretty high 10K RPM speed, we saw some notable damage.

A tread gauge tool helped us measure the depth of this damage and it turned out to be as deep as 2.3 mm, more than a millimetre deeper than average!

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust outsole durability test

Definitely not concrete-ready! Unless we're talking about casual wear.

Test results
Answer IV 2.3 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 52 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

It was pretty wise for Reebok to make that soft rubber layer thicker. Because it melts like ice cream! Our calliper shows a whopping 6.9 mm of rubber thickness under the heel.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Outsole thickness

The hard forefoot rubber, however, is much thinner. Based on our measurement, it comes in at 3.7 mm which is about the same as the average of basketball shoes.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Outsole thickness forefoot
Test results
Answer IV 6.9 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
6.9 mm

Misc

Grip / Traction

From a modern hoop shoe perspective, having a tread pattern in the forefoot only is... something else. We we expected surprises as the Reebok Classics Men x Looney Tunes Nano X1 Black not your typical basketball kick.

The forefoot rubber features a herringbone pattern with deep multi-directional treads. To our great surprise, it functioned really well on the court. We could say that it is a guard-ready type of grip.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust outsole

As long as you stay on your toes, of course. Because the heel part of the shoe could really use some traction.

Reflective elements

Wow! We don't see reflective elements on basketball shoes every day!

But now we got one on the Answer IV and it is big! The entire side overlay lights up in the dar, also highlighting Iverson's logo. Pretty dope! 

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Reflective elements
Test results
Answer IV Yes

Tongue padding

The tongue on the Answer IV has a reasonable thickness. Based on our calliper measurement, it is 7.5 mm thick. About 2 mm thinner than average.

To be honest, we were prepared for prepared for a monsterously padded tongue. Like the 15-mm pillow on the Reebok Blast.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Tongue padding
Test results
Answer IV 7.5 mm
Average 9.2 mm
Compared to 73 basketball shoes
Spodnie reebok tight
1.3 mm
Tongue padding
15.9 mm

Tongue: gusset type

There are no gussets in this Reebok shoe's tongue. But with that zip, trust us, there is not even a hint of sliding or bunching.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Tongue: gusset type
Test results
Answer IV None

Heel tab

A leather finger loop is attach at the back of the shoe. It is finctional but also aesthetically intergrated with the rest of the shoe.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Heel tab
Test results
Answer IV Finger loop

Removable insole

Like we said in the cushioning sections above, this Reebok shoe feels firm underfoot. But the good news is that you have the option to elevate comfort by swapping the shoe's insole.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust Removable insole
Test results
Answer IV Yes

Background

The Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust we lab-tested is a revamped rendition of an iconic model.

Adorning the outsole is Iverson’s mantra which is also tattooed on his arm – “Only the Strong Survive.” Set into the heel is a black and white imprint of his face that depicts his characteristic cornrows and headband.

The side overlays featuring Allen Iverson's "A.I." signature have a swooshy vibe to them. It's like they embody his fast-paced style of a shooting guard.

Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust style

Back in a day, the Reebok Classics sweatshirt in natural dye rust became an instant classic when he stepped over Tyronn Lue after crossing him over and hitting a go-ahead jumper during the first game of the 2001 NBA Finals.