The Complete Reebok x Allen Iverson Shoe History

Nearly 20 years ago, two up-and-coming Reebok employees came to their bosses with a wild idea: sign rising star Allen Iverson, a college basketball player from Georgetown University, to a signature shoe deal. The brand execs were skeptical about investing much of anything into such a young player, but after Todd Krinksy and Que Gaskins continued to press the issue, and Iverson broke his university’s scoring record and won Defensive Player of the Year, Reebok began designing a one-of-a-kind performance shoe made specifically for the 6-foot-tall shooting and point guard.

By the time AI announced his decision to leave college for the NBA in 1996, Reebok was ready to present him with not just the concept of a shoe and talks of a sneaker deal, but the shoe itself and a commitment to making Iverson the brand’s #1-star athlete. He inked his $50 million, 1-year deal with the Vector brand that same year.

At 21, Iverson began his professional career as the Philadelphia 76ers first-round pick in the 1996 NBA draft. As it would turn out, the 76ers would be both the first and last team to have Iverson on its roster, but throughout his 14-year tenure in the league, he also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, the Denver Nuggets and the Detroit Pistons before retiring with the Sixers in 2009-2010.

Iverson was one of the most controversial players in the league in his day, one NBA basketball fans of the 90s and mid-2000s either loved or loathed, but no matter on which side of the arena you stand, there’s no denying that Allen Iverson was a force to be reckoned with both on the basketball court and in pop culture. What’s perpetuated his legacy more than a decade after his retirement? His 1997 Rookie of the Year title, his 2001 NBA Most Valuable Player title, his 2016 Hall of Fame induction, and his impressive signature Reebook Question and Answer sneaker lines.

This is the complete history of Reebok x Allen Iverson shoes.

Reebok Question: 1996

In a draft class brimming with talent (like Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen), Iverson stood out from the pack during his inaugural NBA season by snagging the coveted Rookie of the Year title, and he did so in the sneaker that started his Reebok line, the Reebok Question.

The original Reebok Question debuted in a “Red Toe” colorway featuring a chunky white upper, accented by a bright red suede toe cap, red heel counter, red Hexalite cushioning and a Sixers-inspired blue outsole. The shoe’s creator Scott Hewett designed the first-ever Reebok Question to mimic elements from the Jordan 11 worn by Iverson in his college playing days.

Naturally, this OG colorway is one of the most coveted in the Question family, so for the line’s 25th anniversary, Reebok re-released the Red Toe for a new generation of sneakerheads to enjoy.

Reebok Answer 1: 1997

The Answer, cleverly named after Iverson’s pre-professional nickname, rolled out in response to the previous year’s Question model. In many ways, the Answer model was almost the opposite of the Question with its more streamlined silhouette and dark coloring.

In place of the Question’s ghillie lacing system, the Reebok Answer 1 featured a hidden lacing system, and where the Question had visible Hexalite cushioning, the Answer employed DMX cushioning.

Reebok Answer 2 or Answer Lite: 1998

Riding on the success of The Answer’s playing career, his next Reebok shoe relied on 3D Ultralite cushioning and less-visible DMX Lite padding to help with load distribution.

The Answer 2 also incorporated a mesh tongue for breathability. Cosmetically, this sneaker offered a luxe aesthetic by way of its stark white leather upper, sleek black accents and Iverson’s name stamped into the leather near the toebox.

Reebok Answer 3: 1999

Iverson became an NBA All-Star for the first time in 1999, the same year Reebok released the Reebok x Allen Iverson Answer 3.

Crafted to cater to the specific needs of a guard, the Answer 3 employed tumbled leather on its upper, ultra-light DMX technology and a traditional lacing system. Alongside the Reebok Vector logo, embossed near the ankle, the Answer 3 was the first to feature Iverson’s I3 logo.

The Answer 3, worn by Iverson during this All-Star season, became a favorite among college players.

Reebok Answer 4: 2000

Iverson continued to ride his wave of wins and racked up even more accolades as the Sixers beat the Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals in 2000. Iverson’s ball game was on fire, earning him the 2000-2001 MVP honor. He was one of the most popular players in the 2000-2001 NBA Finals, and it’s no surprise that the Answer 4s on his feet also quickly rose to fame.

Today, the Answer 4 is one of the most popular models in the Answer line, specifically the red and grey and black and white colorways. What made this model so different from its predecessors? First, the Answer 4 was the first sneaker in the Iverson collection to feature a shrouded lacing system. It also introduced DMX I-pak cushioning. 

Reebok Answer 5: 2001

The lightweight, popular Answer 5 weighed just 13.4 ounces and featured an adjustable ankle strap and a variation of the Answer 4’s lacing shroud. Named that year’s NBA Steals Leader and NBA Scoring Champ, Iverson got injured in the playoffs, and controversy around the sometimes hot-headed player swirled as he got in dust-ups with refs.

Tech staples of this sneaker included the line’s I-pak cushioning and 3D Ultralight compound.

Reebok Answer 6: 2002

As Iverson rebounded from his 2001 injury, Reebok released the Answer 6 in 2002. The zippered model looked more like a men’s dress shoe than a performance basketball sneaker. In addition to the zippered shroud, the Answer 6 was different from previous Answers because it lacked the line’s staple DMX cushioning.

Other advancements included “grenade” construction at the forefoot for the ultimate low-to-the-ground ride and unique button-like lettering spelling “IVERSON” near the toe. Iverson’s seventh signature shoe also featured a TPU midsole.

Reebok Answer 7: 2003

In 2003, the Answer 7 re-introduced DMX performance cushioning to AI’s Reebok collection. The Reebok Answer 7 also included a unique spandex-lined foam collar and a textured leather upper. Like the Answer 6 before it, the Answer 7’s design hinted at formal-wear inspiration. A duracourt rubber outsole added an extra layer of performance durability to this sneaker as well as bolstered players’ traction on the court.

Iverson’s eighth signature sneaker was released in playful colorways that often paid homage to his high school and college teams, as well as his many All-Star game appearances. Popular releases include the Bethel High School green and gold colorway and any variation of the Sixers’ red, white and blue color scheme.

Reebok Answer 8 and Reebok Question 2: 2004

2004 saw not one but two sneaker releases from Allen Iverson and Reebok. The most memorable of the two was the Answer 8, with its speed lacing system and the No. 8-shaped perforations along the shoes’ sides. Missing from this model was the Reebok Vector logo, which was replaced with “RbK” branding at the midsole and near the heel of the outsole. Iverson’s I3 logo ornamented the tongue while his signature appeared stitched near the ankle collar.

Iverson went on to serve as co-captain of Team USA in the 2004 Olympics, but instead of Answers on his feet, the basketball player sported a pair of Question 2s. The reception of these sneakers, marked by a wave-like upper and less conspicuous Hexilite cushioning, was underwhelming.

The popularity of these sneakers probably wasn’t helped much either by Team USA’s loss to Argentina in the Games’ semifinals round.

Reebok Answer 9: 2005

The following year, Iverson debuted the Reebok Answer 9. This absolute unit of a basketball shoe was jam-packed with tech, including the Reebok Pump 2.0 system seen on the Reebok Pump ShowStopper worn by Yao Ming at the time. This addition to the Iverson line, accompanied by both midfoot and ankle straps, lent a futuristic vibe to the sneaker’s moon boot-like complete look.

Reebok Answer 10: 2006

2006 was a big year for AI. After a decade in Philly, the 76ers traded Iverson to the Denver Nuggets, and Reebok released the tenth Answer sneaker.

The Answer 10 was sleeker than the Answer 9 release, but trademark elements of its design remained, like the 8-settings Pump 2.0 valve and a more fashionable ankle strap that provided optimal lateral support, max ankle stability, and an unparalleled level of customizability. Like the Answer 8, the Answer 10’s upper was accented by small “X”s, the Roman Numeral for 10.

The Reebok Answer 10 also brought back the zippered lace closure not seen on an Iverson model since the Answer 6 in ’02.

Reebok Answer 11 & Reebok Question 3: 2007

Iverson started every game in his first full Denver season, and with his new team, AI launched two more signature shoes: the Reebok Answer 11 and the Question 3.

The Answer 11 boasted some serious next-level swagger with its asymmetrical collar, flashy details and wide forefoot strap. The contrasting elements of the shoe, both bold and subtle, illustrated the different sides of Iverson: the NBA superstar and the man he was off the court.

Released at the same time as the Answer 11, the Question 3 basically mirrored the 11’s design but added the Question line’s signature Hexalite cushioning, thicker midsole and mid-cut collar to the mix.

Reebok Answer 12: 2008

Iverson’s time with the Nuggets was short-lived, and in 2008 he was traded again to the Detroit Pistons. The move was a sudden one, and the Answer 12 had already been slated for production. In a last-minute scramble, Iverson had to scrap his iconic I3 logo for his initials on the tongue and swapped his long-time jersey number 3 to his new number “1” on the toe box.

This release was fresh for a number of other reasons too, including a more suave silhouette and street-art-inspired graphics at the heel.

Iverson was traded again at the end of the season, this time to the Memphis Grizzlies, after just 54 games.

Reebok Answer 13: 2009

AI played a grand total of three games with the Memphis Grizzlies before taking a break from the game and eventually deciding to not return to the NBA.

But soon after announcing his retirement, Iverson was added back to the Philadelphia 76ers roster for a final season. While his sunset season was touch-and-go, AI’s Reebok Answer 13 ended on a strong note with a visually stunning upper composed of diagonal lines and Hexride forefoot cushioning. 

Reebok Q96: 2013

Years after The Answer’s last day on the court, Reebok released a remastered version of Iverson’s very first signature shoe. The updated Q96 employed modern game-enhancing technology, making it one of the best playing models in the Reebok x Iverson collection. The sneaker, which many said would be the last basketball shoe produced by Reebok, featured a synthetic upper, mesh panels, foam cushioning and the Question line’s heritage toe cap overlay. 

Reebok Answer 14: 2014

In 2014, Reebok surprised the masses with an unexpected release from the Iverson Answer line. The Answer 14’s mesh cutouts along its leather upper and a DMX foam midsole made for a dynamic return after the Answer sneaker’s five-year hiatus. Though it seemed like a sign that an Iverson x Reebok basketball revival was on the horizon, the Answer 14 marked the official end to the Allen Iverson sneaker line.

There’s no denying Iverson’s influence in the world of basketball and sneakers. In fact, The Answer’s star power paid off in droves for the Reebok brand. Where’s Iverson now? In his mid-40s, Iverson has kept a relatively low profile sharing glimpses of his life on Instagram. Meanwhile, Reebok continues to roll out popular Question and Answer silhouettes and colorways that pay tribute to the charismatic player.

Hibbett | City Gear proudly carries a vast assortment of Reebok apparel, Iverson fan gear and signature AI sneakers online and in stores. Shop your favorite styles today, and be sure to check out these other great Reebok posts from the Unboxed Blog:

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• How to Style a Basketball Uniform Off The Court