Shoes That Pump Up With Air

The evolution of basketball shoes followed the rise in popularity of the game. The earliest shoes had canvas uppers with rubber soles. In the late '60s, companies started using leather for the uppers. The popularity of athlete-endorsed basketball shoes led to a heated competition among the manufacturers. In 1989, Reebok introduced The Pump. These shoes had an orange basketball in the tongue that, when pressed repeatedly, pumped air into the sole.

  1. Reebok Pumps

    • The Pumps supposedly increased a player's jumping ability.

      Introduced in 1989, these innovative shoes, with the signature orange basketball in the tongue, supposedly increased a player's jumping ability. As the basketball was pumped, air inflated the cushioned sole. The ad campaign had the slogan "Pump Up, Air Out"--an obvious dig at the Nike Air. The video images of Dee Brown, winner of the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Competition, pumping up his shoes before each turn increased the shoe's popularity. The shoes are now available in a variety of styles and colors.

    Nike Air Pressure

    • In answer to the Reebok Pump, Nike introduced its Air Pressure in 1989. The shoe featured air chambers inside the ankle support that, when filled, formed a custom fit for the wearer. The shoes were named for the valve on the back which was used to release air pressure, and were packed in a special plastic box. The shoes were only produced for one year.

    LA Gear Regulator

    • In 1991, up-and-coming athletic shoe company LA Gear introduced its own pump sneaker. The shoe, named the Regulator, featured a yellow ball in the tongue very similar to Reebok's. The concept was that the custom fit would improve the player's comfort and ability. Reebok sued LA Gear for patent infringement over the pump design and LA Gear paid a $1 million settlement in 1992. The company no longer makes the Regulator.

    Non-Basketball Pumps

    • Reebok also offers hockey skates that utilize the same pump technology featured in the basketball shoe.