Reebok Insta Pump Fury - Twilight Zone

Reebok Pump, like Adidas Torsion, Puma Disc, and Nike Air Huarache, are another pair of classic retro trainers that were super popular in the early 90's. Again, like the Puma Disc and the Nike Air Huarache, Reebok Pump were totally unique when they first came out all those years ago. Even now, Reebok Pump are still unique. How many other brands / pairs of trainers do you know of that can be pumped up! For those old enough to remember the days where people used to put a rolled up sock under the tongue of their trainers to make them look more bulky / pumped up.

Grey (Speckled heel) Reebok Pump Omni Lite Trainers

Yes, that was a trend at one point. Reebok Pump eliminated the need for the rolled up sock. Originally, Reebok Pump were a basketball shoe. Evidence of this can be seen on the shoes. The actual "Pump" on the earlier pairs was a basketball design. Pairs with that design have been re-released, so if you want a pair with the iconic basketball pump design they are not too hard to find. And some pairs are pretty cheap as well. To name of a few: Reebok OMNI Zone, Omni Lite, Insta Pump Fury, and Solebox Twilight Zone are for sale on eBay and other online outlets.

Reebok Pump Omni-Lite Trainers White / Red

The Pump design is exclusive to Reebok. And I believe that Reebok own the rights to the "Pump" technology built into a trainer so no one else can copy the design. Like Nike Air Huarache, Reebok Pump are another pair of trainers that have gone full circle.

They are very similar to Nike Air Huarache in that respect, very sought after when they first came out, dropped off the radar for a while, and now with most retro vintage trainers making a huge comeback, they are now all the rage again. Reebok are well aware of the demand, hence why there are more new styles and colours out now than ever before.

Reebok Pump Running Dual Trainers

These days the Pump system is not only found on the tongue, but also at the side or, on certain pairs, even at the back heel of the trainer (Emporio Armani xReebok Edition). Basketball Boots and trainer versions of Reebok Pump are available.

If you want a cheap pair of retro Reebok Pump, and you're not bothered about having a pump checkout the pairs of Reebok Reverse Jam, which still have Hexalite technology (Air Cushioning System) incorporated into the soles just like most pairs of Reebok Pump (E.R.S). If you want a rare pair of Reebok Pump and have some money to spend check out the super thick Reebok Pump Bring Back 20th anniversary limited edition.

Retro Nike Air Huarache Trainers

Nike Air Huarache were so in demand when they hit retail stores in the early 90's. When they first came out in 1991 the design was something very different to what people were used to. Maybe this is what made them so popular. Their strange appearance made them instantly recognisable. Even today, with thousands more trainers of different brands, different colours, and designs hitting the shelves since Nike Air Huarache first came out, they are still unique and unmistakable when seen.

 Original Huarache remakes with a free run sole

The ankle heel and side strap design is one of the main features that sets them apart from the rest. Surprisingly, although you may think this heel design would be uncomfortable because it's quite a thin strap support for an ankle, they are actually very comfortable trainers.

This is one of their main positives among buyers, including myself, having owned a few pairs over the years. Being an all in one "Sock Like" design, they really do feel like part of your foot. They mold to the wearers feet very well. They feel firm and secure but still flexible because the upper sock lining is made from the ever versatile and very flexible neoprene.

The heel strap is cushioned by the spongy neoprene "sock like" upper lining, which is another design feature that was unique to Huarache at the time. Nike Air Huarache were one of the first pairs of Nike to hit retail stores that featured the sock like, all-in-one upper lining where the square tongue was also all-in-one with the uppers.

If you're thinking; They are called Nike Air Huarache, so where's the air? The Huarache that have "Air" in the title have a hidden "Air" system concealed within the soles heel. Some pairs are just called Nike Huarache and I believe they do not have any concealed air unit in the sole.

When they first came out it was the white, blue and yellow pairs that were the most made and the most popular, followed by the blue with luminous yellow. They were quite expensive trainers to buy back in the nineties due to the unique design and high demand, but in today's market, where the demand has reached a high point again with them now being classed as retro Nikes, they are even more expensive. They are generally priced between £80 - £150, with the most common price being over the hundred pound mark. The newer versions that are out today are still the same as the old skool versions but some have interesting differences.

You can now get suede Nike Air Huarache, and in many more colours than were available in the early 90's. Some newer pairs of Nike Air Huarache feature an updated flexible sole system, which is the exact same one used on many of the Nike "Free" (Free run) range of trainers. This makes the newer Nike Air Huarache superb trainers for running. And of course, a super comfortable trainer for everyday wear.

There are even remakes of the Nike Air Huarache basketball boots which look really cool, and are around the same price as a normal pair of  Huarache trainers. Nike Air Huarache also last quite a long time. Out of the pairs I have owned over the years, two have suffered from a broken ankle strap, but this was after about a year of frequent use so you'll definitely get a good wear out of them before anything falls apart.

Good trainers for the spring / summer being so breathable and lightweight. If your prepared to look around you may be able to find some limited edition Nike Air Huaraches for sale, they are available, but be prepared to pay a high price.