The WNBA has truly captivated audiences, and the arrival of Angel Reese’s first signature sneaker is a moment I’ve been eagerly anticipating. As someone who’s always on the lookout for the next great basketball shoe, I couldn’t wait to put the Reebok Angel Reese 1 through its paces. Today, I’m excited to share my comprehensive Reebok Angel Reese 1 performance review, detailing my personal experience with this much-hyped release.
Table of Contents
From the moment I unboxed them to countless hours on the court, I’ll break down everything that stood out – the good, the not-so-good, and the truly exceptional.
First Impressions: A Striking Design and Promising Return for Reebok
Right off the bat, the aesthetics of the Reebok Angel Reese 1 are captivating. This particular colorway, with its vibrant detailing, truly caught my eye. While I’ve seen other options like the “pearl” version which I found decent, the white and black iteration is, in my opinion, absolutely stunning. Beyond the visual appeal, holding the shoe, I immediately felt a sense of excitement.
I’m a long-time fan of Reebok’s basketball heritage, with the Reebok Questions holding a special place among my all-time favorites. So, seeing Reebok step back into the performance basketball arena with conviction, first with the Engine A and now the Angel Reese 1, is genuinely thrilling.
I wouldn’t go as far as to say “Reebok’s back” in a grand, overarching sense just yet, as they only have a couple of key performance models. However, the quality and thought put into these shoes, especially the Angel Reese 1, suggest a fantastic start. This shoe, essentially an evolution of the Engine A, brings solid cushioning, effective technology, and a competitive price point to the table.
It truly feels like a strong move for the brand, and I’m hopeful they can maintain this momentum. This Reebok Angel Reese 1 performance review will dive deep into whether this initial promise translates into real-world court dominance.
Traction: Reliable Grip with a Familiar Feel
When evaluating any basketball shoe, traction is paramount, and my Reebok Angel Reese 1 performance review wouldn’t be complete without a thorough analysis. The outsole design of the Angel Reese 1 immediately reminded me of the Engine A, and for good reason—the traction pattern is nearly identical.
There are some minor modifications, particularly around the big toe area, but these aren’t significant enough to create a drastic performance difference from its predecessor.
Indoor Court Performance
So, how does it perform? In short: really well. On clean courts, the grip is excellent, providing confident stops and quick directional changes. The rubber itself isn’t overtly “tacky” but offers sufficient grip when the playing surface is well-maintained. However, like many shoes, it does require occasional wiping if the court accumulates too much dust. This isn’t a deal-breaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
Outdoor Court Performance
For outdoor use, the story is a little different. The rubber, while effective indoors, leans towards the softer side. This means that while the cushioning is robust enough to handle outdoor play, the outsole durability will likely be compromised. If you plan to use these predominantly outdoors, be prepared for accelerated wear.
On a lighter note, I appreciate the subtle personal touch: Angel Reese’s initials, A and R, are integrated into the outsole design. It doesn’t affect performance, of course, but it’s a nice detail for fans.
My overall takeaway for the traction in this Reebok Angel Reese 1 performance review is that it’s a very solid indoor performer, especially on clean courts, mirroring the reliable performance of the Engine A.
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Cushioning: The Standout Feature for Unrivaled Comfort
If there’s one aspect that truly defines my experience with the Reebok Angel Reese 1, it’s the cushioning. Without a doubt, this is the shoe’s standout feature. Much like the Engine A, the Angel Reese 1 offers an incredibly comfortable ride. It features an EVA-style outsole, but the magic truly happens inside, where Reebok has incorporated two distinct pods of their new ERS (Energy Return System) technology.
Now, “new ERS” might sound like a contradiction, given that ERS is an older Reebok technology. However, the modern interpretation is vastly different and, dare I say, improved. The original ERS relied on physical energy tubes that would compress and deflect energy.
This new system, however, is entirely foam-based, utilizing nitrogen-infused foam. This is crucial for longevity, as it means the cushioning is designed to resist “bottoming out” quickly, maintaining its responsiveness over time.
My experience with Reebok’s “Super Float Foam,” as they call it, has been limited to their basketball products, but I can confidently say it delivers exceptional comfort. For a clearer visual, the Engine A’s colorways perfectly showcased these two large sections of ERS foam, and the Angel Reese 1 employs the same effective setup.
While the cushioning provides excellent coverage and feels plush, it’s worth noting that you sit a little higher off the ground. If you’re someone who prioritizes an ultra-low court feel, this might not be your ideal ride. However, I found it to be a perfect balance—low enough that I didn’t feel slow or “mushy,” but high enough to provide significant impact protection and a consistently comfortable experience.
For me, the cushioning is undeniably the best feature of the Reebok Angel Reese 1. It demonstrates that Reebok is genuinely committed to innovation, leveraging its heritage while pushing forward with modern, effective technologies. This is a significant win, and it makes me excited for what else Reebok might bring to the table in the future.
“Read Also: Adidas Anthony Edwards 2 Review“
The Upper: Durable, Breathable, and Purposeful Design
Moving on to the upper, this is where the Reebok Angel Reese 1 truly distinguishes itself from its predecessor in terms of aesthetics and minor performance enhancements. While it’s built with a modern construction of textiles and fused/TPU overlays—a common approach in today’s basketball shoes—I find it to be a noticeable improvement over the Engine A.
Construction and Materials
The Angel Reese 1’s upper utilizes a textile base with hot-melt fused panels strategically placed throughout. What impressed me is that this iteration feels beefier and more robust than the Engine A. It’s constructed with thicker, more durable materials, which not only enhances its longevity but also adds a greater sense of depth to the design.
It almost gives the shoe a three-dimensional quality, making it feel less like a generic team shoe and more like a true signature model. This attention to detail, much like with the Jaw 3, makes it feel like someone genuinely put thought into tailoring the shoe to the athlete, rather than just slapping a name on an existing mold.
Ventilation and Breathability
In terms of performance, this durable construction doesn’t come at the expense of breathability. I found the upper to be surprisingly well-ventilated, offering a good balance of containment and airflow. This combination of durability and breathability is exactly why brands opt for textiles and synthetics in modern performance footwear, and the Angel Reese 1 executes it effectively.
A particular highlight for me is the tongue. It’s incredibly breathable, which is a fantastic design choice. Even if other parts of a shoe aren’t perfectly ventilated, a breathable tongue is crucial because it’s a primary area for heat escape from the foot. While it is a bit puffy, which sometimes felt slightly intrusive when lacing up, I vastly prefer this over the excessively thin tongues that offer no comfort or protection.
Minor Drawback
My only minor, almost laughable, complaint about the upper revolved around the lacing system. The shoe came laced partially, and when I tried to lace it all the way up, I encountered a tiny snag. Most eyelets are a unique flat shape, making re-lacing easy. However, the very last eyelet inexplicably reverted to a circular shape. It was a minor inconvenience, turning a simple task into a brief, frustrating moment, but ultimately not a performance issue.
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Fit, Sizing, and Support: Crucial Elements for On-Court Confidence
Getting the right fit is critical for any performance shoe, and my Reebok Angel Reese 1 performance review includes a strong recommendation here. In terms of sizing, the Angel Reese 1 fits very similarly to the Engine A.
The Sizing
Initially, I might have suggested going true to size for the Engine A, but after more court time, I’ve revised that. I now firmly believe that both the Engine A and the Angel Reese 1 run at least a half-size too big. Therefore, I highly recommend trying them on in-store if at all possible. If not, automatically go down half a size from your usual. This will ensure a snug, secure fit that maximizes performance.
Heel and Achilles Support
Inside the heel area, there are Achilles notches designed for lockdown, but honestly, they felt somewhat underdeveloped. They appear to be more stitched in place rather than sculpted with proper foam padding to cup the Achilles and ankle effectively. If I were to suggest an improvement, it would be to enhance these notches to provide a more substantial and secure feel.
Base Stability and Torsional Rigidity
Despite this minor point, the overall support features of the shoe are quite solid. The base of the Angel Reese 1 is notably wide and stable, which is a significant plus for any basketball player, especially those who rely on strong foundational support for shooting or explosive movements. The stability provided by the wide base instills confidence during quick cuts and landings.
However, I did identify one area for improvement in terms of support: torsional rigidity. While there is a torsional plate embedded in the shoe, I found it relatively easy to over-twist the shoe. This suggests the plate might not be as robust as it could be.
- A perfectly dialed-in fit (by going half a size down) can help
- A high-quality aftermarket insole (Move Game Day or Game Day Pro) enhances torsional support
Heel Counter Design
Finally, in the heel, an internal heel counter is complemented by an additional external TPU counter. While this external counter is positioned a bit low, I still believe it’s effective. It’s mostly integrated with the midsole but extends slightly upwards, helping to reinforce the upper and enhance overall heel lockdown. I also appreciate its aesthetic contribution, adding to the shoe’s visual appeal.
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Looking Back: Reflecting on Reebok’s Direction and the Angel Reese 1
Having thoroughly tested the Reebok Angel Reese 1, I find myself reflecting on Reebok’s current trajectory in the performance basketball market. This shoe, essentially a refined follow-up to the Engine A, is a smart move. It maintains the core strengths of its predecessor—especially the incredible cushioning—while introducing improvements in upper durability and overall design appeal.
This approach keeps the offering fresh and exciting without drastically altering a winning formula or breaking the bank for consumers.
The Angel Reese 1 genuinely feels like a true signature shoe, not just a rebranded team model. The attention to detail in the design, the robust construction, and the comfort-first approach are all indicative of a brand that’s serious about making an impact.
While I wouldn’t declare a full-blown “Reebok comeback” just yet, the Angel Reese 1 is a testament to their potential and a very promising step in the right direction. It fosters competition in a space that always benefits from more innovation and quality offerings.
“Read Also: Puma Hali 1 Review“
Final Thoughts: My Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review Verdict
My personal experience with the Reebok Angel Reese 1 has been overwhelmingly positive. The shoe excels in cushioning, offering an exceptionally comfortable and responsive ride that makes long sessions on the court enjoyable. The traction is reliable on clean indoor surfaces, and the upper provides a fantastic blend of durability, breathability, and a signature aesthetic.
My primary recommendations for potential buyers are to size down by half a size to achieve the optimal fit and to consider an aftermarket insole if you require additional torsional support.
Angel Reese’s debut signature sneaker is a strong contender in the performance basketball landscape. It delivers on comfort, provides solid all-around performance, and signals an exciting future for Reebok. If you’re in the market for a new basketball shoe that prioritizes comfort without sacrificing performance, I highly recommend giving the Reebok Angel Reese 1 a serious look.
As a dedicated footwear reviewer, I have spent years analyzing and testing athletic shoes across every category, from high-performance running sneakers to lifestyle-inspired basketball silhouettes. My work goes beyond simple first impressions; each review is built on a foundation of hands-on experience, thorough research, and attention to the details that matter most to athletes and casual wearers alike. I aim to bridge the gap between brands’ marketing claims and real-world performance, giving readers an honest, balanced perspective.
My writing style combines technical evaluation with an accessible tone, so both professionals and everyday enthusiasts can understand the strengths and weaknesses of each shoe. Whether discussing midsole cushioning technology, outsole traction, or upper material breathability, I break down complex features into practical insights. Readers trust my reviews because they know I highlight both the benefits and potential drawbacks, helping them make more confident purchasing decisions.
Over time, my work has evolved into a comprehensive resource for anyone seeking guidance on athletic footwear. I regularly compare new releases with previous models to highlight improvements or missed opportunities, while also exploring how different shoes fit specific activities—such as marathon training, weightlifting, or casual streetwear. By staying updated with industry trends and listening to community feedback, I ensure that my reviews remain relevant, informative, and genuinely useful.
Ultimately, my mission is to provide clarity in a crowded market. With countless options available, choosing the right pair of shoes can feel overwhelming. Through in-depth, unbiased, and engaging reviews, I strive to make that decision easier, equipping readers with the knowledge they need to find footwear that truly matches their performance goals and personal style.
