The WNBA’s Angel Reese has received her first signature sneaker with Reebok, which is now available. This is the performance review for the Reebok Angel Reese 1. The shoe has a great aesthetic, especially the black and white colorway, which is a personal favorite.
The shoe itself performs well on the court, which is exciting for a Reebok fan like myself. While it’s too early to say Reebok is “back,” this is a great start and a bold statement, as this shoe and the Engine A are essentially the same. The price point, cushion, and technology all feel solid, and I hope Reebok continues this momentum.
Reebok Angel Reese 1
The Reebok Angel Reese 1 is an excellent debut signature sneaker. It’s a solid, well-rounded performer that provides value for the price.
Release Date: September 18, 2025
Price: $120
Pros
- Durable, comfortable underfoot cushion
- Thick, durable upper
- Wide, stable base
- $120 price point delivers value
Cons
- Lacing eyelets can be difficult to use
- Fits loose, go down a half size for best fit
Traction
The outsole of the Reebok Angel Reese 1 is very reminiscent of the Engine A, with a nearly identical traction pattern. There are some minor modifications, such as in the big toe area, but they don’t drastically change the performance. The shoe performs very well on good courts, though you’ll need to wipe a bit if there’s too much dust. The rubber isn’t overly tacky but is just grippy enough.
For outdoor use, the rubber is a bit on the softer side, so it won’t last long, but the cushioning is good enough that it’s not a terrible idea to wear them outside. Her initials, “A” and “R,” are subtly placed on the outsole.
Cushion
The cushioning is the Reebok Angel Reese 1’s standout feature.
Much like the Engine A, the Angel Reese 1 is incredibly comfortable. It features an EVA-style outsole with two large pods of Reebok’s new ERS system, which is a nitrogen-infused foam. This foam is designed to be durable and not bottom out quickly. While the shoe sits a bit high off the ground, making it less ideal for players who want ultimate court feel, it’s low enough that you don’t feel slow or mushy. The two large pods provide excellent coverage and comfort.
I’m a big fan of Reebok’s old ERS and Hexalite systems, and while this isn’t a true return to that, it’s a great step in the right direction. It’s awesome to see Reebok stepping up and adding more competition to the performance footwear market.
Materials
The upper is made of textiles and fused overlays, which is very modern. While similar to the Engine A, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 has a thicker, more durable upper that gives the design a more three-dimensional, signature-shoe feel. It’s highly durable and breathable, providing the best of both worlds. The tongue is super breathable and, while a little puffy, is a welcome feature. I also appreciate the personal touches and design elements that make it feel like a true signature shoe, rather than just a generic model with a name attached.
One small nitpick: the lacing eyelets are a mix of flat and circular shapes, making it difficult to lace them all the way up, but this is a very minor issue. The insole is glued in, so if you plan to swap it out for an orthotic or a different insole, you should do so before wearing the shoe to prevent the glue from bonding (these Move Insoles or these ones will fit well and improve the underfoot feel).
Fit
Regarding fit, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 runs big. I’d recommend going down a half-size from your normal size. The internal Achilles notches aren’t very sculpted, so a proper fit is essential for a good lockdown.
Support
The support features are very solid. The Reebok Angel Reese 1 has a wide, stable base, which is a huge plus for any basketball player, especially a shooter. There is an internal heel counter with an additional TPU counter on the outside, which adds to the containment. While there is a torsional plate, I felt that you could still over-twist the shoe, so a 1-to-1 fit is crucial for proper support. If you need more torsional rigidity, an insole replacement might help. Overall, the shoe’s support, along with the other features, is top-notch.
Reebok Angel Reese 1 Summary
The Reebok Angel Reese 1 is an excellent debut signature sneaker. It’s a solid, well-rounded performer that’s very similar to the Reebok Engine A but with a more premium feel. The cushioning is the standout feature, providing a comfortable and responsive ride. The traction is reliable, and the durable, breathable upper is a great mix of modern and classic design. The fit runs big, so I’d recommend going down a half-size. While the support could use a little more torsional rigidity, the overall package is fantastic for the price.
The Angel Reese 1 is a promising step for Reebok and a great option for any player looking for a comfortable, supportive, and reliable sneaker.
Disclosure
While Reebok did provide pairs of the Angel Reese 1 to facilitate this review, the company had no involvement in this review, didn’t receive an advance look at it, and has not attempted to influence it.
