Reebok Engine A Performance Review: A Game Changer for the Brand?

One of the most immediate standouts of the Reebok Engine A is its outsole. The rubber compound is thicker and more durable than what we’re used to seeing in today’s market, making it a viable option for both indoor and outdoor play. The traction pattern is on the more shallow side of things, however, that rubber should hold up well on the more abrasive outdoor playing surfaces.

As far as the traction pattern goes, the Reebok Engine A features a wavy, herringbone-style setup that offers great multidirectional coverage. The translucent and solid rubber portions of the outsole offer the same consistent performance no matter what type of playing surface you choose.

The real showstopper here is Reebok’s ERS (Energy Return System), a blast from the past that gets a modern twist. While the original ERS from 1987 used hollow tubes for impact absorption and energy return, this iteration swaps those for nitrogen-infused foam pads. The result? A bouncy, responsive, and incredibly comfortable ride underfoot.

This setup is reminiscent of Puma’s nitrogen-infused foam cushioning systems, and Reebok’s version delivers an ultra-plush feel without losing stability. The forefoot cushioning is fully visible through the strobel board, meaning you get direct step-in comfort with no unnecessary layers that can dull the impact protection.

The Reebok Engine A will provide a very smooth and versatile ride on court, and, because the foam is infused with Nitrogen, it should be a rather durable setup as well.

This is the one “disappointing” aspect of the shoe. Everything on the shoe works just fine but materials on the Engine A aren’t anything to write home about. The shoe leans heavily on modern synthetics, featuring a textile base with layers of thick plastic overlays for structure. While this ensures durability and containment, old-school Reebok fans might be dissatisfied.

Reebok used to be one of the best brands out there in terms of their material choices (leathers, suedes, etc.), but this model sticks to contemporary materials that prioritize performance over luxury. That said, performance-wise, these materials work. They’re lightweight, durable, and require no break-in time. But if you’re a sneaker purist hoping for buttery leathers like the old Reebok days, this might not be your favorite aspect of the shoe.

Support and stability on the Reebok Engine A are impressive, thanks to a few key design choices. There’s a rigid TPU heel clip that provides containment and stability to the cushioning in the rear of the shoe, while the wide outsole creates a stable base for the Engine A. The midfoot structure appears to provide torsional rigidity, which suggests the presence of a shank plate, though Reebok has not officially confirmed its material or design.

Regardless, the shoe offers enough support to keep your foot stable as you make your moves on court. The plastic overlays on the upper also contribute to containment, ensuring your foot doesn’t shift when making aggressive cuts. The Engine A delivers solid lockdown without restricting mobility.

Reebok nailed the fit on this one. The Engine A runs true to size, and the materials, despite being synthetic-heavy, conform well to the foot without any significant hotspots. The tongue features padded sections inspired by the ERS system, adding another level of comfort by reducing lace pressure.

Let’s be real: Reebok has been missing from the performance basketball market for far too long. But the Engine A proves they still have something left in the tank. This isn’t just a gimmicky comeback shoe—it’s a well-thought-out, well-executed performance model that checks a lot of boxes.