The Colorways introduced by Reebok would mark a multitude of historic moments via AI. Most notable is a specific black/white iteration, now known as the Stepover, adorned by Iverson in game 1 of the ’00-’01 title matchup, the company said in a press release.
The moniker nods a historic moment from the game in which AI shakes his opponent to the floor with a deceiving dribble move before draining a baseline jumper and stepping over the would-be defender as the crowd erupts and he returns up court. That viral frame, which served to further define Iverson’s vitality and dominance, is remembered through the Answer IV Stepover.
“Answer IV is the crown jewel of Iverson’s journey and the cultural shift he helped to lead. By his ’00-’01 season, ‘Chuck’ was already so beloved for his style and how he approached the game, but that year truly cemented AI as a cultural icon. On his feet, Answer IV became a symbol for the new era of modern athlete and a celebration of self-expression. It is without a doubt one of the most iconic sneakers to ever grace the hardwood,” said veteran Reebok footwear designer Xavier Jones upon the OG model’s rerelease earlier this year.
The 20th anniversary reissue stays true to its original design elements like the fading gradient I3 logo cascading down the tongue veiled by the zipper shroud, 3M reflective details returning to the I3 quarter panels and top of tongue, the original eye-catching upper and a dynamic outsole featuring DMX foam, a TPU bridge plate and tactical tread patterns. The outsole is complemented by OG graphic executions like the Iverson head sunken underfoot, engraved ‘Only The Strong Survive’ tagline and I3 and vector logos at the bridge and forefoot.
While Answer IV carries forward Reebok basketball heritage and the legacy of Allen Iverson, the unique sneaker is equally fitting for rising hoopers writing their own story, the release said.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)