the Minions x Reebok collection injects inspiration directly from the forthcoming film that chronicles the untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain
In partnership with Illumination and global cultural phenomenon, Minions, as well as Universal Brand Development, Reebok officially unveils their Minions: The Rise of Gru collection celebrating the blockbuster franchise’s upcoming theatrical release slated for 2 July 2021.
Available globally from the brands website and select retailers beginning 1 October, the exclusive full-family footwear collection unfolds a real-life creative alliance of epic proportions revealing a master plan years in the making.
Recognised globally as the world’s most successful animated film franchise of all time, Illumination’s iconic Despicable Me continues to capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. Evolving the Minions legacy and Reebok’s historically bold brand narrative, the Minions x Reebok collection injects inspiration directly from the forthcoming film that chronicles the untold story of one 12-year-old’s dream to become the world’s greatest supervillain.
The Minions x Reebok Question Mid “Gru’s Lab” is an imaginative modification of the historic Question Mid inspired by a young Gru for the ‘baddest’ baller of all-time, Allen Iverson, this silver/black execution injects glow-in-the-dark sticky “slime” into the outsole through two intake and outtake tubes to achieve impossible grip on court, whilst adapted rocket booster graphics underfoot propel any undersized villain to the rim.
Using different “metals” from around Gru’s lab to form a mostly unpolished silver upper, whilst a more-finished glossy chrome leather panel at the heel pops above his signature “G” logo stamped in place of the traditional Iverson “3”. Looking inside, wearers will find asymmetric double-sided ‘trap door’ sock liners – a first-of-its-kind sneaker innovation – that each hides top-secret elements from Gru’s lab on the underside.
In regards to the Minions x Reebok Instapump Fury “Vicious 6” shoe, for Gru to become the world’s greatest supervillain, he must first defeat the Vicious 6, the world’s most notorious collective of villains. Taking inspiration from the infamous group, this asymmetric fashion-forward take on Reebok’s historic ‘laceless’ Instapump Fury is one of the model’s boldest executions to date.
Mixing a plethora of contrasting prints, colours, materials and textures, the silhouette goes big like the villains themselves. The left shoe houses gold and yellow colour blocking, materials and graphics from Belle Bottom’s (voiced by Taraji P. Henson) go-to wardrobe, rugged nods to Stronghold’s (Danny Trejo) tank, and a custom-moulded heel TPU with faux stingray material inspired by Jean Claw’s (Jean-Claude Van Damme) robotic crab arm, whilst the right shoe features a padded collar lining with racing stripes and spikes inspired by Svengeance’s (Dolph Lundgren) over-the-top roller derby uniform, a teal and gold filigree with a stained glass pump ball replicating Nun Chuck’s (Lucy Lawless) holy chariot, and a zebra-striped pony hair and gator embossed toe nodding White Nuckle’s (Alan Arkin) throne, trophies and weapons.
The Minions x Reebok Club C “Vicious 6” shoe is a nod to the film’s 70’s vibes and the specific textures and retro colours dressing of the Vicious 6 villains’ lounge, this understated Club C features corduroy, premium leather and nubuck panels on the upper, a velvet interior lining, shag rug sock liner, and soft cotton laces all brought together by the Vicious 6 logo on the tongue.
The Minions x Reebok Instapump Fury “Minions” shoe is a homage to the Minions’ iconic yellow and blue colour palette, this vibrant yet wearable take on the Instapump Fury is imagined through the eye(s) of the Minions themselves, creating an asymmetric pair with bold nods to the film including a Minions party insole, Minion eyes on either Pump button, a banana peel graphic on the left outsole and reflective hits throughout.
The Minions x Reebok Club C “Otto” is this subtle yet bright kids-only take on the classic Club C celebrates the franchise’s newest Minion, “Otto.” The silhouette, a second creation inspired by the Minions horde, is filled with yellow paint, Minions party insoles, pops of lime green and a splash of mud on either outsole – the meaning behind which will be revealed in the forthcoming film.
Finally, Gru’s lab is replicated in real life by elevated sneaker packaging that houses each of these Reebok creations. Displayed on the box are hand-illustrated orthographic views of Gru’s childhood bedroom and top-secret lair riddled with Easter eggs from the forthcoming film and additional details that Minions, Iverson and Reebok fans will all enjoy.
