The Rise and Fall of Shaq Shoes...What Happened?

Shaq will forever be one of the most lovable and iconic figures in culture. The man has done it all. NBA legend, video games, rapper, police officer, actor and sports analyst. One of the areas of his career that is most interesting to us as sneaker heads, is his Reebok Shaq Attaq line. Something that was a big deal if you grew back in the early 90s. In this video, we're not only going to be taking a look at Shaq's long sneaker legacy but also at how he purposely initiated the "fall" for Shaq shoes by making the cheaper and accessible to kids. Enjoy the vid! -Bryan

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[spider-man]

Shaq has done it all he’s like the black Johnny sins

[Jtlovesfood]

Gotta give Shaq props for thinking of the families who couldn’t afford expensive sneakers. Most NBA players wouldn’t even consider this.

[jeffrittenour]

I grew up 45 minutes from Orlando. Even after Shaq went to the Lakers, he would still come back to Orlando every christmas and give bikes and toys to underprivileged kids that he paid for himself. It would be on the local news. He could have easily stopped coming back and no one would have thought twice about it, but he cared about the community. Shaq is the real deal. Not gonna lie, I'd love to get a re-issued pair of some old school Shaq shoes.

[nigelicious]

That lady who confronted Shaq was a blessing in disguise and the rest was history. I wish some athletes would follow what he done for the society. Dr. Shaq is a really wise man.

[antondoty]

An interesting tidbit he mentioned in his sneaker shopping episode is that Nike actually partially owned the Shaq brand for a brief stint when he first started it, and the designs from that era were the most direct "ripoffs" of Jordans. The use of the elephant print and Jordan-esque silhouettes in those original designs were actually completely allowed by Nike, and remained present in the line from that early era onward.

[SKETCHunlimited]

I had a few pairs of shaqs growing up. I never cared if kids clowned on me for wearing them cuz at the end of the day I was wearing an NBA players shoes and paid a fraction of the price. Plus they were built like takes. Those things took a hell of a beating and still held up for years. Much respect

[ViolentTelegraphy]

What killed them?
They were known by kids as the "Jordans at home" shoe (you can't afford Jordans so you got Shaq), they were sold at cheap stores like Payless and Walmart, which was stigmatizing to kids, and the materials began to be crappier.

Look at how Starter, Fubu and And 1 are now vs originally.

[martinezsanchez]

As a kid, those Shaq Walmart shoes were my fav ones growing up. I used them till the stitching gave way. Thanks for the walk down memory lane, great vid guys as always!

[alexthelizardking]

90's Reebok basketball shoes were just on a different level.

[henryorellana]

Shaq seems like such a great guy that’s also very smart. Glad to hear the Shaq brand is doing good since a lot of ppl can’t afford the better known basketball shoes

[TheRetroManRandySavage]

Those shaq attacks are legit legendary status. I love them.
I hope now that shaq and his people own Reebok they can bring it back to its glory days.

[mitchellmakesit]

I love how he showed up to Nike HQ in the Reebok jacket. Boss move to keep the meeting AND rep your new brand.

[arp_]

It’s about time for Reebok to retro some of these classics again. Great video as always

[Jfunkey]

I would love to see the Shaqnosis come back now that Shaq has a big chunk of influence on Reebok. That would freaking make my day. Bring those beautiful shoes back!

[DylanLey]

Shaq's Reebok shoes are really cool and unique! Gotta have a lot of respect for him in making a line of affordable shoes for children! Great history video as always!

[aldrianca]

Very underrated sneakers but my all time favorites especially the Shaqnosis. Thanks for covering this

[outgoingautismhowtoovercom]

Shaq has quickly become one of my heroes in life. This man is humble and respectful, and he understands that he was lucky in life and he completely 180 his shoe brand because of a confrontation he had with a lady who just wanted to have a fordable shoes for her kids. This man should be given awards and his shoes should be hyped up everywhere so that they are considered cool so kids can wear them to school and not be made fun of.

[audradecker]

I love Shaq! I'm proud to say I had a pair of his shoes! (The ones sold at Walmart). My Mom was a single Mom, and I'm glad that lady brought it to his attention, and thankful that he listened. 💞

[Classicbasketballdvds]

very underrated sneaker line. fav is the shaqnosis...one of my fav kicks of all times

[laidtorest]

I had a pair of the first Shaq pumps back in the day and they were amazing. Id love to see a day where Reebok Pumps are on store shelves again.