“I didn’t have the greatest past in the world, but they always stood by me and always stood up for me when times were bad.” That wasn’t Allen Iverson talking about a teammate, a coach, or a childhood friend. It was about a brand. Reebok has stayed in Iverson’s corner long after his jersey was raised to the rafters, standing by him when others kept their distance. And earlier this month, as Iverson celebrated his 50th birthday, one devoted fan brought him a nostalgic Reebok gift that instantly lit up his face.

Allen Iverson’s shoe deal with Reebok didn’t just boost his brand; many believe it flat-out saved his life. After burning through nearly every dollar of the $200 million he earned during his NBA career, Iverson still received $800,000 annually from Reebok and a $32 million trust he can’t touch until he turns 55. That safety net came from a lifetime contract he inked during his peak years. 

It was a move that proved smarter with every hard lesson life threw his way. So it’s no shock Iverson’s loyalty to Reebok runs deep, and fans know it too. One sharp fan used that history to their advantage earlier this month and gifted Iverson a throwback Reebok piece for his 50th birthday, and it instantly made him smile.

In a recent Instagram post from NXT LVL CUSTOMS, fans caught a glimpse of Allen Iverson’s birthday dinner celebration. While dining, the custom delivery company surprised him with a unique gift, a custom-made pair of Answer III Retro Basketball Shoes. The moment instantly lit up Iverson’s face, a clear nod to his deep bond with Reebok. But fans in the comment section didn’t share that same reaction.

Fans give mixed reactions to Allen Iverson’s gift

The custom Answer III Retro Basketball Shoes from NXT LVL CUSTOMS sparked plenty of conversation in the comments. As expected with anything tied to Iverson’s name, opinions split quickly. Some fans loved the nostalgic tribute, while others weren’t sold on the look.

One excited fan captured the nostalgic high: “Omg! So amazing!” For longtime Iverson fans, anything tied to his sneaker legacy triggers that instant throwback buzz. The Answer line, especially the early models, are still iconic in basketball and streetwear culture. This reaction reflects how deep Iverson’s sneaker influence still is.

Another chimed in, “That is the GOAT right there.”  Indeed, because Allen Iverson isn’t just a basketball legend. He is a cultural one, too. His rebellious spirit, fearless play, and influence on the sneaker game still rings with fans who grew up watching his game. This fan’s praise feels like a loyal nod to both Iverson and the Answer III legacy.

But not everyone jumped on the hype train. One skeptical comment read, “If they’re not @reebok, he isn’t wearing them..lol 😆” Well, a fair point though (pun intended). Iverson’s lifelong deal with Reebok makes any custom outside their brand an unlikely staple in his rotation. Fans who know that backstory immediately question the authenticity of customs tied to his name.

Then came the harsher takes. One fan didn’t hold back, calling it “Horrible. Super ugly and cheap looking.” Well, the truth is, custom sneakers do often divide opinion. While some appreciate the personal touch, others see it as a knockoff of the original classics. For a line as revered as the Answer III, expectations truly run sky-high.

Another bluntly added, “Ugly as sh– 😂” It’s a typical reminder that sneaker culture lives on strong opinions. And also that the Answer line’s vintage designs aren’t for everyone, especially younger fans more into modern silhouettes. In short, the comment section turned into a microcosm of Allen Iverson’s career: bold, loud, split, but never ignored.