Shaquille O’Neal deviated from the MJ path when he chose to not sign with Nike. He’s done great things under the Reebok banner and doing even greater things as a President of the brand. His goal will always be the benchmark set by Michael Jordan. Not only on the court, O’Neal is aspiring for the Black Cat’s status as a sneaker revolutionary.

Shaq admitted he’s following the blueprint Jordan laid for success in the footwear industry. And it’s showing results already!

Shaquille O’Neal recreates the Michael Jordan formula

One of Reebok’s best collections came from Allen Iverson. Now that he’s the vice president of the basketball division, it was only appropriate to bring back his most memorable design. The Reebok Answer IV in a revitalized black/flash red color block style is back. This version was first released in 2021 and it’s coming back in 2023 under AI and Shaquille O’Neal’s initiative.

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As the new President under the brand, Shaquille O’Neal is restoring Reebok to the same glory it enjoyed when it signed a rookie Shaq in 1992. He’s following a policy that seems to be common with Nike and Air Jordans.

O’Neal said that when he was having a conversation with Reebok reps wanting to sell “new stuff” under their new legendary NBA leadership, Shaq refuted it. “I’m like ‘Jordan don’t do new stuff.’ Jordan still sells old stuff.”

Almost every Air Jordan edition has been retro-ed. Shaq says it’s a formula that works. “And guess what? You’ve got two over here. Might not be one, but I know I ain’t three. I know I ain’t four. You’ve got Shaq and AI over here. So we’re going to come with that, then we’re going to come with some new designs.”

Reebok’s strategy is parallel to Nike’s. Reebok brought back The Answer III, first worn by its namesake in 1996. The Air Jordan 12 released that same year and bore a close resemblance in appearance to AI version.

Both designs are a favorite of collectors, even retro-ed. Bringing it back is sound business strategy on Shaq’s part.

Shaquille O’Neal’s aiming big

Reebok is aiming for a full relaunch by 2025. In the meantime, O’Neal is making strategic designs for a rebirth at Reebok. The Big Aristotle’s aspirations are as big as him. He’s going to strive to reach MJ’s status as an icon of sneaker culture if not dethrone him.

As Shaq stated, bringing back the bestsellers is first on the list. Iverson was the style god of the NBA and it showed in his signature shoes. From the Reebok Question to the Answer IV, he’s been the muse behind some of the bestselling designs.

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He first showcased the Answer IV in the 2001 NBA Finals when his 76ers lost to Shaq’s Lakers. 21 years later, these uber cool sneakers would finally be released en masse and are making a comeback in 2023.

It may be O’Neal’s little consolation offering for souring the cool sneakers with a defeat too. What do you think about Shaq’s MJ-based formula?