What’s the story behind Reebok’s iconic umbrella logo

Reebok is a well-known global brand that produces athletic footwear and apparel. The company’s iconic logo is a red, white, and blue vector graphic of an umbrella. But what’s the story behind this distinctive symbol?

The logo was created in 1986 by a graphic designer named Terry Heckler. Heckler was tasked with designing a new logo for Reebok that would help the brand stand out in a crowded market. He drew inspiration from the company’s name, which is derived from the Afrikaans word for antelope, “rhebok.”

Heckler’s initial idea was to create a logo that featured an antelope, but he soon realized that this would be too complicated and difficult to reproduce on different surfaces and materials. Instead, he turned his attention to the idea of protection and shelter, which led him to the concept of an umbrella.

The umbrella symbolizes protection from the elements, whether it’s rain, sun, or snow. It also represents the idea of shelter and safety, which are important values for any athletic brand. The red, white, and blue color scheme was chosen to reflect Reebok’s American heritage and to convey a sense of patriotism and national pride.

The logo was an instant hit and quickly became synonymous with the Reebok brand. It has been used on everything from shoes and clothing to advertising and marketing materials. The logo has undergone a few minor changes over the years, but the basic design has remained the same.

In conclusion, the story behind Reebok’s iconic umbrella logo is one of creativity, inspiration, and innovation. Terry Heckler’s design has stood the test of time and has become one of the most recognizable logos in the world of sports and fashion. The logo continues to symbolize Reebok’s commitment to protection, safety, and excellence.

Reebok is a well-known sports brand that has been around for over a century. The brand’s logo, which features an umbrella-like shape, has become iconic in the world of sportswear. But what is the story behind this distinctive logo? Let’s take a closer look.

The Origins of the Reebok Logo

The Reebok brand was founded in 1895 in Bolton, England, by Joseph William Foster. Foster began making athletic shoes in his bedroom and eventually expanded his business to include running spikes. The name “Reebok” comes from the Afrikaans word for a type of antelope, which Foster believed was a symbol of speed and grace.

The Evolution of the Reebok Logo

Over the years, the Reebok logo has undergone several changes. The original logo featured the company name in a stylized font. In the 1950s, the logo was updated to include a Union Jack flag, reflecting the brand’s British heritage.

In the 1980s, Reebok began to focus on the fitness market, and the logo was updated once again. The new logo featured a red, white, and blue vector symbol, which became known as the “Delta” logo. The Delta symbol represented the three sides of a triangle, which symbolized the physical, mental, and social aspects of fitness.

The Birth of the Umbrella Logo

In 1992, Reebok introduced its current logo, which features an umbrella-like shape. The logo was designed by a New York-based design firm called Chermayeff & Geismar. The firm was tasked with creating a logo that would be instantly recognizable and would represent the brand’s commitment to fitness and performance.

The umbrella shape was chosen for a few reasons. First, it is a universal symbol of protection and shelter, which ties into the brand’s commitment to protecting and supporting athletes. Second, the shape is dynamic and visually interesting, which helps the logo stand out in a crowded market.

The Impact of the Reebok Logo

The Reebok logo has become one of the most recognizable logos in the world of sportswear. The logo is featured on everything from shoes and clothing to marketing materials and advertising campaigns. The logo has come to represent not just the Reebok brand, but also the values of fitness, performance, and excellence.

Conclusion

The Reebok logo has a rich history and has evolved over time to reflect the brand’s changing focus and values. The current umbrella logo is a symbol of protection, support, and dynamic movement, and has become an iconic part of the Reebok brand.