How Reebok Pumps Took Over the World, With Inventor Paul Litchfield | The Complex Sneakers Show

Paul Litchfield is a mad scientist, a shoe dog with decades of experience, and the innovator who created the original Reebok Pump. In this episode, he talks about his long history in footwear and the Pump’s iconic lineage from Dee Brown and Dominique Wilkins to Jackie Chan and John Cena. Litchfield, a fireball of Irish-American energy, has truly seen it all in sneakers. Lately he’s been making footwear at GoRuck, a company that’s laser-focused on legit training gear. Ahead of the Litchfield interview, cohosts Joe La Puma, Brendan Dunne, and Matt Welty talk about the return of the “Flu Game” Air Jordan 12, the Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3, and the “Metallic” Air Jordan 5 retro.
0:00 - 1:12: Intro
1:13 - 2:41: Episode Topics
2:42 - 5:40: Air Jordan 12 “Flu Game” is Returning
5:41 - 9:43: LeBron’s “Vote Back” Sneakers
9:44 - 11:51: UConn Huskies National Championship
11:52 - 14:18: A Ma Maniere x Air Jordan 3
14:19 - 16:25: Air Jordan 5 “Black Metallic” Retro
16:26 - 17:54: WrestleMania 2024
17:55 23:04: Nina Chanel Abney x Air Jordan 3 Collab
23:05 - 23:48: Paul Litchfield Joins the Podcast
23:49 - 25:03: Sneaker Cam
25:04 40:29: Story Behind Inventing the Reebok Pump
40:30 - 44:39: Advertising the Reebok Pump
44:40 -46:33: Reebok Shaq Attaq
46:34 - 49:53:The Reebok Pump’s Influence on Pop Culture
49:54 - 49:55: Creating the Reebok Instapump Fury
53:40 - 55:36: Working with Jackie Chan and 50 Cent
55:37 - 56:45: Chanel x Reebok Instapump Fury
56:46 - 1:00:17: Why Paul Chose GoRuck
1:00:18 - 1:02:21: ALife x Reebok Court Victory Pump “Ball Out”
1:02:22 - 1:03:58: John Cena Wearing Reebok Pumps
1:03:59 - 1:11:03 Creating Shoes for GoRuck
1:16:00 - 1:19:40: GoRuck Discount Code - 20% Off
1:19:41 - 1:20:06: Outro
Subscribe to Complex on KZbin: / complex
Check out more of Complex here:
www.complex.com
/ complex
/ complex
/ complex
COMPLEX is a community of creators and curators, armed with the Internet, committed to surfacing and sharing the voices and conversations that define our new America. Our videos exemplify convergence culture, exploring topics that include music, sneakers, style, sports, and pop culture through original shows and Complex News segments. Featuring your favorite celebrities, authoritative commentary, and a unique voice, our videos make culture pop.

[@Complex]

What's the best Reebok Pump shoe of all time?

[@Smith559]

Easy The TZ was and is the best one they've done

[@V0ltron]

Twilight zones or SXT's in the 1990.

[@e-ross5893]

Dee Browns or the alfe victory tennis ball felt ones

[@BookerT69]

The mid basketball jawns

[@RyeIcatar]

Twilight Zone and Instapump Fury

[@HeylookitsElias76]

This might be my favorite guest of 2024 so far. Paul’s enthusiasm for footwear breathes a whole new life into the meaning of shoe dog. His excitement for sneakers is CONTAGIOUS!

[@KyJinx177]

We in 2024 gang

[@gfeast4518]

@@KyJinx177he a little slow

[@HoonAgain]

Someone’s got a time machine 🤫

[@rawvisiondotcom]

Definitely up there for sure x2

[@williamsmith9315]

Totally opposite to Welty.

[@gabemarquez4634]

That was one of the greatest episodes. Loved his energy and enthusiasm for what he did.

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Joe literally ran through a wall right after we turned the cameras off.

[@theicemankk]

You know the term “sneakerhead” gets thrown around a lot these days. That term must be reserved for OG’s like Paul. Such an exciting episode. Loved it. Keep it up complex.

[@al3xaguirr3]

This is one of the best interviews and guests you've had on. Insanely knowledgeable and PASSIONATE about shoes and the history behind it. Engaging all the way

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Paul was so awesome partly because of his ability to get into the real science of shoes.

[@NorthridgeOG]

Is this the first time someone has come with a discount code?! Genius!!

[@ryanrobicheaux3896]

That was THE BEST episode of the show by miles. Paul Litchfield is so passionate about what he does, and such a great story teller. What a cool cool show. Could've watched another hour.

[@markphillips1439]

I love this guys passion. Plus its refreshing to listen to someone talk without being interrupted.

[@kyleelliott512]

Love this guy. Super genuine and friendly, very smart and fits right in. Love how he continues to call the guys by their names lol

[@trevor5400]

You can tell he loves what he's doing, a real OG

[@MotaRolla]

Yooo welty got the Chalino tee on. He’s forever invited to the carne asada.

[@06mikerome]

1000%

[@hectormerc350]

Mexican approves cabrones !

[@projectoropeza]

1000%

[@areksoo]

That white Reebok Pump high top was my first sneaker momment as a kid. It was on a family road trip to NYC where we just happened to stumble upon the release of the shoes. In a moment of weakness, my dad bought me the shoes... that weakness never happened again. Living in Toronto, I was the cool kid with the Pumps as nobody was able to get a pair for months in Toronto. Those shoe unlocked the sneakhead in me.

[@cliftonbrown4051]

Double up?

[@tomc2491]

toronto represent

[@joeymaniel3649]

"Parlay fit” comedy gold Welty

[@BookerT69]

Yeah that meme was great

[@peterrossini6345]

Absolute zinger !!! Welty strikes again

[@rockN]

Never change Welt!!

[@MetaMan09]

I love when the convos go on and it’s not about sneakers, that’s what makes it more personal for us, it’s what made the JBP great, hearing the topics and the random rants that let us get to know you !

[@stuartswanton1676]

I love how he is just as passionate about what he's working on now as what he worked on 30-40 years ago. Would be amazing to have a joint pod with him and Steven Smith

[@brendandunnecomplex]

I don't think the world is ready.

[@ashtonturner2862]

What a sneaker legend!

[@EdS540]

One of the best episodes. Top tier guest his passion and energy is great.

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Also his accent.

[@davidp1192]

Thank you for this show. It was good to hear from Paul about the birth of the Pump. I especially love the stories about the manufacturing process.

[@jourdansungkar1430]

i can't stop watching these episodes, i clocked 4-5 episodes in one sitting. Best show ever

[@lusitano313]

Has to be the nicest guest to ever be on the show and definitely knowledgeable

[@IntegranWo1]

This was one of the best episodes ever of this podcast. I could listen to Paul talk for hours about the creation of Reebok pumps and other great models. Shoutout to JLP for captaining this discussion. I loved the reactions to what was being said. Excellent job!

[@myles.decoito]

Best pod in a minute. So deep. The PASSION!!!

[@HelmerandRawlins]

What a fun and interesting interview! Well done

[@wbrouilette]

Paul was truly fantastic! 👏

[@bern717]

What an absolute legendary guest 💪🏽💪🏽

[@elduderino4579]

Wow how’s the passion and knowledge of this guy 40 years later?!! I absolutely loved this episode. One of the best on this channel so far. I recently copped a couple pairs of Reebok Pumps and I really enjoy wearing them. So much character and they’re super comfy 🔥

[@Triniboywonda]

This has to be a top 3 episode of the podcast!!!! Amazing guest!

[@adamneustaedter4820]

What a great episode. Love the passion he still has for footwear

[@kriscast]

This man needs a say in EVERY shoe made, across all companies

[@gerardomontesm]

Very good episode! Very genuine guy and loves his craft. I appreciate that he keeps it real and is not afraid to talk about the whole sneaker industry and is still a student of the game.

[@TheSneakerBench]

They're back!!

[@ahkeem_thedream]

Dunne with the Alone in Vegas reference 🔥🔥🔥 god level Push

[@Bball360Academy]

Just watch this episode and that guest do passionate about his job and love what he do was crazy and we need more people like this. Grt job guys

[@l3m0n0sc1ty]

Two things he stated was he is a “student of his craft, so he’s always learning” and “he loves what he does” from a company standpoint those are your star employees you need to take care of. From an employee standpoint, even if to him he was “just doing his job/trying to keep his job” it clearly paid off in the experiences and places he’s been to where he is now. Like Joe said, Paul’s passion is very infectious.

[@mojossancuary2780]

Great interview. You guys need more people from the industry on Complex. Great job boys

[@mariorodriguez9924]

Welty love the fit. Great show guys. This theropy for me

[@albertsantoyo975]

Welty’s Shirt definitely the highlight of the episode.. 💯

[@blackguardunlimeted]

hands down best episode, you can feel the energy and passion !

[@benzero7928]

Absolutely best guest you have ever had. Incredible history and passion.

[@JackMainard-oe2wd]

Epic episode, need to get this man back in the future.. so many untold stories in that brain! Well done lads

[@TheCoolhanddan83]

Tremendous episode guys, thanks for this!

[@jacobkrebs745]

This episode was absolutely amazing, loved every second

[@tq3750]

Great show and shout out to man who stands behind the birth of the Reebok pumps my favorite shoes of all time 💯🔥

[@tyleranderson7857]

Hands down the best episode.

[@coolbugfacts1234]

goruck bags are legit, I've had my GR1 since 2016 and I've sent it in for repairs twice from rucking with it and abusing it. I got a full main zipper replacement for free

[@TheMancunianCandidate]

Great interview, man I remember the Pump’s dropping when I was at school. There was maybe 2 people in the entire place with a pair of Pumps, they were very expensive for the time. I begged for a pair and was denied. Forgot about them for years until recently and finally got around to buying a pair just the other week. Pure nostalgia!

[@spoonv]

Always loved Pumps, and love them more because of this episode. He's seems like a no BS guy, is the exact person you want an opinion from

[@terpynews5458]

I had these as a kid and I can vividly remember stopping a game of basketball to pump up. Definitely made me jump higher! (So I thought) 😂😂

[@007Stefan]

I called Reebok 2019 for the 30th Anniversary & was told they had no plans. I pray they retro this 35th.

[@F4GRAPHICS]

I like this podcast more and more, keep up the good work guys

[@ayekaloji]

brings tears to my eyes every time footwear designers pull up to the show. absolutely legendary episode, wow so much detail, shoutout to Paul!! 🤌😮‍💨

[@tommccabe7351]

Love these shoe dog episodes. Cool guys are great, but we need more industry freaks on the show. Such a great watch.

[@danielmacalonan8554]

Man, this is one of the best episodes I’ve heard in a long time. Love it.

[@HERBALSDUDE]

Love fellas needed you guys back 🫶🏽🙏🏽

[@nightwingjm78]

Mad Respect!!!!

[@ketty1536]

What a fantastic man! Professional and passionate!

[@chrisscanlan8819]

Welty and Dunne's sneaker knowledge is so much deeper than pple realize. Great guest, Paul is a great guy

[@GORUCK]

he's an OK guy, let's not go overboard :)

[@johnd5521]

The Blacktop Pump in green and black were my first pumps. Now love insta pump fury

[@nickinthecut69]

Awesome episode, really loved Paul’s enthusiasm and ability to spread knowledge to us. There seemed to be a lot of chemistry and such a connect between everyone. Definitely the best episode of the year so far.

[@lushawn5948]

Great episode with a great guest. He's genuinely proud of his work. You can hear the excitements in his voice even after so many years. Pumps are def one the most iconic sneakers of all time.

[@husamkhan9694]

Phenomenal episode, great questions and conversations!

[@larryfresh4156]

Man, I’m a Nike head thru & thru but I have to say that the episodes with the shoe dogs of Reebok are some of the best so far regarding sneaker history! So good! Respect! 🫡

[@BookerT69]

Really like this episode! Love Reebok and their history.

[@zyzzuschrist3410]

Love his passion

[@garyw944]

What a Legend ! Thanks for the walk down 'Memory Lane ' Litch !

[@aleshutsko]

Favourite guest this year. So informative. True OG

[@kylehorner9562]

Another amazing episode guys. The guests recently are HITTING.

[@beardfamous5614]

One of the best episodes to date!

[@kschiebs]

those ballistic trainer colorways for the CF Games are 🔥🔥

[@lensofalexander]

favorite sneaker of all time!

[@mannygarcia1764]

Loving the shirt Matt

[@mrotaveria]

Inspiring and funny chat, loved the episode!

[@SELECTVIBES]

love this guy

[@QueMusiQ]

I have two of em. New for less than a hunnid on reseller sites. Good retro nostalgic pieces in my collection.

[@jeffflores7028]

welty with the Corrido vibe t-shirt!!! LFG!!!

[@jameslovesbutter2314]

Fantastic episode

[@daviddownes6402]

Congrats to UCONN Men’s Basketball squad 💪 Shout out to Coach Danny Hurley and to Jersey City! My place of birth.

[@hectormerc350]

Every time Joe says we’re back means there’s two more weeks of no podcast

[@imm311]

Excellent video! God bless you all. Praying for you.

[@nicknack852]

Great pod, so glad I bought a pair of pumps a month ago. Paul is so passionate in all this, really good to see.

[@benhimmself]

Great Vid! Great guest awesome story telling

[@user-jd7hz2xc5b]

Reebok reebok RBK for Life

[@yeshuarc]

Get Salehe and JFG on the podcast. They have been on an insane run 🔥🔥🔥

[@apenasmarcosfelipe]

they have been to the podcast but I wouldn't mind if they came on to talk about the new stuff, it's so fresh

[@O_alquimista_6]

Props to Welty for wearing that Chalino Sanchez shirt...🤝

[@SirPierreSe]

What a wonderful guy!

[@mikekabashi]

Another Friday with the boys! Solid episode 🫡

[@tehreconz117]

Awesome interview, gonna start rucking

[@GORUCK]

This is the way.

[@sj_haikal]

the best episode ever!

[@alwayslatenate4345]

Wonderful episode and enjoyed it, Paul is a soldier 👏

[@arturomcneil5919]

I love this episode

[@TVSOUNDSYSTEM]

I had a pair and wore them on my first visit to Jamaica in 91. It was wild with people surrounding me daily wanting me to pump them up 😆

[@brendandunnecomplex]

Need a video of that interaction.

[@KeyKiller74]

Love Reebok pumps my first pair were the Black tops would love to see Reebok bring them back.

[@andrewarceo2741]

Matt’s shirt 🫡

[@christophwong6085]

The boys are back, time to start the weekend straight ⚡️

[@angelCarrillo-kr4hp]

Matt chill like that ! 🐐 tee🔥 & really good guest !!!

[@Andyspacejam]

Great episode

[@hectorflores2753]

Bro Matt is wearing the Chalino Sanchez tee!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@estebanbarron6817]

Welty On That Chalino 🔥🔥

[@romanhector21]

Great guest!

[@travelandeats8518]

Huskies jacket tho. Went to the uconn men’s basketball championship parade today. Hartford CT. Back to back !!!