Allen Iverson’s Reebok Answer IV Is Back in ‘Red Stepover’
Out of all the silhouettes in the sneaker resurgence, the was king during its 2000 heyday, and it’s still king now. AI was wearing this model when he stepped over Tyronn Lue during the 2001 NBA Finals, and it has been the flagship model for the reactivation of the Hall of Famer’s sneaker line. For the IV’s next release, Reebok have draped the silhouette in another ‘Bred’ inspired ‘Black/Flash Red’ ensemble, last seen on the pair in a .
First released in 2000, the Answer IV became the face of Allen Iverson’s most successful season the next year. In 2001, AI led the in scoring, averaging 31.1 points per game, carrying the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. While the shoe’s fame could stop there, it was further cemented in history as the pair Iverson was wearing when during a legacy-defining in-game moment. AI crossed up Tyronn Lue, causing the Los Angeles Laker guard to lose his footing and fall on the hardwood. This was followed by Iverson draining a deep 2-point jump shot, taunting the Lakers bench by nonchalantly stepping over the fallen Lue. It's that moment that gives the colourway its name, 'Red Stepover.'
For this latest colourway of The Reebok Answer IV, it appears Reebok Basketball President and Vice President Allen Iverson himself have decided to stick with what works. The last ‘Flash Red’ colourway from 2021 sported a black leather upper with a crimson overlay fading towards the heel. This new ‘Black/Flash Red’ tincture sees the colour scheme cut in half. A ‘Core Black’ tint with a matte finish coats the bottom, from the toe box to the heel counter with the DMX foam midsole and rubber outsole matching below. The top of the shoe is fixed with the ‘Flash Red’ shading, covering the top of the tongue, collar, and spilling over to the inner lining and heel tab. AI's likeness stares out from the sole beneath the inscription, ‘Only The Strong Survive’
The Reebok Answer IV ‘Red Stepover’ is set to release on December 8 for $170 retail.