Despite being only in her sophomore WNBA season, Angel Reese is already cementing her status as a legend. From her remarkable rebounding prowess, which sparked the viral “mebounds” phenomenon, to the upcoming release of her very own signature shoe, the Angel Reese 1, the Chicago Sky power forward is making monumental moves. In an exclusive interview, Reese offers insights into her new Reebok shoe, her unique style, and her unwavering commitment to authenticity.
From ‘Mebounds’ to Signature Shoes: A Rapid Ascent
Angel Reese’s impact extends far beyond the basketball court. Her exceptional rebounding skills, particularly those secured off her own missed shots, earned the clever moniker “mebounds” from a podcaster, which quickly became a social media sensation. Reese, ever the savvy businesswoman, capitalized on this moment by filing a trademark and launching successful merchandise on her website, even donating some proceeds to her cyberbullying foundation.
Adding to her growing list of achievements, Reese announced on July 9 that her signature basketball shoe, the Angel Reese 1, would be released sooner than anticipated. Originally slated for 2026, Reebok bumped up the release date to September 18 due to overwhelming excitement. This makes Reese only the second player in WNBA history—and the first in nearly three decades—to have a signature shoe with Reebok, a brand she has fronted since its return to basketball two years ago.
The Angel Reese 1: Style, Story, and Unapologetic Self
The first drop of the Angel Reese 1 will feature three distinct colorways: “Diamond Dust” (white with mother-of-pearl accents), “Receipts Ready” (black and white with red accents), and, of course, the all-pink “Mebounds.” Reese revealed that each shoe name and color tells a story related to her life or career. The shoe’s design intricately reflects her “unapologetically herself” personality, prioritizing versatility for both on-court performance and off-court fashion moments like tunnel ‘fits, events, and even music videos for her artist friends.
The shoes include subtle “Easter eggs” in their design, such as her initials “AR” on the sole and a halo emoji on the bottom—a nod to her name. Alongside the footwear, Reese will launch a signature apparel collection with Reebok, featuring graphic tees, sweatshirts, sweatpants, and cropped tanks that pay homage to her bold energy and distinctive off-court style. Reese envisions a future where Reebok, with her signature line, returns to its old-school glory, becoming a household name like Jordans.
Role Model, Record Breaker, and Future Goals
Angel Reese deeply values her role as an inspiration, especially for young Black girls. “If you can see it, you can be it,” she states, emphasizing the importance of providing role models she didn’t always have growing up. Her journey, including moments like achieving a triple-double this season, serves as a powerful testament to what is possible.
Despite breaking numerous records, Reese’s ultimate goals are clear: she prioritizes winning a WNBA championship and earning an Olympic gold medal over individual statistics. She also candidly shares her approach to personal styling, noting that she now curates most of her “tunnel ‘fits” herself, blending high-end brands with her unique flair. When asked about her favorite signature shoe of all time, her answer is simple and confident: “Mine.” She also expressed a desire for WNBA teams in Houston and Miami, wishing for the return of Houston’s team. Among other personal insights, she names Kobe Bryant as the NBA player she’d want to play one-on-one, and “Love & Basketball” as her favorite movie.
