The Foster family had been hand-making running shoes since the late 19th century, supplying the likes of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams - later immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire - as well as providing boots to most football league clubs. But a feud between Joe Foster’s father and his uncle about the direction of J W Foster & Sons prompted Joe and his brother Jeff to leave the family business and set up a new company. Inspired by the success of brands such as Adidas, Reebok was born and Joe’s ambitions were sky-high.

At first, money was so tight that Joe, Jeff and their wives all lived in their rundown factory, with the heavy shoe-making machinery strategically placed to avoid the floor collapsing. As the business grew in fits and starts, Joe’s vision for the brand became ever clearer and the setbacks, near bankruptcies and tough lessons only served to push Joe and reebok harder towards the ultimate goal: breaking America

While Reebok continued to be known for it’s excellent running shoes, it’s big break came thanks to the aerobics craze of the 1980’s. Soon Reeboks were on Hollywoods red carpets, on the feet of rock stars and even played a starring role in Aliens when Sigourney Weaver took down extra-terrestrials in a pair of Reebok Alien Stompers.

Shoemaker tell Joe Foster’s inspiring story, revealing the grit, hard choices and personal sacrifices that go into creating a world beating brand. It’s a take of belief - with the right products and the right vision, the risks can pay off and a family business in a small factory in Bolton can be transformed into a global phenomenon.

Connect with Joe & buy his book Shoemaker out now:

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/reebokthefounder/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/reebokfounder

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-foster-a38a4b10b/

Buy his book here:

https://www.booktopia.com.au/shoemaker-joe-foster/book/9781471194023.html?source=pla&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8IaGBhCHARIsAGIRRYruZKQwhfeEeMhOVYCbyB_LsZpIbCtn944_2Xe9_S8YHvdm92LiwcsaAk_uEALw_wcB

https://www.amazon.com.au/Shoemaker-Reebok-Untold-Lancashire-Changed-ebook/dp/B081ZCM7LJ

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