Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review: First Impressions and On-Court Experience
When I first slipped into the Reebok Angel Reese 1, I immediately realized this was not just another basketball shoe with a name slapped on it. This is Angel Reese’s debut signature sneaker, and as someone who’s spent years playing and testing basketball footwear, I could instantly tell that Reebok put serious thought into this one.
In this detailed Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review, I’ll walk you through my full experience—from the first step-in feel to real on-court performance.
First Impressions and Aesthetics
The first thing that stood out to me was the design. The colorways are impressive—my favorite is the black and white version, which just pops on court. The pearl colorway is solid but not as exciting, while the main launch edition really captures attention.
Unlike some signature sneakers that feel generic, the Angel Reese 1 looks like it was made with purpose. The thicker upper, the layered textures, and the personalized touches like her initials on the outsole make it feel like a true player’s shoe.
I’ve always appreciated when a brand goes beyond the basics in design, and this sneaker does exactly that. It feels bold, modern, and definitely game-ready.
Traction: Reliable but Requires Care
The traction pattern reminded me immediately of Reebok’s Engine A. The outsole design is nearly identical, with only slight modifications around the forefoot. On clean courts, traction was excellent—I felt secure planting, cutting, and stopping on a dime. However, on dusty courts, I did have to wipe the outsole more often than I’d like.
The rubber compound isn’t extremely tacky, but it’s good enough to deliver dependable grip in most situations. For outdoor use, I wouldn’t recommend it. The rubber is on the softer side, so while it’s playable outdoors, I doubt it would last long with heavy use. Indoors, though, it’s a solid performer.
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Cushioning: The Highlight of the Reebok Angel Reese 1
The cushioning system is where this shoe shines. Reebok brought back their ERS (Energy Return System), but instead of old-school tubes, they’ve infused nitrogen-based foam pods that deliver an incredibly comfortable ride.
From the moment I started playing, I noticed how well the cushioning balanced impact protection with responsiveness. The midsole feels a bit high off the ground, so it’s not the most court-feel-focused sneaker, but it never felt unstable or mushy. For me, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review boils down to this: the cushioning is the standout feature. It’s plush, durable, and doesn’t bottom out quickly, which makes it perfect for long sessions.
If you’re someone who values comfort above all else, this sneaker is going to check that box instantly.
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Upper and Materials: Modern and Durable
The build uses textiles with hot-melt overlays, giving it a layered and sturdy feel. Compared to the Engine A, the Angel Reese 1 feels more premium and durable. The materials breathe well enough, especially thanks to the ventilated tongue, which allows heat to escape.
The upper doesn’t just perform well—it looks great too. The design feels like a true signature sneaker, not just a template with a player’s name. That extra effort shows in how secure and supportive the upper feels during play.
One minor drawback: the tongue is a bit puffy, and lacing them up can feel slightly clunky. But honestly, I’d take this over a paper-thin tongue any day.
Fit and Sizing: Go Half a Size Down
Fit is always tricky, but in my experience, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 runs at least half a size too big. I’d strongly recommend trying them on in-store if possible, or just ordering half a size down.
The heel area includes Achilles notches, but they don’t provide much sculpting. While not a dealbreaker, I did feel that heel lockdown could’ve been stronger. That said, once I swapped out the insoles and laced up tightly, the fit improved dramatically.
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Support and Stability
Stability is another strong point here. The base of the shoe is wide, which gave me confidence when shooting and planting my feet for defensive slides. The internal heel counter, paired with an external TPU counter, locks in the rearfoot nicely.
The one area I found lacking was torsional support. There is a torsional plate inside, but the shoe still twists more than I’d like. For players who cut hard laterally, this might be noticeable. Personally, I think a snugger fit (again, half-size down) fixes most of these issues.
Performance on Court: Reebok Angel Reese 1 Performance Review
During games, I found the Reebok Angel Reese 1 to be a reliable performer. The cushioning allowed me to play longer without foot fatigue, the traction gave me confidence on clean courts, and the wide stable base kept me balanced. While not the lightest shoe I’ve worn, it didn’t feel heavy either. It strikes a great balance between comfort and performance.
I also appreciated how durable the upper felt. After multiple sessions, there were no signs of tearing or breakdown, which makes me confident about its long-term value.
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Pros and Cons: Reebok Angel Reese 1
Pros:
- Incredibly comfortable cushioning (ERS foam pods are a win)
- Stylish, signature-level design
- Wide, stable base perfect for balance and shooting
- Durable upper with good ventilation
- Secure heel counter
Cons:
- Runs half a size too big—fit adjustment needed
- Traction struggles on dusty courts
- Torsional support could be stronger
- Puffy tongue makes lacing slightly awkward
- Not ideal for outdoor use
Final Verdict: Is the Reebok Angel Reese 1 Worth It?
After spending significant time in these sneakers, I can confidently say that the Reebok Angel Reese 1 is a strong debut for Angel Reese and for Reebok’s modern basketball line. The comfort alone makes it stand out, and when paired with its stable design and bold aesthetics, it delivers a complete package for indoor players.
It’s not perfect—traction could be more aggressive, and sizing needs adjustment—but those are small trade-offs compared to the overall performance. If you’re looking for a basketball shoe that offers elite-level comfort with dependable performance, the Reebok Angel Reese 1 is worth considering.
For me, this review proves that Reebok is taking basketball seriously again, and I’m excited to see what they build on from here.
Jason Cole is a passionate sneaker writer and basketball shoe reviewer with years of experience in the world of athletic footwear. Combining deep product knowledge with a genuine love for the game, Jason delivers in-depth reviews and insights that help players choose the right performance sneakers for their style and needs. His articles break down every detail — from traction and cushioning to support and fit — making them a trusted resource for both casual hoopers and serious athletes.
Over the years, Jason has tested and analyzed hundreds of basketball shoes from top brands like Nike, Adidas, Jordan, Puma, and Under Armour. His hands-on approach and honest feedback make his reviews stand out for their accuracy and authenticity. Whether it’s the latest signature model or a hidden gem on the court, Jason’s expertise helps readers find the perfect pair to elevate their performance.
When he’s not writing or testing sneakers, Jason follows the latest trends in basketball culture, exploring how innovation, style, and performance come together in modern sportswear. His goal is simple — to guide every reader toward the ideal basketball shoe that blends comfort, technology, and court-ready confidence.
