Reebok was founded in the late 1800s by Joseph William Foster, a brit who specialized in manufacturing trackshoes for runners. Reebok remained British until the 70's / 80s when an American - Paul Fireman - bought the company. It was during the 80's that Reebok launched a shoe that really made an impression on the market - Freestyle ™ became the first athletically designed shoe for women, and it was a perfect fit for the new aerobics dance workout.