Verdict from 62 user reviews
9 reasons to buy
- Heaps of Iverson fans are happy with this reissue as it looks really close, almost identical, to the 2001 original Reebok Answer Vs.
- A handful of shoppers praise its timeless silhouette as “straight-up fire” and “perfectly made for streetwear.
- Some testers prefer the DMX air-pocketed sole of the Vs over the DMX foam of the IVs, pointing out that the former delivers superior comfort and cushioning.
- Its plush white tumbled leather upper feels top-grade and soft and looks amazing, according to many customers.
- The Answer V is well-built, with no visible glue marks anywhere, as observed by some users.
- A few testers are surprised that the newly modified outsole tread is thicker and has more traction than the original Vs.
- Several customers have shared about people staring at the shoes and then complementing them.
- A good deal of wearers appreciates the overall simplicity of the design, which looks smooth and clean on feet.
- The majority of reviewers highly recommend the Answer V to everyone, especially to all Iverson fans.
4 reasons not to buy
- As the Answer V is only available in a single colorway, some fans are requesting more options, such as black/silver and black/red.
- It lacks breathability, according to a handful of reviewers.
- Several users dislike that its collar doesn’t offer as much padding as the original.
- A few wearers find the toe box area a little bit roomy that their toes don’t touch with the upper.
Bottom line
Though it seems long overdue, Reebok finally answers the pleas of Iverson fans by reissuing the historic 2001 Answer V and labeling it under the Classics umbrella. Loyal fans and collectors regard it as a near-perfect replica of the original.
The upper is comprised of high-quality tumbled leather with pearlized synthetic overlays. It’s decked with all authentic Iverson details. Inside its chunky EVA midsole is the famous air-cushioning system from the Reebok DMX series. The Answer V is not only a nostalgic reissue but also a brilliant sneaker in its own right.
Tip: see the best sneakers.
Good to know
The Answer V is available in both men’s and women’s sizing. It is high-top model, though its collar looks lower than the usual and almost like a mid-top. At the heel lies a hook-and-loop-strap that tightens or loosens the padding around the ankle.
Besides that, it runs on a traditional lace-up closure to lock the foot in with a custom fit. Lastly, it features a unique lacing shroud, which is an extension of the synthetic overlay.
Its clean, crisp-looking leather upper and chunky silhouette call out to the early 2000s, wherein the fashion of times is still thoroughly ’90s—unabashedly loose and baggy clothing. That said, the Answer Vs oozes with streetwise hooper vibes that pump up a variety of casual and sporty outfits.
It pairs up best with a fat pair of denim, joggers, sweatpants, shorts, and khakis. For tops, a jersey, tank-top, plain tee, jacket, or hoodie will do the job. To finish the hip-hop look, one can put on a shiny bling-bling. Still, this kind of kick also works well with the modern, minimalist style. Outfits such as tapered-down sweatpants and slim-fit jeans accentuate the sneaker’s beefy silhouette.
Lastly, the Answer V is available in a single, yet iconic, colorway, the white/power red. It is also dubbed as the “All-Star colorway” since Allen Iverson had worn it during the 2002 NBA All-Star Game.
The Answer V returns true to form, but with subtle changes in the material to make it more streetwise, such as the dropping off the “All-Star 2002” embroidery on the heel tab. But the Answer V’s iconic silhouette remains untouched. The nostalgic retro vibes and almost all authentic details are kept intact.
Details include the following: the “I3” logo on the sidewall, overlay, and outsole; Iverson signatures in heel and outsole; and Iverson graphic photo printed on the sock liner. It also features all other trademarks. The hook-and-loop heel strap is retained, and the synthetic overlay still extends from the midsole up and over the mesh tongue. Lastly, the EVA midsole is cushioned with the patent DMX Flow technology.
The release of the Answer V follows the wake of Allen Iverson’s unbelievable MVP season (2002–2001). That season, Iverson brought the ’76ers to the top of the Eastern Conference and faced the eventual champion Lakers in the finals. Though the ’76ers lost in five games, Iverson cemented his reputation and legacy with his unforgettable gutsy performance (esp. that famous step-over on Tyron Lue on game 1). Since then, Iverson has become more and more of a basketball and cultural icon.
Released in 2001, Iverson’s fifth signature sneaker has picked up steam from that historic 2000-2001 run. Iverson rocked the Answer Vs throughout the 2001–2002 season, in multiple colorways. One of the most notable was the flagship colorway of the Answer V, the white/power red, as Iverson wore it during the 2002 NBA All-Star Game held in his Philly hometown.
Before it was retro-ed in its original colorway, the Answer V has first made its reappearance in ComplexCon 2019. It was featured in two collaborative color palettes designed by Eric Emanuel: flat yellow and hot pink. Notably, Emanuel was the first person to touch and tweak the Iverson logo.
With this timely throwback, Reebok has responded to the demand of their loyal fans. As of now, Reebok is planning to launch old and new colorways in premium releases.
- Allen Iverson, who was enshrined in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016, had signed a lifetime deal with Reebok back in 2001.
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