2022 has been a year of renaissance for fans of the DC Extended Universe. Not only did Dwayne Johnson’s electrifying portrayal of “Black Adam” finally hit the big screen, but we also got the news that Henry Cavill is back and will be reprising his Bulletproof presentation of Superman to boot. With the dominance of our heroes in Hollywood, many fans and athletes want to emulate these superpowers with crossover clothing and footwear that they can take to their field or arena. M&F took a deep dive into some of the best kit available right now to find out why sharing comic books works so well, whatever our goals.
“The initial idea to collaborate with DC came from finding a property that worked well with Shaq and his rookie signature shoe, the ‘Shaq Attaq,’ and Shaq’s famous ‘Man of Steel’ tattoo.” It made it a natural fit,” says Rich DiLando, global director of product management at Reebok – street culture and energy collaborations. “When we started looking at other DC characters, Wonder Woman’s superpowers were the perfect inspiration for Nano. From there, our team developed this great ‘hero vs. villain’ story and Reebok’s iconic ‘Classics’ models.” combined with wildly popular characters like Harley Quinn, Batman, the Joker, and Lex Luthor. The result is a line that has something for everyone, whether you root for the hero or the villain.”
Choose your ideal superhero (or villain) training partner.
The DC/Reebok collection invites fans to choose between good and bad with lifestyle and performance super sneakers. Featured characters include Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Lex Luthor, The Joker and Harley Quinn. This comic book themed shoe is a line of unisex apparel that also includes a collection of matching graphic tees and hoodies.
You can mount your ‘Attic’ with shoes that take advantage of the basketball icon’s strength and speed and combine them with Superman’s all-important superpowers. Shaq’s training boots reference elements such as the Man of Steel’s “S” emblem, X-ray vision, and ice-cold breath. And, with unisex sizes 5.5 – 13, big kids of all ages can get in on the action. Each comic book icon shoe perfectly fits your favorite character: Batman shoes feature a reflective Batman logo on the tongue, and are completed with Wonder Woman NANO X2 (also unisex) laces that Symbolizes ‘lasso of truth’. (To see the full DC / Reebok range, Click here.)
Can’t choose hero or villain? Why not choose the ultimate anti-hero?
With Project Rock’s granite-like captain Dwayne Johnson portraying “Black Adam,” you already knew an Under Armor collaboration was on its way, but when it came, It certainly delivered. “We believe Dwayne was the first actor in a superhero role who didn’t use a bodysuit to get into character,” says Sheldon Donnell, senior director of athlete solutions at Under Armour. “We knew it was our job at UA to provide Dwayne with the tools and products he needed in his training to help him achieve this superhuman goal.”
Fortunately, the same training products are available to us mere mortals, including a black, gold, and seriously padded version of the PR5 training shoes, as well as solid gym gear for intrepid men and women. “Dwayne’s love for the PR5 gave birth to this collection. The PR5s were a canvas for the film’s colors and storytelling,” says Jonathan Hatian, Senior PLM Performance Footwear at UA. “Every time I pull out my PR5s and lace up, I’m so inspired by that last tie and I’m ready to run off the wall,” explains Johnson himself. And, while running through walls is probably best reserved for the giants of the DCU, it’s certainly possible to blast through training plateaus when you’re feeling inspired in your gym clothes.
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