Streetwear Queen April Walker Gives Reebok’s Freestyle Hi a Bold New Voice
I still remember my first pair of Reebok Freestyle His. It was 1989, and I’d saved up babysitting money for weeks to buy them. White with those iconic double straps, they made me feel like I was floating. I wore them until they literally fell apart—to dance class, to the mall, everywhere. That’s the thing about iconic sneakers; they aren’t just shoes. They’re time machines.
So when I heard that streetwear pioneer April Walker was reimagining the Freestyle Hi, I practically spilled my morning coffee all over my keyboard. This isn’t just any collaboration; it’s a meeting of legends that’s giving me all kinds of nostalgic feels while pushing women’s empowerment forward.
When Streetwear Royalty Meets Sneaker History
If you don’t know April Walker, let me catch you up. Before “streetwear” was even a recognized term, Walker was dressing hip-hop royalty through her label Walker Wear. The woman was outfitting Tupac and Biggie when most of today’s hypebeast designers were still playing with Legos. She’s basically the godmother of the culture that now dominates fashion.
Last week, I got a sneak peek at what Walker and Reebok have cooked up for their Women’s History Month collection, and let’s just say my wallet is already giving me the side-eye. The centerpiece is a reimagined Freestyle Hi that had me audibly gasping in my very quiet office (sorry, not sorry to my coworkers).
These Aren’t Your Mother’s Aerobics Sneakers
The updated Freestyle Hi feels both familiar and revolutionary. Walker has wrapped the classic silhouette in this gorgeous hairy suede that I wanted to reach through my screen and touch. There are these unexpected metallic gold accents that catch the light in a way that makes them feel special but not flashy—kinda like that perfect amount of jewelry that makes an outfit pop without trying too hard.
What struck me most wasn’t just how good they looked (and trust me, they look GOOD), but how Walker managed to maintain the essence of what made the original Freestyle Hi so important. When these sneakers first dropped in the ’80s, they weren’t just aerobics shoes—they were among the first athletic footwear designed specifically for women. They represented female strength before “girl power” was a marketing slogan.
Walker gets that history and builds on it beautifully. The reimagined kicks feel like they’re saying, “Yeah, we’ve come a long way, but we’re still climbing.”
Not Just Sneakers: A Whole Vibe
The collection isn’t stopping at footwear. There’s this jumpsuit that’s giving me serious utilitarian-meets-runway vibes. I can totally see myself wearing it to the farmer’s market on Sunday morning and then straight to dinner with friends without missing a beat.
My absolute favorite piece might be the fleece crew with empowering messages woven throughout. It looks like that perfect sweatshirt that you “borrow” from your best friend and conveniently forget to return because it’s just too comfy to give back.
I tried describing the collection to my husband last night, and he gave me that blank stare that means he’s trying to be supportive but genuinely doesn’t understand why I’m so excited about clothes. Bless his heart. Some things just can’t be explained to the uninitiated.
Fashion That Actually Stands for Something
What makes this collection hit differently is that it’s not just talking the talk. A portion of the proceeds will support Black Girls Sew, a nonprofit that helps young creatives learn design skills. Having volunteered at a similar program in my community a few years back, I’ve seen firsthand how these skills can transform a young person’s confidence and future prospects.
In a world where “women’s empowerment” often feels like an empty marketing phrase slapped onto products, this collaboration seems to genuinely get it. It honors the past while looking forward, celebrates strength without being preachy, and puts actual money behind its message.
Mark Your Calendars (and Budget Accordingly)
The collection drops on March 21, 2025, with the Freestyle Hi retailing at $100. Is that a splurge? Maybe. But considering what these represent—and how versatile they’ll be in my wardrobe—I’m already planning what I’ll need to skip to make room in my budget. Sorry in advance, fancy coffee drinks. You’ll be sacrificed for the greater good.
Will I be online at midnight trying to snag a pair before they sell out? Absolutely. Will I be wearing them with everything from jeans to dresses like it’s 1989 again? You better believe it. Some things just come full circle in the best possible way.
Anyone else planning to grab something from this collection? Let me know in the comments what caught your eye!
