Comments on: If the Shoe Commercial Doesn’t Fit, Don’t Buy It: Reebok Ads High on Objectification, Low on Value

By: jedikitty

jedikitty — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 23:44:48 +0000

So, ok, I have seen the what you seem to call Reebok porn ads, but I still have gone and bought a pair of TrainTones, and today I am buying the Nvee sandals. Many years ago, I bought a pair of the first generation MBTs; very comfy, and great for my posture but, unfortunately, butt-ugly. At least the Reebok ones are much better looking.

As far as I know, these Reebok shoes/sneakers DO work, and they work quite well. My daughter, a very sporty and fit type, bought the sneakers and the flip-flops, and absolutely loves them. I tried them on, too, and the feeling was that of comfort, good fit, and and overall well made shoe.

Frankly, many of you, including the writer of the article, are such drama queens it’s not even funny, much anyway. So Reebok wants to sell shoes that give us better thighs and butts. What’s wrong with that? Are we that jealous and insecure of the (let’s face it) a very good looking model in a piddly commercial, that it puts us in a PMSsy psycho rage, and we just must write everyone and their dog how sexist and chauvinistic these ads are? This is marketing101, people; the companies need to stay afloat and, for that, they need to sell stuff. And “sex sells”, always had and always will. Why aren’t you offended by the VS commercials? The women in these are beautiful, too, and they wear nothing but sexy (albeit ill fitting) bras and panties. Yes, VS sells underwear. Reebok sells what I would call “butt improvement” shoes. And, for that, they actually have to show the good looking butts. Would you buy their EasyTone shoes if the woman in the ads was fat and/or cellulite-ridden? I highly doubt that.

Let me tell you this, I am in my 50s, gained quite a few pounds since my size 3 days, and my backside looks badly dimpled and pitiful. So, should I feel all out of sorts because a (much) younger woman in the ad has the body I once used to have? Who the hell cares! I am getting the shoes for the built-in workout because I am a very busy person and not able to hit the gym whenever I please. But, I can put these shoes on, and walk, and maybe improve my body a bit. Nothing wrong with getting some core strength now, is there? And, for the record, the Reebok clearly stated which footwear is meant for which activity; there are EasyTones, TrainTones, and RunTones, just to name a few flavors, and they are designed with walking, aerobics, or running in mind. Oh, and if my beloved husband bought me these shoes, for whatever reason, I would happily accept the gift.

So, please, put your insecurities aside and give these shoes a chance. Your butts, and spines, just might thank you.

By: Tam

Tam — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 04:18:44 +0000

I had a disagreement about these tasteless commercials with my boyfriend and was thrilled to read I’m not being ridiculous because it seems alot of others feel the same way. Advertising is about targeting a specific market. Who in the world are they targeting? It should be the women who will be buying the shoes but all it did for me is piss me off that I’m sitting watching TV with my family and I have to watch butts jumping out at me for the next couple of minutes. These ads are targeting men, not women. And if a man would buy me a pair of those shoes based on these advertisements I’d burn the shoes. These are chauvenistic advertisements that in my opinion are projecting false advertising. I work out hard and it sure as heck isn’t the pair of shoes that’s going to give me a butt like that. Besides, as some have said, the women in these ads have no butts. But – that’s beside the point. Reebok has stooped to a level I never thought a reputable shoe company could. I’ll take my business elsewhere to a company that doesn’t splash trash across my TV screen. Come on guys, there’s better ways to promote an athletic shoe with taste.

By: Cristy

Cristy — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 04:20:44 +0000

I’m so glade that I’m not the only one that hate that Reebok commercial. Before i had nothing against Reebok, but now i would never buy their shoes. At college, there many programs trying very hard to make the women in the school to love their body the way they are. But you get home, turn on your tv and girl butts are on your face like in these commercial, it is hard to make the world see us as human being not as a body part or a piece of meat.
Ps sorry about my English, it is my second language.

By: MARSILIA bASILE

MARSILIA bASILE — Sun, 02 May 2010 03:50:07 +0000

It looks like a porn commercial for men to relieve themselves. I turn the channel everytime it comes on. I will never buy Reebok again. I like women shown as healthy and athletic and strong. This is done like a type of porn thing.

By: Matt

Matt — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:06:08 +0000

Where is the outrage over the Axe or men body wash commercials. Grow up ladies, you want equal rights and equal treatment, it goes both ways. It’s not a one way street. Right an article about the latest half naked dude on a horse trying to sell “body wash.”

By: maxine

maxine — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:33:29 +0000

Wow, where have I been- I don’t think i’ve seen the commercials on tv. i did see the print ads and got a pair about a month ago- I hate to say it-but i love them. i have a pair of mbt shoes- very clunky. these sneakers are so comfortable I wear them everyday and I wear them on the treadmill- no problems. Wouldn’t think of wearing them to aerobics class- I’m too smart for that. Also, they are good to wear when doing balance excercises-kind of like being on a stability board or bosu ball.So, let’s not ” throw the baby out with the bath water.” They look great-feel great and maybe they have some benefit.Not bad for a sneaker.

By: Roxy

Roxy — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 01:47:31 +0000

The shoes are not meant to be worn while working out or doing any other fitness endeavors. The instability they provide forces the body to work more to stand and walk thus you get a “workout” doing your every day walking around.
They are the same as the MBT’s that have been around for years and cost 3′x as much
They do “work” in you have to use your stabilizing muscles more but they are not going to change your body SO dramatically
Some people do swear by the MBT’s that they have less back pain and better posture etc etc
I will hand this to Reebok the shoes are not near as ugly as the MBT’s are
man that is one ugly shoe

By: TJ

TJ — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:21:16 +0000

I am not so offended by the commercials, I happen to like the Axe commercials will scantily dressed good looking men, but I am unsure about promoting an untested shoe to change your body mechanics while walking. How about injuries? Lateral movements, anybody that has walked any distance has had to side step something. Ankle stability? effect on heavier people? repetitive injuries to back, hips and knees? That is what I am worried about. We want women to exercise to be healthier not just look good.

By: Cindy

Cindy — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 01:51:58 +0000

Oh and I have news for Reebok. Those so called “exercise” shoes have been around for awhile and they do NOT work. It’s all a scam so please don’t waste your money. How sad that Reebok is so desperate they have to stoop to such cheesy sleezy ads that are appearing during a time when small children are watching. I wrote to my local television stations and complained and I suggest anyone else who finds these ads offensive should do the same. As always the best way to complain is with you wallet.

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 20:09:24 +0000

Kelly, I don’t condone violence but If my boyfriend bought me sneakers to improve my body as a gift I’d knock him into 2010. lol The scantily dressed women do not offend me. The “women will be jealous” part does. I don’t gain my self-esteem that way!!!