Classic Commercial: Shawn Kemp and the Reebok Kamikaze

A look back at the Reebok classic many of us are dying for a retro of: Shawn Kemp's Reebok Kamikaze.

words // Zack Schlemmer

It's fitting that today is May Day, when many political and social activists take to the streets to protest their concerns, because if there is one shoe that almost any sneaker fan would petition for a retro release of, it's the Reebok Kamikaze.  The Kamikaze released in 1994 and was Shawn Kemp's first signature shoe.  At its time, it was one of the boldest shoes ever designed with its zig-zagging pattern and contrasting color blocking.  The Kamikaze was appropriate for Kemp since he was, and still is, one of the boldest and flashiest players the NBA has ever seen. It's right up there with the Shaqnosis and original Pump as one of the most iconic Reebok basketball models ever, from back in the days when Reebok was giving Nike a run for their money.

In this commercial we see Shawn, with the help of his Kamikazes, battle and easily destroy a basketball playing monster-cyborg in some sort of virtual video game world.  They definitely don't make 'em like this anymore!