The 3 Most Iconic Reeboks With The Straps: From 2024's 'Bug Stomper' To Dee Brown's Legendary Pump

The question "What are the Reeboks with the straps?" is a portal to three distinct eras of sneaker history: the sci-fi spectacle of the 80s, the explosive basketball courts of the 90s, and the minimalist fitness craze that defined a generation. As of December 14, 2025, the conversation is more current than ever, anchored by a major 2024 release that brought the strap back into the spotlight. The strap, whether an ankle-high fastener or a functional mid-foot support, is not just a design element; it's a signature feature that defines some of the brand's most enduring and culturally significant silhouettes, from the Alien Stomper to the Pump Omni Zone II.

The strap represents Reebok's commitment to both futuristic function and bold aesthetics, a design philosophy that continues to drive its retro resurgence. If you’re hunting for a pair of these iconic, high-top sneakers, you’re looking for more than just footwear—you’re looking for a piece of pop culture history that offers superior ankle stability and an unmistakable, head-turning look. Here is the definitive breakdown of the three legendary Reebok models defined by their unmistakable straps.

The Intergalactic Icon: Reebok Alien Stomper (The "Bug Stomper")

The Reebok Alien Stomper is arguably the most recognizable "Reebok with the straps," a shoe that transcends sportswear and is cemented in cinematic history. Originally designed for the 1986 film *Aliens*, it was famously worn by the character Ellen Ripley, played by Sigourney Weaver, and represented a vision of "militaristic futurism."

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The 2024 'Alien: Romulus' Revival

The shoe’s enduring legacy was given a massive, fresh update with the August 2024 release tied to the film *Alien: Romulus*. Rather than a direct retro of the original boot, Reebok used the BB 4000 II Mid silhouette as its canvas, adapting the iconic strap design for a more contemporary, yet still vintage, basketball aesthetic.

• Release Date: August 26-27, 2024.
• Model Used: The Reebok BB 4000 II Mid.
• Design Details: The 2024 version features a distressed, all-leather upper with grey smudges, mimicking the worn, industrial look of the film's setting. This iteration is often nicknamed the "Bug Stomper" in line with the movie's theme.
• The Strap: A prominent, functional ankle strap remains the defining feature, locking the foot in place and giving the shoe its signature high-top, boot-like profile.
• Cultural Impact: The original Alien Stomper is a sought-after collector's grail, often compared to the Nike Mag from *Back to the Future II* as a piece of film-worn footwear fantasy. The 2024 release proves the design's timeless appeal and its ability to connect with new generations of sneaker enthusiasts and sci-fi fans.

The Slam Dunk Legend: Reebok Pump Omni Zone II

If the Alien Stomper is the sci-fi king, the Reebok Pump Omni Zone II is the undisputed champion of the basketball court. This sneaker is inextricably linked to one of the most memorable moments in NBA history, making its strap and unique technology instantly iconic.

Dee Brown and The Pump Moment

The shoe was immortalized during the 1991 NBA Slam Dunk Contest by Boston Celtics guard Dee Brown. Before his final, no-look dunk, Brown famously bent over and manually pumped up his shoes, an act of showmanship that highlighted the shoe's revolutionary technology and secured his victory.

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• Key Technology: The Pump—an inflatable bladder system in the tongue that allows the wearer to customize the fit for maximum lockdown. The basketball model's strap works in conjunction with The Pump to secure the ankle.
• The Strap: A large, robust, mid-foot strap provides extra stability and a distinct, aggressive aesthetic that screams 90s basketball.
• Cushioning: The shoe also features Hexalite cushioning, a groundbreaking early 90s technology inspired by the honeycomb structure, providing lightweight shock absorption.
• Retro Status: The Pump Omni Zone II is consistently retroed, often in its original black and white colorway, and in special editions like the 'Wild Orange' or 'Dee Brown' versions, cementing its status as a timeless classic. Its return from the '90s B-ball archives proves its enduring style and technological significance.

The 80s Fitness Staple: Reebok Ex-O-Fit Hi Strap

Before the dominance of basketball and sci-fi models, Reebok secured its place in the 1980s fitness boom with a simpler, yet equally iconic, strapped shoe: the Ex-O-Fit Hi Strap.

A Minimalist, Cross-Training Icon

The Ex-O-Fit was the male counterpart to the legendary Freestyle Hi, bringing an athletic, high-top silhouette to the burgeoning cross-training and aerobics market. Its design is a masterclass in minimalist function, focused entirely on stability and a clean, versatile look.

• Origin: The Ex-O-Fit and its low-cut cousin, the NPC (Newport Classic), emerged from the 80s fitness revolution.
• The Strap: It features a single, prominent ankle strap that serves a dual purpose: locking in the ankle for stability during workouts and providing the shoe's head-turning retro aesthetic.
• Design Philosophy: The shoe embodies the "legit old-school design" that Reebok is known for, getting "back to basics" with a soft leather upper and a focus on essential support.
• Modern Relevance: The simplicity of the Ex-O-Fit Hi Strap makes it a favorite for collaborations and high-fashion looks, having been featured in partnerships with designers like Gosha Rubchinskiy and special editions like the Bait x Stranger Things crossover. Its continuous presence in the market proves the timeless appeal of the single-strap design.

The Enduring Legacy of Reebok Strap Technology

The history of "the Reeboks with the straps" is a micro-history of the brand itself, showcasing its evolution from fitness pioneer to basketball innovator and pop-culture collaborator. The strap is not a one-off gimmick but a consistent design motif used to deliver superior fit, stability, and style across different categories.

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Whether you're drawn to the high-tech, inflatable lockdown of The Pump on the Omni Zone II, the cinematic gravitas of the Alien Stomper's boot-like fastener, or the simple, elegant ankle security of the Ex-O-Fit Hi, the strap remains Reebok's signature mark of a shoe built for performance and designed to stand out. The continuous retro releases and current collaborations—such as the 2024 BB 4000 II Mid—ensure that these iconic silhouettes remain relevant, collectible, and a powerful statement on foot.