Bolton Museum is excited to announce the opening of a new exhibition celebrating the origins of Reebok, the iconic global sportswear brand that was founded in Bolton.
The story begins with the pioneering work of Joseph Foster, who designed racing pumps for the 1924 British Olympic Team.
The business evolved from a small factory in Bolton into one of the earliest mass producers of running shoes.
The spirit of enterprise continued through Foster’s grandsons, Joe and Jeff, who launched Reebok in the late 1950s.
The exhibition will launch on Saturday 5 July with a special opening event featuring tours, creative activities, a trainer customisation demonstration, and music.
The launch event will also include the premiere of a new documentary film by Broaden Films.
With contributions from Joe Foster and world-class athletes like Steve Kenyon and Hannah Kelly, the film celebrates Bolton’s central role in the history of the running shoe.
The exhibition will also examine Reebok’s connections with another local sports shoe company, Norman Walsh Footwear, which is still handcrafting running shoes in its Bolton factory.
Joe Foster, co-founder of Reebok, said:
“It’s fantastic that Bolton Museum has decided to stage an exhibition to showcase the importance of Bolton in the heritage of the sports industry.
“Not only does the exhibition explore Reebok’s path to becoming one of the most successful sports brands in the world, but it also includes the local story of Norman Walsh and J W Foster & Sons, a company which dates back to 1895.
“This pioneering company was founded by my grandfather - the inventor of the spiked running shoe - and it’s going to be amazing to see his legacy brought to life in his hometown’s Bolton Museum.”
Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub said:
"We are immensely proud to launch this extraordinary exhibition at Bolton Museum, celebrating Reebok’s remarkable journey from a small Bolton factory to a global sportswear icon.
“This project not only honours our town’s pioneering role in revolutionising the running shoe but also showcases the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Bolton’s heritage.
“Through this exhibition and the accompanying documentary, we invite everyone to discover the inspiring legacy of J W Foster, Reebok, and Norman Walsh Footwear, which continues to shape the world of sport and culture."
The opening event is at Bolton Museum Saturday 5 July, from 11am to 3pm, and the exhibition runs from Saturday 5 July 2025 to 18 January 2026.
This project is proudly supported by a generous grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.