Bolton Museum has welcomed more than 25,000 visitors to its current exhibition, Reebok and Norman Walsh: The Bolton History of the Running Shoe, since it opened on 5 July 2025.
The exhibition chronicles Reebok’s rise from a small Bolton-based company making speciality racing shoes for athletes to the moment it captures the massive North American athletic footwear market in the 1980s.
The show also celebrates another local sports shoe company, Norman Walsh Footwear, which has been hand-making trainers in Bolton since 1961.
Meanwhile, a new documentary film, Reebok and Walsh: The Bolton Shoemakers Who Reinvented the Running Shoe – which explores the same subject - has been watched by over 1,400 viewers online.
Commissioned by Bolton Museum, the film was produced by Broaden and directed by George Webster and Bryony Simcox.
With contributions and interviews from Joe Foster, the founder of Reebok, and world-class athletes like Steve Kenyon and Hannah Kelly, the film celebrates Bolton’s central role in the history of the running shoe.
Bryony Simcox, Head of Production at Broaden, said:
“I loved crafting this documentary, from filming on racetracks to handling shoes over a century old.
“This social history story was like a treasure trove for filmmakers, and it’s a delight to see how much the story has resonated with people.”
Both the film and exhibition have been supported by a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The National Lottery funding has enabled original research into the local history of the sports shoe companies, the production of the documentary film, a summer programme of creative activities for families, and art and design workshops for individuals with special educational needs (SEN).
Louise Sutherland, Head of Engagement, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
"We're thrilled to hear that so many people have walked through the doors of Bolton Museum to discover the origins of iconic footwear brands Reebok and Walsh, and the impact they've had on the Northern running scene.
“We're delighted that, thanks to National Lottery players, we've been able to support the project to shine a light on this unsung story."
Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Culture, Cllr Nadeem Ayub, said:
“We’re always proud to elevate our town’s stories and to see the impact an outstanding exhibition like this makes is why our museum remains one of the best in the UK.
“Everyone involved has worked so hard on this meaningful project, creating an exhibition and film that celebrates Reebok’s remarkable journey from a small Bolton factory to a global sportswear icon.
“It honours Bolton’s pioneering role in revolutionising the running shoe but also showcases the enduring spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Bolton’s heritage.”
The exhibition runs until 18 January 2026.
The film is available on YouTube:
REEBOK AND WALSH: The Bolton shoemakers who reinvented the running shoe (feat. cofounder Joe Foster)
About Bolton Library and Museum Services
A cultural hotspot of Bolton, the Bolton Central Library and Museum hosts eclectic events, galleries, and collections, one of which is its Egyptology collection – the largest of its kind in a local authority museum in the UK. You will also find Greater Manchester’s only public aquarium sits inside this architecturally impressive, Grade II listed building. With venues across the whole town, including the historic Smithills Hall, the Bolton Library and Museum teams organise special events, exhibitions, workshops, and social groups across the town’s libraries and halls; helping to engage, educate and support communities.
To find out more about Bolton’s libraries and museums and what’s on, visit www.boltonlams.co.uk
About Broaden
Broaden is a purpose-led filmmaking studio. Founded by Bryony Simcox and George Webster in 2019, They work across documentary storytelling, live events and brand film to shift perspectives, inspire action and deliver impact. Their work has amassed over half a million views.
Broaden partner with bold and brave organisations including the World Design Capital, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Adfree Cities, the British Council, the National Union of Students, Cheshire and Merseyside Cancer Alliance, the Commonwealth Games, Manchester Collective and National Orchestras for All.
Broaden are based in Greater Manchester, working from a self-converted shipping container studio.
To find out more about Broaden, visit www.linktr.ee/broadenstudio
About The National Lottery Heritage Fund
As the largest dedicated funder of the UK’s heritage, The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s vision is for heritage to be valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future as set out in our strategic plan, Heritage 2033.
Over the next ten years, we aim to invest £3.6billion raised for good causes by National Lottery players to bring about benefits for people, places and the natural environment.
We help protect, transform and share the things from the past that people care about, from popular museums and historic places, our natural environment and fragile species, to the languages and cultural traditions that celebrate who we are.
We are passionate about heritage and committed to driving innovation and collaboration to make a positive difference to people’s lives today, while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations to enjoy.
Follow @HeritageFundUK on X, Facebook and Instagram and use #NationalLotteryHeritageFund www.heritagefund.org.uk