FTP Founder Zac Clark Calls Out Reebok for Releasing FTP x Reebok Collab Early

Like virtually all aspects of life, the sneaker industry relies on maintaining good relationships. Who is going to want to give you an opportunity to collaborate or design if you can’t see eye to eye or stick to your word? Sometimes the behind-the-scenes drama even boils over and becomes public-facing, just look at Ye and adidas’ relationship breaking down or Kyrie Irving’s very public breakup with Nike. Not to compare those two to what just happened with FTP and Reebok, but it seems there’s a communication breakdown between the two brands.

On December 31, Reebok’s site dropped a Club C Bulc and Premier Trinity KFS in collaboration with the streetwear brand, but there was zero marketing or lead-up to the release. A bit odd if you’re working with a label that has garnered a hardcore following like Zac Clark’s brand FTP. The founder took to Instagram Stories to clear the air on the recent and unannounced FTP x Reebok sneaker drop.

“Reebok releasing the shoes on their site has nothing to do with me/FTP. Not sure why they did that. Was not approved by me or FTP or my legal.” Come on Reebok, if the brand you’re working with has no idea their work is dropping, you’re clearly in the wrong. FTP is planning on releasing the shoes on January 3, though this short turnaround may only be due to Reebok dropping the sneakers early.

“Only look forward to working with Vans on shoes in the near future,” he said in another story post. If the claim that “[Reebok] released the shoes 3 different times on ‘accident’” is true, then Zac really should reevaluate his partnership with the brand.

In this author’s opinion, when you’re at the level Reebok is, you need to make sure you maintain all the relationships you have. Reebok does not hold the same cultural weight that Nike, Jordan Brand, or adidas do. Hell, they’re far behind most footwear brands in this aspect. There was some noise surrounding their revival in the performance basketball space, but that subsided quickly. Hopefully, the brand learns from this and does a better job at communication with its partners.

Zac FTP has his doubts, adding, “Fried company to be honest.”

Nicholas Vlahos

Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. When not writing for Sole Retriever, I enjoy attending concerts, catching the latest movies, and trying new food. Email: nick@soleretriever.com