JJ Watt, the insanely good defensive end for the Houston Texans, has a long history of giving back to his community.
He started a foundation to provide after-school athletics for kids, he spends time with children in hospitals, and he’s deeply committed to veteran’s affairs. So it’s no surprise he used his partnership with Reebok to develop a new shoe that not only helps you perform your best, but also simultaneously helps veterans, working in tandem with the nonprofit, Boot Campaign.
Reebok already has a successful line of Watt-inspired shoes and apparel, the aptly-named JJ Watt Collection. Tee-shirts, shorts, compression gear, training shoes, workout shoes: basically anything you’d need to get ripped and work up a sweat. The JJ I shoe was created with the help of Watt, who was frustrated he didn’t have footgear that could keep up with his intense training. These shoes offer incredible traction on the soles, reinforced toes, FlexCage technology that keep your feet feeling secure as you bob, weave, jump, stop short, sprint– and the Reebok Liquid Foam, a newish development, offers incredible shock absorption.
Now meet the brand-spanking new JJ I Military Edition shoe. It’s everything great about the JJ I shoe series, but it now comes in a couple of military-inspired colors: sandstone, brown, and tan, with camouflage details and soles. Wearing the JJ I Military Edition is the perfect way to not only get the best out of your workout or sport, but also to show your support for the men and women of the United States’ Armed Forces.
“We as athletes are often the subject of headlines and highlights, when in fact it is the men and women of our military who truly deserve the adoration and praise,” Watt says. “I chase a ball around a field for a living. These men and women lay their lives on the line to secure and protect our freedom. They are real American heroes. The JJ I Military Edition was inspired by them and serves as a daily reminder to take advantage of every opportunity this great country has to offer thanks to these men and women. Reebok and I are very proud to support The Boot Campaign and all of the men and women who are so deserving of our respect.”
Reebok has released an incredibly powerful video of Sgt. Matthew Melancon, a veteran and athlete who lost his legs fighting in Afghanistan. After years of multiple surgeries, he made the unimaginable decision to have his legs amputated so that he could one day walk again. Now, he’s pursuing his goal to qualify as a member of the US team in the Snowboard World Cup next year. Sgt. Melancon does it all (minus the actual snowboarding bit) in JJ I Military Edition shoes.
In addition to Reebok’s policy of always offering 20% off to active and retired military, their families and first responders, Reebok and Watt are also partnering with the Boot Campaign thanks to the JJ I Military Edition shoe. The Boot Campaign is a nonprofit that offers assistance to veterans returning to civilian life and to military families. They work to help with job placement, finding shelters, counseling, and even offer surviving spouse support.
A great shoe that supports you while supporting our troops? That’s an easy choice.
