Reebok's North West roots documented in new film

A documentary film is set to highlight global sportswear giant Reebok's history of being founded in Bolton.

Joseph William Foster founded his track and field spike shoe business in the town for local running clubs.

He designed the racing pumps for the 1924 British Olympic Team, who were immortalised in the film Chariots of Fire, before Reebok was founded in the 1950s.

The finished film will premiere at a special exhibition at Bolton Museum in July 2025.

The project, in collaboration with Broaden Films, will follow how the business evolved from a small factory in Bolton into one of the earliest mass producers of running shoes.

Mr Foster's grandsons, Joe and Jeff, launched Reebok in the 1950s with Joe recently revisiting Bolton Museum for a day of filming.

The documentary will also explore the connections with another local sports shoe company, Norman Walsh Footwear, and their mutual ties with local running clubs like Bolton United Harriers and Horwich RMI Harriers.

Bolton Council's Nadeem Ayub, who is cabinet member for culture, said: "It's incredibly exciting for Bolton to be showcasing the rich history of Reebok, a brand that has its roots right here in our town.

"This project not only celebrates our industrial heritage but also highlights the innovative spirit that has always been part of Bolton's identity."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer.