A 2024 investigation found workers at a confirmed Reebok supplier factory in Lesotho subjected to invasive strip searches and physical abuse by supervisors, with workers coached to lie to factory auditors about their conditions. Greenpeace found in 2022 that Reebok garment waste was being burned to fuel brick kilns in Cambodia, exposing bonded workers to toxic fumes in violation of Reebok's own supplier codes of conduct.

Why are people boycotting Reebok?

Supply chain abuse, lack of transparency, and a brand licensing model that reduces accountability are the main reasons. Reebok was sold in 2022 to Authentic Brands Group, a licensor with no manufacturing employees that outsources all production to third parties. Critics argue this structure prioritizes royalty extraction over worker welfare.

What are the best ethical alternatives to Reebok?

Veja is a French sneaker brand using fair trade organic cotton and wild Amazon rubber with a transparent supply chain. Allbirds is a B Corp certified brand making shoes from wool and sugarcane-based materials. Patagonia offers athletic apparel with Fair Trade certified factories and a repair program.

Reebok

Flagged · Avoid

Athletic footwear and apparel brand, sold by Adidas to brand licensing firm Authentic Brands Group in 2022.

Last updated June 10, 2026

Reasons to avoid

Issues span:EnvironmentLabor

In late 2021 and early 2022, Greenpeace's investigative outlet Unearthed found Reebok garment waste being burned to fuel brick kilns in Cambodia, exposing bonded workers to toxic fumes. Reebok had supplier codes of conduct requiring responsible waste disposal, which were not being followed.unearthed.greenpeace.org2022-08-08
In 2021, Adidas announced the sale of Reebok to Authentic Brands Group (ABG) for roughly $2.5 billion, completing the deal in early 2022. ABG is a brand licensor with no manufacturing employees of its own, outsourcing all production to third-party licensees. Critics argue this model reduces supply chain accountability and prioritizes royalty extraction over worker welfare.cnbc.com2021-08-12
A 2024 investigation by The Dial found workers at Precious Garments, a confirmed Reebok supplier in Lesotho, were subjected to invasive strip searches and physical abuse by supervisors. Ten current or former workers told investigators they were coached to lie to factory auditors about their conditions, with some saying they feared losing their jobs if they spoke honestly.thedial.world2024-09-05

Ethical alternatives

Sneakers & Footwear

Allbirds

Certified B-Corp making shoes from wool, tree fiber, and sugarcane. Carbon-neutral shipping.

✅ B-Corp♻️ Sustainable

Visit →

Veja

French brand using fair-trade organic cotton and wild rubber sourced from the Amazon. Transparent supply chain.

🤝 Fair Trade♻️ Sustainable

Visit →

Athletic Apparel

Patagonia

Outdoor and athletic wear with strong environmental commitments, repair programs, and supply chain transparency.

✅ B-Corp♻️ Sustainable🤝 Fair Trade

Visit →

prAna

Sustainable activewear with Fair Trade certified factories and recycled and organic materials.

🤝 Fair Trade♻️ Sustainable

Visit →

Shop Local

Local Shoe Stores

Find an independently owned shoe store near you.

📍 Local Business

Common Questions

Is Reebok ethical?: A 2024 investigation found workers at a confirmed Reebok supplier factory in Lesotho subjected to invasive strip searches and physical abuse by supervisors, with workers coached to lie to factory auditors about their conditions. Greenpeace found in 2022 that Reebok garment waste was being burned to fuel brick kilns in Cambodia, exposing bonded workers to toxic fumes in violation of Reebok's own supplier codes of conduct.
Why are people boycotting Reebok?: Supply chain abuse, lack of transparency, and a brand licensing model that reduces accountability are the main reasons. Reebok was sold in 2022 to Authentic Brands Group, a licensor with no manufacturing employees that outsources all production to third parties. Critics argue this structure prioritizes royalty extraction over worker welfare.
What are the best ethical alternatives to Reebok?: Veja is a French sneaker brand using fair trade organic cotton and wild Amazon rubber with a transparent supply chain. Allbirds is a B Corp certified brand making shoes from wool and sugarcane-based materials. Patagonia offers athletic apparel with Fair Trade certified factories and a repair program.