Reebok
Flagged · AvoidFueled Cambodian brick kilns with its garment waste and used a supplier that strip-searched workers and coached them to lie.
Last updated October 5, 2026
Reasons to avoid
Issues span:LaborEnvironment
Supplier workers strip-searched, coached to lie
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.Garment waste burned in Cambodian kilns
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.Licensing model criticized for weakening accountability
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.
Ethical alternatives
Sneakers & Footwear
Veja
French brand using organic cotton and wild rubber sourced from the Amazon. Transparent supply chain.
✅ B-Corp♻️ 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 →
Cotopaxi
Certified B Corp making outdoor gear and apparel from recycled and repurposed materials, with a share of revenue funding poverty relief.
✅ B-Corp
Visit →
tentree
Certified B Corp making casual and outdoor apparel from organic cotton, hemp, Tencel, and recycled polyester.
✅ B-Corp
Visit →
Picture
Independent French B Corp making technical ski, snowboard, and hiking gear from recycled, organic, and bio-based materials.
✅ B-Corp
Visit →
Finisterre
Certified B Corp from Cornwall making durable outdoor and cold-water gear, with a repair service to keep it in use.
✅ B-Corp
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 organic cotton and wild Amazon rubber with a transparent supply chain. Patagonia offers athletic apparel with Fair Trade certified factories and a repair program.
Know of a documented reason we're missing?