Reebok and Norman Walsh

The Bolton History of the Running Shoe

5 July 2025 – 18 January 2026

This must-see exhibition celebrates the origins of Reebok, the global sportswear brand that was founded in Bolton.

The story begins with the pioneering work of Joseph William Foster, who designed racing pumps for the 1924 British Olympic Team. The business soon became one of the earliest mass producers of running shoes.

The spirit of enterprise continued through Foster’s grandsons, Joe and Jeff, who launched Reebok in the late 1950s.

The exhibition also explores Reebok’s 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.

Please keep an eye on our social media and separate leaflet with more details of the events programme accompanying this exhibition.

View our Walsh and Reebok Exhibition Events Programme:

Download here

Watch the specially commissioned documentary film online:

https://www.youtube.com/@broadenstudio

This exhibition has been made possible with the support of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.