Joe Foster

Joseph William Foster, known as Joe Foster, was born in 1935 in Bolton, England. Born with the same birthday as his late grandfather, who was the founder of J W Foster & Sons (Athletic Shoes) Ltd and the inventor of the Spiked Running Shoe and the Trainer (Sneaker), Joe grew up surrounded by a rich legacy of innovation and craftsmanship.

However, upon returning home after a two-year stint on National Service, Joe and his brother Jeff felt a stirring of discontent. It was 1955, and they saw a business that was still rooted in the past, lagging behind the times. With a shared vision for change, Joe and Jeff made the bold decision to leave the family business in 1958 and strike out on their own.

Thus, they founded Mercury Sports Footwear, a venture that would eventually transform into the iconic brand we know today as Reebok. Recognizing the value of protecting their company’s name, Joe registered the name “Reebok” in 1965 and set off on a whirlwind of global adventures and experiences.

It was during these travels that Joe encountered Paul Fireman and many luminaries of the film and television industry. Under Joe’s leadership, Reebok ascended to become a $4 billion business, surpassing giants like Adidas and Nike to claim the title of the world’s number one sports brand.

As the surviving founder of Reebok, Joe continues to embrace opportunities to share his fascinating journey. Through his book “Shoemaker,” he aims to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs by recounting the remarkable story of how he took Reebok from a startup to a global powerhouse.

Aside from his entrepreneurial achievements, Joe currently serves as the Chairman of Let’sLocalise, a UK-based charity fostering collaboration between schools and businesses to strengthen local communities. He is also an ambassador for Samaritans Feet, advocating for change and making a positive impact in the lives of others.

In October 2023, Joe’s next book, “Survive & Thrive,” will be published. This compilation of stories features co-authors from around the world, including celebrities and entrepreneurs, sharing their personal journeys, offering insight, and inspiring readers to tackle life’s challenges head-on. Joe Foster’s captivating tale and enduring spirit are a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can make on the world.