With design language pulled from a track spike from 1961 the R400 has DNA rooted in one of the first ever Reebok shoes. The original model featured unique dual branding, as it was created in a transitional period where the Foster brothers re-branded their growing athletic footwear company Mercury Sports to Reebok in 1960. The unique dual-branding is in reference to the lateral torch-shaped gesture on the original 1961 model, in reference to the Greek God Mercury and the old Mercury Sports company name.