Reebok and Panini America joined forces in a grand reveal on June 10, 2024, in Boston to unveil their latest project – a stunning collection paying homage to football legend Emmitt Smith. The collaboration marries customized sneakers with sports cards, building on the success of their previous partnership that blended iconic shoes with the alluring world of collectible trading cards, prominently featuring the beloved Prizm brand. The lineup includes revamped editions of the “Preseason ’94” alongside Smith’s personal “ES22” model and a range of “Preseason” apparel priced between $40 and $80.
The journey between Emmitt Smith and Reebok commenced in 1993, with Smith becoming the face of Reebok’s “Preseason” turf shoe line. The iconic ES22 model, designed to match Smith’s athletic finesse, was introduced in 1996. Smith’s venture with Panini America took flight in 2009, coinciding with the inception of the renowned “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012. The Prizm cards are distinguished by their gleaming opti-chrome finish and coveted collectible inserts.
The collection spotlights three distinctive sneaker designs drawing inspiration from the Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this adaptation features a purple, white, and black color palette with Prizm-themed accents on a leather upper.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Available for $140, this striking model showcases a dazzling gold theme, incorporating premium elements reminiscent of Panini’s Gold Prizm cards.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: Retailing at $200, this patent leather sneaker in white displays a vibrant midsole and Prizm detailing, inspired by Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Moreover, each purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” model will include an exclusive Emmitt Smith trading card created by Panini x Reebok. These cards encapsulate key moments from Smith’s illustrious career, supplemented with various rare card parallels.
The unique “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, blending sports legacy with contemporary collectibles, will be globally available starting June 14, 2024, through Reebok.com and select retailers. This release follows the resounding triumph of their initial collaboration with basketball phenom Allen Iverson in 2022.
For card enthusiasts, the collection also offers a diverse array of base and insert cards, from shimmer to brilliance variations, as well as special promos like the White Sparkle editions, contributing to the allure of this exclusive Emmitt Smith-inspired range.
Fans and collectors alike eagerly anticipate this fusion of sports history and memorabilia, symbolized by the stellar collaboration between Reebok and Panini America in celebrating the legacy of hall of famer Emmitt Smith.