On June 10, 2024, in Boston, the long-awaited collaboration between Reebok and Panini America was unveiled to the world. The Emmitt Smith-inspired collection, featuring a fusion of specialized sneakers and sports cards, showcases the rich legacy of the iconic football star. This innovative partnership follows the successful precedent set by their initial venture, which ingeniously merged classic footwear with the captivating world of trading cards, notably through the acclaimed Prizm series.
The range introduces revamped editions of the distinguished “Preseason ’94” model alongside Emmitt Smith’s very own “ES22” signature shoe. Complementing the footwear lineup is a selection of “Preseason” apparel, available at a price range between $40 and $80, catering to enthusiastic fans and collectors alike.
The roots of this collaboration trace back to 1993 when Emmitt Smith first lent his endorsement to Reebok’s “Preseason” turf shoe line. The evolution continued with the introduction of his personalized ES22 shoe in 1996, a testimony to Smith’s exceptional athleticism and the brand’s commitment to innovative design. The partnership expanded in 2009 with Panini America’s involvement, coinciding with the launch of the beloved “Prizm” sports card line in 2012, renowned for its glossy opti-chrome finish and sought-after inserts.
The assortment of sneakers in the collection is an elegant homage to the iconic Prizm card series, incorporating distinctive elements and aesthetics:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this adaptation boasts a purple, white, and black color scheme with a leather upper and Prizm-inspired accents.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Available for $140, this model features a striking gold design capturing the essence of Panini’s esteemed Gold Prizm cards, enhanced with premium detailing.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: The pinnacle of the collection at $200, this patent leather iteration in white showcases a vibrant midsole and intricate Prizm motifs, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Furthermore, buyers of the “ES22 Color Blast” sneaker will receive an exclusive Emmitt Smith trading card produced by the collaborative efforts of Panini and Reebok. These cards encapsulate pivotal moments from Smith’s storied career, including a range of rare parallels that are certain to excite both shoe enthusiasts and card collectors.
The global launch of the “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, a fusion of sports tradition and contemporary collectibles, is scheduled for June 14, 2024, through Reebok.com and selected retailers worldwide. This anticipated release follows the triumphant debut collaboration with basketball legend Allen Iverson in 2022, solidifying the enduring appeal of these imaginative partnerships.
With a spectrum of captivating colorways and premium finishes, the Emmitt Smith-inspired sneaker and card collection is destined to captivate fans and collectors alike, offering a piece of sports history infused with modern flair and exclusivity.
