On a sunny day in Boston, Reebok and Panini America unveiled their latest creative venture: a dynamic collection paying homage to the legendary Emmitt Smith. The collaboration marries the realms of premium footwear and coveted sports cards, blending the nostalgia of the past with the allure of contemporary collectibles. Building on the triumph of their inaugural joint project, which merged iconic shoes with the captivating world of trading cards under the renowned Prizm brand, this new release is set to captivate fans and collectors alike.
The roots of this partnership stretch back to 1993 when Emmitt Smith first joined forces with Reebok, becoming the face of the brand’s esteemed “Preseason” line of turf shoes. Fast forward to 1996, the iconic ES22 signature model made its grand entrance, embodying cutting-edge design elements tailored to accommodate Smith’s remarkable on-field abilities. The year 2009 marked a significant expansion of Smith’s collaboration with Panini America, coinciding with the dawn of the highly acclaimed “Prizm” sports card series in 2012, distinguished by its exquisite opti-chrome finish and sought-after inserts.
The collection showcases three distinct sneaker iterations that draw inspiration from the captivating Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this iteration flaunts a striking purple, white, and black color palette featuring a leather upper adorned with Prizm-themed embellishments.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Available for $140, this iteration exudes opulence with its captivating gold aesthetic, mirroring the premium qualities synonymous with Panini’s Gold Prizm cards.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: The pinnacle of the lineup at $200, this iteration boasts a luminous white, patent leather construction and a vibrant midsole complemented by intricate Prizm detailing, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
As an added treat, each purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” model will include an exclusive Emmitt Smith trading card crafted by Panini x Reebok. These cards showcase designs spanning Smith’s illustrious career and come in a range of rare parallels, adding a touch of exclusivity to this already exceptional collection.
This distinctive “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” amalgamation, expertly fusing sports legacy with contemporary collecting, will be available for enthusiasts worldwide starting June 14, 2024, at Reebok.com and select retailers. The launch follows a trail of success left by the earlier collaboration with basketball luminary Allen Iverson in 2022, solidifying Reebok and Panini America as pioneers in crafting unique and sought-after collectibles.
The exclusive range of base models and inserts, each boasting its unique flair and rarity levels, serves as a testament to the attention to detail and creativity embedded in the Emmitt Smith Collection. From the mesmerizing Base Tiger Stripe Blue to the exquisite Brilliance Gold Vinyl, collectors are in for a treat as they explore the depths of this meticulously crafted card series.
Get ready to embark on a journey through sports history and cutting-edge design with the Emmitt Smith Collection by Reebok and Panini America, where every shoe and card tells a story worth cherishing.
