On June 10, 2024, the collaboration between Reebok and Panini America unveiled their latest endeavor, a tribute to football icon Emmitt Smith. This exceptional collaboration not only showcases custom-made sneakers but also introduces a series of collectible trading cards. This fusion of sports and style pays homage to Emmitt Smith’s legendary career and his enduring impact on the football world.
The fusion of Reebok’s renowned sneaker designs with Panini America’s collectible trading cards marks a fresh approach involving iconic footwear. An electrifying mix of tradition and innovation is set to redefine the realm of sports memorabilia. The launch of the Emmitt Smith-inspired collection comes as a testament to the success of Reebok and Panini America’s prior joint projects, including the immensely popular Prizm series.
This extraordinary collection draws inspiration from Emmitt Smith’s journey with Reebok, which kickstarted in 1993 with his endorsement of the brand’s “Preseason” turf shoes. It was in 1996 that Emmitt Smith’s signature ES22 model was first introduced, revolutionizing sports footwear with its cutting-edge design tailored to match Smith’s exceptional athletic abilities. The connection between Smith and Panini America was established in 2009, leading to the inception of the widely appreciated “Prizm” sports card range in 2012, recognized for its lustrous opti-chrome finish and sought-after inserts.
The lineup of sneakers in this exclusive collection includes three distinct designs that encompass elements from the coveted Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this version exhibits a sophisticated blend of purple, white, and black tones, featuring a leather upper adorned with Prizm-inspired accents.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Available for $140, this model boasts a captivating gold color scheme that mirrors the premium enhancements seen in Panini’s Gold Prizm cards.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: At $200, this striking patent leather iteration showcases a vibrant midsole and Prizm detailing, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Moreover, purchasing the “ES22 Color Blast” model will grant customers a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card crafted by Panini in collaboration with Reebok. These unique cards showcase iconic moments from Smith’s illustrious career and are accompanied by various rare card parallels, adding an exclusive touch to this already remarkable collection.
Launching globally on June 14, 2024, the “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection will be available for purchase on Reebok.com and at selected retailers. This release follows the resounding success of Reebok and Panini America’s initial collaboration featuring basketball sensation Allen Iverson in 2022, setting the stage for a new era of sports-inspired fashion and collectibles.
With an array of sneaker designs and exclusive trading cards paying tribute to Emmitt Smith’s unparalleled legacy, this collaboration between Reebok and Panini America is poised to captivate sports enthusiasts and collectors alike. Step into the world of Emmitt Smith and indulge in a blend of athletic prowess and collectible artistry like never before.
