On June 10, 2024, Boston witnessed the grand launch of the highly anticipated collaboration between Reebok and Panini America, unveiling a special collection honoring the legendary Emmitt Smith. This innovative partnership marks the second venture between the two iconic brands, merging stylish footwear with the captivating world of sports trading cards, particularly emphasizing the renowned Prizm line. Showcasing a range of updated versions of classic models like the “Preseason ’94” and Smith’s signature “ES22,” along with a selection of “Preseason” apparel items priced between $40 and $80, the collection exudes an air of nostalgia while embracing contemporary trends.
The bond between Emmitt Smith and Reebok traces back to 1993 when Smith first affiliated himself with Reebok’s “Preseason” turf shoe collection. It was in 1996 that the distinctive ES22 model, tailored to reflect Smith’s exceptional athletic abilities, made its grand entrance into the sneaker realm. Fast forward to 2009, Smith’s collaboration extended to Panini America, coinciding with the inception of the acclaimed “Prizm” sports card series in 2012, recognized for its glossy opti-chrome finish and sought-after inserts.
The collection unveils three distinct sneaker designs inspired by elements from the Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this rendition flaunts a purple, white, and black color scheme with a leather upper and Prizm-inspired accents.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Featuring a striking gold aesthetic reminiscent of Panini’s Gold Prizm cards, this model comes with premium enhancements available at $140.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: With a price tag of $200, this patent leather sneaker in white showcases a vibrant midsole and Prizm detailing, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Moreover, every purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” model will include a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card, a collaborative creation by Panini x Reebok that encapsulates key moments from Smith’s illustrious career, along with various rare card parallels.
The distinctive “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, amalgamating sports legacy with contemporary collectible appeal, will be available worldwide starting from June 14, 2024, on Reebok.com and select retail outlets. This launch follows their previous successful partnership with basketball superstar Allen Iverson in 2022, further cementing the brands’ commitment to blending sports, fashion, and collectibles seamlessly.
Aside from the shoe and card collection, the assortment includes a range of unique hues and styles:
– Base Tiger Stripe Blue
– Base Camo
– Base Royal Blue Reebok Shimmer /249
– Base Blue Reebok Shimmer /199
– Base Silver Reebok Shimmer /149
– Base Cardinal Reebok Shimmer /122
– Base Yellow Reebok Shimmer /99
– Base Blue and Silver Checker /75
– Base Red White Blue /50
– Base Nebula /25
– Base Black Gold /15
– Base Gold /10
– Base Gold Vinyl /1
The insert collection features variations like Color Blast, Reebok Silver, Manga, and Brilliance in a variety of designs and limited editions, offering collectors an exciting array of choices to indulge in. Additionally, special promos like the Base White Sparkle and Brilliance White Sparkle add a touch of exclusivity to the already impressive lineup.
In essence, the Emmitt Smith-inspired collection by Reebok and Panini America breathes new life into the intersection of sports, fashion, and collectibles, inviting enthusiasts to own a piece of history infused with contemporary allure.
