On June 10, 2024, a vibrant celebration unfolded in Boston as Reebok and Panini America proudly unveiled their latest joint venture – a bespoke collection honoring the legendary Emmitt Smith. This dynamic collaboration fuses the realms of athletic footwear and sports collectibles, combining specially designed sneakers with coveted trading cards from the distinguished Prizm brand. With an array of offerings, including revamped classics like the “Preseason ’94” and Smith’s iconic “ES22,” along with a chic “Preseason” apparel line carrying price tags ranging from $40 to $80, this collection is set to captivate fans and collectors alike.
The inception of the partnership between Emmitt Smith and Reebok traces back to 1993 when the esteemed athlete first lent his endorsement to Reebok’s “Preseason” turf shoe line. The trailblazing ES22 model, marking Smith’s signature shoe, debuted in 1996, showcasing an innovative design tailored to match Smith’s exceptional athletic abilities. Expanding his collaboration horizons, Smith ventured into the realm of trading cards with Panini America in 2009, coinciding with the laudable launch of the esteemed “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012, recognized for its glossy opti-chrome finish and prized collectible inserts.
This distinguished collection flaunts three unique sneaker designs artfully integrating elements inspired by the illustrious Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Featuring a fetching purple, white, and black color scheme with a leather upper accentuated by Prizm-themed embellishments, available for purchase at $120.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: This eye-catching model boasts a dazzling gold palette incorporating premium touches akin to Panini’s Gold Prizm cards, offered at a price of $140.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: Priced at $200, this patent leather edition in striking white showcases a vividly colorful midsole and Prizm elements, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Each acquisition of the “ES22 Color Blast” sneaker model will include a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card crafted by the collaborative efforts of Panini and Reebok. These exclusive cards pay homage to Smith’s illustrious career, featuring an array of rare card parallels that will excite sports memorabilia enthusiasts.
The global release of the innovative “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, harmonizing sports legacy with contemporary collectibles, is slated for June 14, 2024. Fans and collectors can acquire these coveted items on Reebok.com and through select retail outlets. This launch follows the resounding success of the initial partnership with basketball icon Allen Iverson in 2022, further cementing Reebok and Panini America’s prowess in crafting unique and covetable collaborations.
The collection further features an array of base, inserts, and special promo cards, each exuding its own allure and providing an additional layer of collectibility to the already exciting release. The cards come in varying designs and editions, allowing fans to indulge in the rich history and design intricacies of the collaboration between the two iconic brands.
Embrace the spirit of sports legacy and modern collectibility with the Emmitt Smith Collection – a fusion of style, athleticism, and collectible artistry that promises to enchant enthusiasts across the globe. Get ready to experience the essence of Emmitt Smith through an exclusive range of sneakers and trading cards, where each piece tells a story of sporting excellence and unparalleled creativity.
