Reebok and Panini America have hit the ground running with their latest collaboration celebrating the legendary NFL star Emmitt Smith. This exceptional collection combines two worlds – sneakers and sports cards – in a way that is sure to captivate fans and collectors alike.
The journey of this partnership traces back to 1993 when Emmitt Smith first lent his name to Reebok’s “Preseason” turf shoe line. The relationship bloomed, leading to the introduction of the iconic ES22 signature model in 1996. Known for its innovative design tailored to Smith’s electrifying playing style, the ES22 became a fan favorite.
In 2009, Emmitt Smith extended his partnership to Panini America, a move that coincided with the birth of the renowned “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012. This brand quickly gained a massive following due to its eye-catching opti-chrome finish and coveted insert cards, making it a staple in any sports card collection.
The Emmitt Smith collection unveiled by Reebok and Panini America features an exciting lineup of sneakers inspired by the popular Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this sneaker boasts a stylish purple, white, and black color scheme with Prizm-themed accents, making it a must-have for fans of unique footwear.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Retailing at $140, this model shines with a dazzling gold color palette and premium touches reminiscent of Panini’s Gold Prizm cards, offering a touch of luxury for sneaker enthusiasts.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: The pinnacle of the collection at $200, this patent leather iteration features a vibrant midsole and intricate Prizm detailing inspired by Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards, embodying the essence of collectible artistry.
Moreover, each purchase of the ES22 “Color Blast” model comes with a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card created through the collaborative efforts of Panini and Reebok. These cards showcase pivotal moments from Smith’s illustrious career, elevating the collection to a whole new level of exclusivity.
The global release of the “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection is scheduled for June 14, 2024, and will be available on Reebok.com and select retailers worldwide. This highly anticipated drop follows the triumphant debut of the Reebok-Panini collaboration with basketball icon Allen Iverson in 2022, cementing their status as pioneers in the fusion of sports and collectibles.
For collectors seeking the ultimate exclusivity, the Emmitt Smith collection also offers a range of base and insert cards with varying rarity levels. From shimmering Reebok designs to dazzling Color Blast and Brilliance inserts, these cards add an extra layer of excitement to the already thrilling collaboration.
In a league of its own, the Emmitt Smith Inspired Sneaker and Card Collection by Reebok and Panini America is a testament to the enduring legacy of a football legend and the creative ingenuity of two iconic brands coming together to redefine the boundaries of sports merchandise.
