In a fusion of fashion and sports legacy, Reebok and Panini America unveiled on June 10, 2024, the Emmitt Smith Collection. This collaboration is a distinctive homage to the iconic Emmitt Smith, featuring a unique combination of specialized sneakers and exclusive sports cards. Building on their successful previous venture, the two renowned brands join forces once again to merge the appeal of legendary footwear with the allure of collectible trading cards, prominently featuring the sought-after Prizm brand. The collection introduces updated versions of the classic “Preseason ’94” model and Smith’s signature “ES22,” alongside a trendy apparel range with prices ranging from $40 to $80.
The longstanding partnership between Emmitt Smith and Reebok dates back to 1993 when Smith became the face of the “Preseason” turf shoe line. The introduction of Smith’s own iconic model, the ES22, in 1996 marked a significant milestone characterized by its innovative design tailored to Smith’s exceptional athleticism. In 2009, Smith’s association with Panini America commenced, coinciding with the launch of the acclaimed “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012, renowned for its distinctive shiny opti-chrome finish and collectible inserts.
The Emmitt Smith Collection showcases three distinct sneaker designs inspired by elements from the renowned Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: This iteration features a striking purple, white, and black color scheme with a leather upper and Prizm-themed accents, available for $120.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Presented in an eye-catching gold color palette, this model boasts premium enhancements reflecting Panini’s Gold Prizm cards, priced at $140.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: Priced at $200, this version in white patent leather stands out with a vibrant midsole and Prizm detailing inspired by Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Furthermore, every purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” model includes a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card, a collaborative creation by Panini x Reebok. These exclusive cards feature designs commemorating significant moments from Smith’s illustrious career, accompanied by an array of rare card parallels.
The debut of the “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, a fusion of sports heritage and contemporary collectibility, is scheduled for global availability starting June 14, 2024. The collection will be accessible through Reebok.com and select retailers. This release follows the resounding success of the initial collaboration between Reebok and Panini America featuring basketball legend Allen Iverson in 2022.
Excitingly, the collection also includes various card designs and special promos such as the Base Tiger Stripe Blue, Brilliance Camo, and Brilliance Gold Vinyl among others. These inserts and special promos add a touch of exclusivity and additional excitement to the Emmitt Smith Collection, making it a must-have for both sneaker enthusiasts and sports card collectors alike.
Embrace the legacy of Emmitt Smith with this exceptional collaboration between Reebok and Panini America, where fashion meets sporting greatness in a truly iconic and collectible fusion.