The bustling city of Boston set the stage for a momentous occasion on June 10, 2024, as Reebok and Panini America took the spotlight to introduce their latest innovative collaboration – the Emmitt Smith Collection. This distinctive collection serves as a tribute to the esteemed football icon, Emmitt Smith, seamlessly merging the worlds of specialized sneakers and coveted sports cards, creating a harmonious blend of athleticism and collectibility.
Building upon the success of their previous endeavors, Reebok and Panini America have once again joined forces to captivate enthusiasts with a fusion of iconic footwear and the allure of trading cards, notably the renowned Prizm brand. The collection pays homage to Emmitt Smith’s legacy, incorporating updated versions of the beloved “Preseason ’94” model and Smith’s own signature creation, the “ES22,” alongside a range of “Preseason” apparel items priced attractively between $40 and $80.
The inception of the partnership between Emmitt Smith and Reebok dates back to 1993 when the legendary athlete endorsed the brand’s innovative “Preseason” line of turf shoes. The evolution of this partnership led to the introduction of Smith’s signature ES22 model in 1996, a design marvel tailored to complement Smith’s exceptional athletic abilities. In 2009, Smith’s collaboration extended to Panini America, coinciding with the introduction of the esteemed “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012, distinguished by its eye-catching opti-chrome finish and sought-after collectible inserts.
The Emmitt Smith Collection boasts three distinct sneaker designs, each incorporating elements reminiscent of the Prizm card series:
– Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Priced at $120, this adaptation features a stylish blend of purple, white, and black hues with a leather upper and distinctive Prizm-themed accents.
– Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Offered at $140, this model flaunts a striking gold color scheme exuding luxury, mirroring Panini’s renowned Gold Prizm cards with premium enhancements.
– ES22 “Color Blast”: The pinnacle of the collection at $200, this white patent leather iteration showcases a vibrant, colorful midsole paired with Prizm detailing inspired by Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Furthermore, each purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” model will include a special edition Emmitt Smith trading card created through the collaborative efforts of Panini x Reebok. These exclusive trading cards encapsulate pivotal moments from Smith’s illustrious career, enhancing the allure for collectors with an array of rare card parallels that embellish this unique collaboration.
The distinctive “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, expertly combining sports heritage with contemporary collectibility, will be available globally starting June 14, 2024, through Reebok.com and select retailers. This highly-anticipated release follows in the footsteps of their successful partnership with basketball luminary Allen Iverson in 2022, cementing Reebok and Panini America as trailblazers in the realm of innovative sports lifestyle collaborations.
As collectors and enthusiasts eagerly await the opportunity to secure their own pieces from the Emmitt Smith Collection, the fusion of sneakers and sports cards, each steeped in history and modern flair, continues to captivate audiences and redefine the intersection of sports and style.
