At an exclusive event in Boston, Reebok and Panini America proudly introduced their latest venture—a distinctive collection paying tribute to the legendary Emmitt Smith. This collaboration combines the worlds of footwear and collectibles, merging specialized sneakers with coveted sports cards from the renowned Prizm brand.
The inception of Emmitt Smith’s partnership with Reebok dates back to 1993 when the football icon started endorsing the brand’s “Preseason” turf shoes. This partnership flourished, leading to the creation of Smith’s signature model, the ES22, in 1996. Known for its cutting-edge design tailored to Smith’s athletic abilities, the ES22 quickly became a fan favorite. In 2009, Emmitt Smith extended his collaboration to include Panini America, coinciding with the introduction of the highly acclaimed “Prizm” sports card brand in 2012, celebrated for its glossy opti-chrome finish and exclusive inserts.
The Emmitt Smith collection showcases three distinct sneaker variations inspired by elements from the Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: Boasting a striking purple, white, and black color palette with a leather upper and Prizm-themed accents, this model is priced at $120.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: Featuring a dazzling gold scheme mirroring Panini’s Gold Prizm cards, this premium edition is available for $140.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: Priced at $200, this white, patent leather version exudes a vibrant midsole and Prizm detailing, drawing inspiration from Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Moreover, each purchase of the “ES22 Color Blast” sneaker will include an exclusive Emmitt Smith trading card by Panini x Reebok. These collectible cards spotlight pivotal moments from Smith’s illustrious career and come in various rare parallels, adding to their allure.
The “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, blending sports legacy with contemporary collectability, will be available worldwide starting June 14, 2024, on Reebok.com and select retailers. This launch follows the tremendous success of the collaborative project with basketball superstar Allen Iverson in 2022.
The collection also features an array of base cards, including the Tiger Stripe Blue, Camo, Royal Blue, Blue, Silver, Cardinal, Yellow, Blue and Silver Checker, Red White Blue, Nebula, Black Gold, Gold, and Gold Vinyl variants. Inserts such as Color Blast, Reebok Silver, Manga, and Brilliance in various shades are included in the lineup, each offering a unique appeal. Special promos like Base White Sparkle and Brilliance White Sparkle add a touch of exclusivity to the collection, catering to avid collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Immerse yourself in the legacy of Emmitt Smith with this extraordinary fusion of sneakers and trading cards, blending style, history, and collectibility in a one-of-a-kind collaboration between Reebok and Panini America.