On a vibrant June 10th in the bustling city of Boston, Reebok and Panini America came together to unveil their latest masterpiece—a captivating collection paying homage to the celebrated football legend Emmitt Smith. This innovative collaboration marries the world of footwear with the allure of collectible trading cards, with a special focus on the fan-favorite Prizm brand. Brace yourself for an exquisite array of updated classics and newly reimagined designs, all sporting a touch of Emmitt Smith’s iconic style.
The journey of Emmitt Smith’s partnership with Reebok traces back to 1993, when he first endorsed the dynamic “Preseason” line of turf shoes. Fast forward to 1996, the year that witnessed the birth of his signature model, the revered ES22. Renowned for its groundbreaking design tailored to match Smith’s unparalleled athletic abilities, the ES22 quickly became a symbol of performance and style on the field. In a serendipitous turn of events, 2009 heralded Smith’s collaboration with Panini America, aligning perfectly with the launch of the now-lauded “Prizm” sports card series in 2012, characterized by its glossy opti-chrome finish and sought-after inserts.
Diving into the collection itself, enthusiasts can expect to feast their eyes on three distinct sneaker designs intricately intertwined with elements from the beloved Prizm card series:
1. Preseason ’94 Low “Purple Prizm”: A captivating blend of purple, white, and black hues adorns this iteration, boasting a sleek leather upper punctuated by Prizm-themed accents, available for $120.
2. Preseason ’94 “Gold Prizm”: For those yearning for a touch of opulence, this model flaunts a striking gold color palette and premium enhancements mirroring Panini’s esteemed Gold Prizm cards, priced at $140.
3. ES22 “Color Blast”: Retailing at $200, this pristine white sneaker crafted from patent leather is a visual spectacle, featuring a vibrant midsole and intricate Prizm detailing reminiscent of Panini’s exclusive “Color Blast” cards.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, every acquisition of the “ES22 Color Blast” sneaker will come bundled with an exclusive Emmitt Smith trading card meticulously crafted by the ingenious minds at Panini and Reebok. These cards serve as a tangible memento of Smith’s unparalleled legacy on the field, adorned with captivating designs chronicling his remarkable career journey alongside a diverse assortment of rare card parallels, sure to set collectors’ hearts aflutter.
The “Reebok x Panini Prizm Preseason” collection, a fusion of sports history and contemporary collectibles, is set to make its global debut on June 14, 2024, gracing the digital shelves of Reebok.com and select retailers across the world. This unveiling follows in the illustrious footsteps of their previous collaboration with basketball luminary Allen Iverson back in 2022, cementing Reebok and Panini America’s reputation as trailblazers in the realm of innovative sports collectibles.
As fans eagerly countdown to the official release date, the anticipation for the Emmitt Smith inspired sneaker and card collection continues to mount, promising a kaleidoscopic celebration of one of football’s greatest icons, immortalized through the lens of cutting-edge design and collectible artistry. Get ready to embark on a journey through time, style, and sports heritage, as Reebok and Panini invite you to indulge in the magic of the Emmitt Smith inspired sneaker and card collection.