Pepsi Crafts Large Sneaker With Can Stashed In For Shaquille O’Neal
Image via PepsiCo Beverages North America
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Pepsi is stepping up its game with a zesty twist on footwear, rolling out a bespoke speaker that’s as cool as chilled cola. The beverage maker has paired up with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal and sportswear giant Reebok to introduce the aptly-named Pepsi ‘SNEAK’er, ensuring fans can keep their favorite drink close by, no matter where they step.
The launch harks back to the brand’s first tie-in with O’Neal and Reebok in 1992, celebrating the towering presence of Shaq in the NBA. The trio joined forces again at the NBA All-Star Weekend when the star stepped out in this street-worthy tribute.
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Fixed up by renowned sneaker personalizer Shoe Surgeon, the custom Reebok PUMP Shaq Attaqs, in a mammoth size 22, have their soles cleverly modified to incorporate a well-sized chamber for holding a Pepsi Mini Can.
Image via PepsiCo Beverages North America
The footwear sports several distinctive elements, including a Pepsi Globe replacing Reebok’s iconic ‘PUMP’ button and a special color scheme that echoes the classic Pepsi blue and black, complete with paint splatter on the outsole and custom laces that pay homage to Shaq’s Orlando Magic days.
“Pepsi has been a core part of my career since the moment I joined the NBA,” says O'Neal, the president of basketball at Reebok. “My partnership with Pepsi means so much to me because we're always out here having fun, innovating, bringing the noise. Now, I’m pumped that I never have to be without my Pepsi Mini Cans.”
Image via Mauro Porcini / PepsiCo
Remarking on the convenient Pepsi-toting shoes, Todd Kaplan, chief marketing officer at Pepsi, notes, “While a Pepsi Mini Can is small enough to fit in anyone’s pocket, Shaq is one of the only people with a shoe big enough to comfortably fit one in his shoe, so we can’t wait for consumers to get their hands (and feet!) on this once-in-a-lifetime collab.”
For those dreaming of walking in Shaq’s shoes, the brand is offering a chance for 22 drinkers to snag a pair of the exclusive ‘SNEAK’ers in his size 22 through a sweepstakes. To quench their desire for a pop, fans are encouraged to express their love for Pepsi Minis on social media using the hashtags #PepsiMinis and #Sweepstakes until February 25.
[via PepsiCo]
