Shaquille O’Neal Unveils Custom Pepsi ‘Sneak’er’

Shaquille O'Neal has teamed up with Pepsi and Reebok to introduce the PEPSI 'SNEAK'ER', a custom sneaker that celebrates the iconic color palette of one of the world's most beloved beverages. The collaboration is a nod to Shaq's illustrious past with the beverage giant and the athletic brand, marking a new chapter in his long-standing relationship with Pepsi from 1992.

The 'SNEAK'ER' boasts an electric blue and black design, paying homage to Shaq's first NBA team, the Orlando Magic. This custom colorway is not just about aesthetics; it also features paint splatter detailing on the outsole and a black and blue Pepsi pattern on the insole, which are distinctive elements that celebrate the partnership. The sneakers are further personalized with custom electric blue laces, a subtle yet powerful connection to Shaq's basketball roots.

"Pepsi has been a core part of my career since the moment I joined the NBA," said Shaquille O'Neal, 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."

Shaq's influence on Reebok's strategy is significant as he leads the brand's focus on re-establishing itself as a team sports brand. His personal touch extends beyond the boardroom into the very products that symbolize the brand's direction. Interestingly, Shaq's shoe size plays a role in the uniqueness of this collaboration. While his actual shoe size is 20, he prefers a size 22 for comfort—a preference rooted in his childhood when proper-fitting shoes were a luxury. This detail adds a layer of authenticity and personal history to the limited-edition sneakers.

"The Pepsi 'SNEAK'ER is the latest in a long line of groundbreaking innovations we have had at Pepsi with our incredible partner, Shaq," said Todd Kaplan, CMO – Pepsi. "As a fellow sneakerhead and Pepsi lover myself, I can appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making a new shoe built from the iconic Reebok PUMP series, and to have a Pepsi Mini always within a leg's reach. This project has been a great partnership between Pepsi, Reebok, and the Shoe Surgeon that celebrates our past, present, and future partnership with Shaq. 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."

The PEPSI 'SNEAK'ER' release is timed perfectly with the NBA All-Star Weekend 2024, creating a buzz among sneaker enthusiasts and collectors. However, these sneakers are not just for show; they come with a unique feature—a leather chamber in the sole designed to hold a mini Pepsi can. This inventive twist is reminiscent of Shaq's previous forays into sneaker customization, such as the sneaker with a phone he showcased during the 2005 All-Star Weekend.

Some of Shoe Surgeon's key features include:

• Reebok's iconic "PUMP" has been turned into the Pepsi Globe.
• The custom colorway leverages the iconic Pepsi colour palette of electric blue and black, including paint splatter detailing on the outsole, a black and blue Pepsi pattern on the insole, and custom electric blue laces, doubling as a callback to Shaq's first NBA team, the Orlando Magic, colours.
• The main feature on the underside is a special electric blue leather chamber that is custom-built to hold a Pepsi Mini can.

Twenty-two lucky fans can bring home their very own PEPSI 'SNEAK'ER in Shaq's Size 22s – today through Sunday, February 25, they can post a photo or video on social showcasing their own love for Pepsi Minis just like Shaq does with the hashtag #PepsiMinis #Sweepstakes. U.S. res, 18+ (19+ for AL/NE). Ends 2/25/24. Rules: HERE.