2013-14 Exquisite Basketball is back with yet another highly collectible series for autograph and sneaker collectors. Upper Deck has delivered the first-ever cards created for the sneaker collector with "Signature Kicks" set to arrive at Sports Cards Plus on WEDNESDAY, November 5th. Here are the details from Upper Deck:
Upper Deck has been creating cards with game-used shoes embedded in them going back to the late ‘90’s. With the “Signature Kicks” line of cards, we wanted to really do something different and cater the line of cards directly to the sneaker collector community. We sourced for collectible sneakers of top basketball stars that sneakerheads were passionate about. Additionally, we wanted to use practically every aspect of the shoe into the design of the cards. This would mean creating cards that were much thicker than had ever been done before in order to incorporate all the cool elements of the collectible shoes into the card. In fact the cutting and construction of these cards involved over 16 months of research & development with our team and our vendors. The Monumental Laces cards in particular were a very exciting challenge. At ½” thick, these were some of the heftiest cards we have ever produced. The depth of the laces and eyelet area presented a challenge along with tightening the laces enough to squeeze both sides of the eyelets onto the face of one card. Seeing the end result on cards we are preparing to share with the public is extremely satisfying.
In terms of design, we built strategies for the various designs of the cards after procuring the sneakers and reviewing them as a team. We wanted to let the shoes be the focus of the card, not the teams or even the players. Keeping in line with the individual style sneaker fans appreciate, we looked for imagery that lent itself to those collectors. We depict the athletes in their youth and older, or just showing off their individual style. And of course, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are exclusive signers for Upper Deck.
In terms of design, we built strategies for the various designs of the cards after procuring the sneakers and reviewing them as a team. We wanted to let the shoes be the focus of the card, not the teams or even the players. Keeping in line with the individual style sneaker fans appreciate, we looked for imagery that lent itself to those collectors. We depict the athletes in their youth and older, or just showing off their individual style. And of course, Michael Jordan and LeBron James are exclusive signers for Upper Deck.
Michael Jordan continues to be the most sought after autograph in the hobby. Michael Jordan collectors have been looking for something unique to add to their collection and Upper Deck has delivered. The high demand for these cards will be reflected in their prices on eBay. Go to Sports Cards Plus, a.k.a. The Super Hit Factory TODAY to reserve your spot in Sports Collecting History.
