Projo Biz Blog

Toy maker Hasbro Inc. and shoe maker Reebok have teamed up to make a new line of sneakers inspired by the classic board game, Monopoly.

The shoes feature designs that draw from Monopoly, a 70-year old board game produced by Parker Brothers, a division of Pawtucket-based Hasbro. The game is so named because players try to monopolize ownership of properties and railroads, allowing them to charge exorbitant "rent" of other players when their game piece lands on the properties. The properties were named after streets in Atlantic City, N.J.

The shoes will be made in sizes for toddlers to adults at prices that range from $40 to $80.

Reebok designers created several different versions of the Monopoly shoes. The men's shoes are based on the company's Reverse Jam line, and the women's are based on the Courtee design.

The first models, to be available later this month, have sections of the Monopoly game board superimposed around the shoe covering, with the laces covered with images of dice.

Reebok release another Monopoly collection in November with designs based on the game pieces, Chance and Community Chest cards, and play money.

"We have a strong fan-following for Monopoly, and now consumers can wear what they play in high style," said Bryony Bouyer, senior vice president of licensing at Hasbro.

"The game of Monopoly transcends all age groups and we are excited to join with Reebok to create a footwear collection that will do the same."

This is not the first time Hasbro and Reebok have collaborated on shoes. The two companies signed a deal in late 2006 to produce children's footwear based on Play-Doh, the clay-like shaping material that comes in various colors.

Reebok International Ltd., a subsidiary of the Adidas Group, is based in Canton, Mass.

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