Recall: Reebok International Recall of Toddler's Athletic Shoes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 20, 2004 Release # 04-217

Firm's Hotline: (800) 843-4444 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Reebok International Announce Recall of Toddler's Athletic Shoes

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Reebok "Iverson/Answer" toddler shoes

Units: About 140,000

Manufacturer: Reebok International Ltd., of Canton, Mass.

Hazard: The I-3 logo-tag on the tongue of the shoe can be peeled off, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: Reebok has received a report of an 8-month-old child mouthing the logo-tag. The tag was removed without injury.

Description: The recalled Reebok Iverson mid- and low-style athletic shoes were sold in toddler sizes 2 through 10. The logo-tag on the tongue of the shoe reads "I3/Answer," and on the rear and center of the heel is an "I3" logo. The names "Iverson" and "The Realist" are carved into the sole. The model number is printed on a label on the underside of the tongue. Model numbers included in the recall are: 99553, B99553, 99554, B99554, 105155, B105155, 105158, B105158, 108292, and B108292.

Sold at: Reebok, independent retailers, children's apparel and athletic shoe stores nationwide from March 2004 through August 2004 for about $35.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take these shoes away from young children and contact Reebok to receive a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Reebok at (800) 843-4444 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.reebok.com

Media Contact: Denise Kaigler, (781) 401-5000.