Children's Side Zip Sneakers Recalled by Reebok

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Reebok International Ltd., of Stoughton, Mass., is recalling about 140,000 children's side zip sneakers. The sneaker's side pocket has a pull tab on the zipper that can be twisted off, presenting a choking and ingestion hazard to children.

CPSC and Reebok are not aware of any injuries from these sneakers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The sneakers being recalled are the Reebok Classic Leather Zip, sold in toddler and child sizes up to size 9. Each sneaker has a small zippered pocket on the side. The zipper's pull tab is imprinted with the Reebok name and logo. When unzipped, the Reebok name and logo appear. "Reebok Classic" is on the front of the sneaker's tongue. The sneakers are made in Indonesia and China. The sneakers come in the following colors and styles. The style number is on the back of the sneaker's tongue, just below the "RA" number.

Toddler sizes		Child sizes
Style number	Color	Style number	Color
81-46353	White/gold	71-46351	White/gold
81-46354	Black/gold	71-46352	Black/gold
81-46395	White/green	71-46394	White/green
81-47286	White/copper	71-47282	White/copper
81-47287	Black/copper	71-47283	Black/copper
81-47288	White/blue	71-47284	White/blue
81-47289	Black/blue	71-47285	Black/blue
81-48115	White/silver	71-47438	White/silver
81-48116	Black/silver	71-47439	Black/silver
		71-49204	White/garnet

Family shoe, children's shoe, athletic and sporting goods stores nationwide sold the sneakers from September 1998 through June 1999 for about $32 to $40.

Consumers should take the sneakers away from their children immediately and return the sneakers to the store where purchased for a refund or exchange. For more information about this recall, consumers should call Reebok at (800) 648-5550 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday or visit their web site at www.reebok.com/recall.htm.