In 1989, Patrick Ewing made history as the first NBA player to own a footwear company. Ewing’s decision would set the foundation for future athlete-owned brands like Jordan and Curry and create staple designs for the 1990s. From the 33 Hi to the Rogue, Ewing sneakers would become part of sneaker and hip-hop culture, appearing on album covers and later collaborating with iconic artists. The latest Ewings Athletics collaboration revisits the brand’s relationship with reggaeton icon Yandel and introduces a new chapter for the historic brand. The SL33 “Cayey” is the brand’s first men’s low-top sneaker and was requested from Patrick Ewing himself.
A takedown of the famous Sport Lite silhouette, the SL33 “Cayey” takes inspiration from Andel’s hometown in Puerto Rico. Cayey’s mountainous terrain comes to life on the packaging and outdoor-inspired colorway. The Mohave, Mountain View, and Fondue colorway combine with premium leather, suede, mesh, and reflective material for an ode to Andel’s roots. The packaging and footwear feature a mountain-inspired Andel logo incorporating a “Y,” Puerto Rican flag tissue paper, a comic strip featuring Patrick Ewing and Yandel, and an Ewing Athletics basketball keychain.
The Andel x Ewing Athletics “Cayey” SL33 will be available starting September 6, 2024, at 10 a.m. EST on ewingathletics.com and yandel.com. A special in-store event will take place on the same day at Stadium Goods in NYC, featuring appearances by Yandel and Patrick Ewing.
