Ewing Athletics Reveals Yandel’s Puerto Rico-Inspired Second Collaboration

After Yandel teased the shoe in his “Con Co” music video in June, Ewing Athletics has revealed its second collaboration with the Puerto Rican singer and songwriter.

Next month, Ewing Athletics — the namesake brand of NBA icon Patrick Ewing — will release its SL33 “Cayey” collaboration with Yandel. This collab is also the debut of the brand’s new low-cut SL33 model.

“I’m excited about this new low-top model as it adds a new element to the brand. The SL33 is a perfect combination of old and new, and it streamlines our collection,” the retired New York Knicks great said in a statement. “Yandel has been a great collaborator, and it’s been great working with him over the last two years, so it was only natural for him to debut the SL33. We created something special here, and we want to continue building on it.”

The look, Ewing Athletics explained, was inspired by Yandel’s birthplace of Cayey, Puerto Rico, which the brand described as “a mountain town known for its famous twin peaks.” That specific inspiration comes across via the twin peaks logo on the tongue that incorporate the letter “Y.”

Ewing Athletics and Yandel chose premium materials for this collaboration, including beige leather and mesh, brown suede, green leather and reflective paneling. The collab also features lace locks and the artist’s logo on the heel.

The box features an English and Spanish comic printed on the inside, the Puerto Rican is displayed on the wrapping paper and each pair comes with a Ewing x Yandel straw bag that celebrates his Latin roots.

“I’m counting down the days to present this new model to sneaker lovers around the world,” Yandel said in a statement. “I’m very proud of our first edition, and now we can add this incredible new style to our exclusive collection in honor of the city that I hold close to my heart with great pride, a city that has witnessed my growth as a person and as an artist.”

The Yandel x Ewing Athletics SL33 “Cayey” arrives Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. ET via Ewingathletics.com and Yandel.com. It will retail for $150. What’s more, Ewing Athletics will hold an in-store event at Stadium Goods in New York City with both Yandel and Ewing.

About the Author

Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.