words & image // Zack Schlemmer
Even before Jordan Brand broke off from Nike, Patrick Ewing was rocking his very own EWING shoes. Along with Shaq, Jordan, and Stephon Marbury, Ewing is one of the few NBA players to have a sneaker brand named after himself. Produced from roughly 1990 to 1996, Ewing brand sneakers were a moderately priced, yet stylish alternative to the more expensive Air Jordans, Nikes, Reeboks, etc. of the time. Although maybe not up to the technological and cushioning standards of other brands, Ewing shoes were still accepted by the sneaker wearing community of the early 90's. You can even spot Guru of Gang Starr wearing a pair of Ewings on the "Step in the Arena" album cover.
For this particular ad, we see The Empire - one of the last Ewing models before the brand folded. Priced at a cool $59.95, the Empire had a nice, clean design with a simple zig-zag flowing down the shoe. Worn by Patrick on court in Knicks colorways, this ad features the black and white versions. This model is noteworthy for being the shoe Patrick wore in Space Jam!
Ah, If only I had called that number at the bottom and gotten a full catalog of Ewing brand products back in the day. I wouldn't recommend calling it now, but who else would like to see a return of EWING Brand?
