Back in 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon was fresh on the NBA scene after a stored career at the University of Houston, where he led the Cougars to consecutive NCAA Championship games. Although Hakeem lost in both appearances, that didn't stop NBA scouts from chomping at the bit to get him, where he was ultimately drafted #1 overall in the 1984 NBA Draft. In his rookie year, Hakeem signed on with sneaker brand, Etonic, and released his Akeem the Dream signature shoe. Thirty years have passed since then, but good news emerged today, as Hakeem and Etonic have reunited to reissue his signature shoes from '84, as well as launch a new lifestyle line.
Etonic and Hakeem announced a multi-year deal, in which the Dream will collaborate with marketing and product development teams at Etonic to create a footwear, apparel, and accessory line in a new division called, Brand Dream. Etonic reached out to famed Jordan Brand developer, D’Wayne Edwards, to create the inaugural shoe for Brand Dream which is scheduled to release at the end of next year.
The contract also includes a lifestyle line which will include classic sneakers originally released in the 1970's and 1980's. The Dream Hall of Fame, Street Fighter and Trans Am Trainer, all pay homage to the era and Etonic's heritage, and feature original lasts and materials. The Etonic lifestyle collection will retail for anywhere between $75-125 depending on the style, and special collections with designers will release in the coming months.
“We are extremely excited to launch our Brand Dream and Etonic Lifestyle Divisions with Hakeem Olajuwon and D’Wayne Edwards. The Dream Supreme, Street Fighter and Trans Am were iconic styles in the 70’s/80’s, and we look forward to honoring the brand’s heritage, while reaching a new generation with classic sneakers, as well as high performance court shoes,” says Bruce Weisfeld, CEO of Etonic.
Stay tuned for more updates and release information in the coming weeks from Etonic, and let us know what you think of Hakeem the Dream bringing back his signature line @SneakerReport.
[Etonic]
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