Shoe Gallery x Reebok Ventilator "El Mariel"

Miami-based Shoe Gallery is the latest retailer to take on the Ventilator, joining Reebok for a custom “El Mariel” take on the retro runner. Inspired by 1980’s Mariel Boatlift — the mass emigration of Cubans to Miami — the shoe adopts a luxurious white leather upper of both smooth and perforated patent varieties as an interpretation of a boat on its way to freedom. Finally, blue leather lining represents the ocean while additional design cues include matching blue footbeds, an embossed boat-like registration number and a translucent outsole that houses an anchor graphic. “El Mariel” is set to hit Shoe Gallery this Saturday, September 5.