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5 iconic PUMA sneakers to add to your collection

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27.06.2024

By Jolin Lee

IMAGES COURTESY OF PUMA
5 iconic PUMA sneakers to add to your collection

PUMA did not come to play. The German powerhouse has redefined the boundaries of athletic apparel, blending cutting-edge technology with iconic design that easily captivated a global audience of athletes and fashion enthusiasts alike. It’s never hard to pick between functionality and style when it comes to the brand as each collection announced reinforces the brand’s ability to seamlessly fuse them together. Each piece is meticulously crafted not only to boost your performance but also to elevate your everyday look.

In addition to its stellar lineup of products, PUMA shines even brighter with a star-studded roster of powerhouse celebrities. From soccer legend Neymar Jr. to Grammy-winning artist Rihanna, Puma strategically partners with personalities who embody the brand’s values of passion, performance, and style. The brand recently welcomed Rosé from the K-pop group Blackpink into its family.

Below we dived into our top five favourites from the brand that you should add to your ever-growing shoe collection. The more, the merrier!

 

BURO’S TOP PICKS

 

PALERMO

PUMA sneakers

It’s a no-brainer that Palermo is on our must-have list. The Palermo—which debuted in the 1980s became a popular choice among football fans who frequented stadiums across Europe. Its low-top silhouette and gum rubber outsole evoke a sense of nostalgia, becoming a retro icon rooted in the football fan culture. The line just got reintroduced last year with fresher colour schemes, and recently debuted in two brand new shades as well. Today, Palermo is a favourite among international stars like Dua Lipa and Jack Grealish.

 

SUEDE

PUMA sneakers

Did you know that Suede isn’t the original name for these iconic sneakers? They started as Puma Crack, later evolving to Clyde as part of an agreement with basketball star Walt “Clyde” Frazier back in the early 70s. Today, they are known worldwide as Puma Suede. Unlike the Palermo, which is deeply rooted in terrace culture, the Suede is more associated with the hip-hop scene, gaining prominence during the rise of rap, breakdancing, graffiti, and turntablism. However, as the 80s progressed, the PUMA Suede also became integral to a new subculture of the time: skateboarding. This shift created a demand for versatile and comfortable skate shoes, establishing the PUMA Suede as the certified ‘street’ shoe.

 

EASY RIDER

PUMA sneakers

The Easy Rider may be introduced almost half a century ago, but now it’s making a bigger return in 2024. This game-changing design revolutionized the jogging craze of the 1970s and was later adopted by football casuals, becoming a staple of terrace culture. The Easy Rider was one of the first sports footwear to feature an outdoor-specific sole, with its federbein (shock absorption) outsole built with conical-shaped studs to dampen impact—the most visually distinct feature that remains today. The new Easy Rider pays homage to the original with its wedge-shaped profile, heel counter, and superlight padded nylon upper—now available in a variety of colour schemes for you and the whole family.

 

CREEPER

PUMA sneakers

There is one person responsible for the rise of the Creeper, and that’s Rihanna herself. Originally introduced in the 1940s, the global singer and entrepreneur brought it back to life in 2015 with her reinterpretation, combining the PUMA Suede with a ridged platform sole. Since then, many colourways and textures have been introduced, including velvet, leather, neon and more.  The Creeper lineup also expanded to include the Cleated Creeper, which takes the design to new heights with its aggressive cleated soles, as well as the Ankle Strap Creeper and the Pointy Creeper.

 

FUTURE RIDER

PUMA sneakers

The PUMA Future Rider is a modern update to the 1980s Fast Rider, a shoe renowned for its shock-absorbing Federbein outsole and vibrant colour schemes. Reintroduced in 2019, the Future Rider retains the iconic outsole but features Rider Foam for enhanced comfort and a contemporary upper made of mesh, suede, and synthetic leather. Embracing streetwear culture, it combines retro aesthetics with modern technology. The Future Rider’s versatility and collaborations with designers and artists have kept it fresh and relevant, bridging past and present while appealing to both nostalgic fans and new generations.

 

 

 

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