While PUMA might not be the first name you think of when it comes to cool sneaker collaborations, over the years, they’ve actually teamed up with some of the biggest names in music, fashion, and sports, resulting in some of the greatest trainer partnerships of all-time.
The German sportswear was founded back in 1948 when Rudolf Dassler set up the brand after getting into an argument with his brother Adolf, who started adidas. Right from the very beginning, PUMA made its mark with smart marketing and getting world-renowned athletes to wear its shoes. One of the biggest moments was at the 1968 Olympics, where athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos both wore PUMA trainers when they made their famous gesture for human rights. This moment wasn’t just big for sports, but it made PUMA part of a bigger conversation about social issues.
If you’ve always wondered what the best PUMA collaborations are, then you’ve come to the right place. Let’s check them all out!
Launched back in 2015, Fenty x PUMA experienced immediate success with styles like the Creeper. Made in collaboration with the icon that is Rihanna, her involvement elevated the brand’s visibility significantly, boosting searches and sales, and her collections have been a hit both on the runway and on the streets.
Created in partnership with the luxury fashion house Balmain, this collaboration, especially the second one featuring Olivier Rousteing, blended both high fashion and sportswear, incorporating luxurious elements like gold-toned accents into basketball shoes.
Before BTS became the global act that it’s known as today, PUMA actually tapped the Korean boy band for a selection of silhouettes, including the Court Star and Turin. But the most hyped pair has got to be the Basket Patent. Sold out within seconds, these were worn by the group themselves, creating an immediate connection with their global fanbase while boosting PUMA’s brand visibility.
Drawing inspiration from the iconic 1990s video game, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Sonic the Hedgehog x PUMA collection featured sneakers with exaggerated design and vibrant colour palette.
Known for its minimalist aesthetic, the partnership with JJJJound offered a sophisticated take on the PUMA Suede. Decked out in some of the most premium materials that the model has ever experienced, it incorporated subtle branding such as debossed logos and gold metallic accents. Released exclusively in China, this sold out within minutes of launching.
This collaboration brought to life the vibrant and dynamic world of the popular anime series, One Piece. The collection featured bold designs inspired by the series’ characters and motifs, appealing to fans of the anime and sneaker collectors alike.
Although J Cole has since left PUMA to start his own sneaker brand, the RS-Dreamer sneaker gained rapid popularity with its bold design and comfortable fit. This silhouette was often sported by the rapper himself, and quickly sold out after each release.
Tapping one of the greatest video game franchises of all-time, the Final Fantasy x PUMA boasts models like the Slipstream and the RS-X. Inspired by the recurring “dark” and “light” themes that are found throughout Final Fantasy, the sneakers appealled to both gamers and fashion lovers alike.
And there you have it! These are some of the most notable PUMA collaborations ever made. Each partnership has not only showcased the German label’s knack for innovative design, but also their ability to merge sports with the vibrant worlds of music, gaming, and fashion. As we’ve seen, these collaborations can truly elevate a sneaker to icon status, blending performance with high-end style.
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