PUMA Blue Bird (Made in Italy)

• MODEL: PUMA BLUE BIRD
• MADE IN: ITALY

PUMA first dropped their low cut, Blue Bird silhouette in late 1970s or early 1980s, showing off their skills with its simplistic suede upper. Supposedly created for runners, it’s hard to imagine many athletes wearing the shoe as it’s quite heavy (similar to the PUMA Redstar), and it actually became popular for another, unofficial yet overruling purpose: fashionable wear.

Actually, these trainers were worn so often by the Cardiff City Soul Crew – a so-called “notorious football hooligan firm” – that they can be held solely responsible for the gang’s nickname, the Bluebirds. Such cultural appearances were what gave this otherwise understated model a more than modest boost in its infamy.

Pictured here is one of the original trainers, produced in Italy. While a deadstock version of these vintage Blue Bird’s might not be easy to pick up in this day and age, casual wearers should not fear, as the shoe is quite in-demand and therefore experiences modern day re-releases (such as the 2011 colorways and the Size? exclusive).

written by Dylan Cromwell

photography by errol