PUMA Suede

• MODEL: PUMA SUEDE
• TYPE: BASKETBALL
• MADE IN: VIETNAM
• MADE ON: 11/02
• ART.NO: 339030 12
• FACTORY: VRF

The Suede silhouette has remained in the throne of PUMA shoes for several decades of sneaker history. What has kept the Suede on top of the empire is nothing more than its ability to satisfy many different groups of people through its simplicity and practicality. It has been worn by everyone from basketball players (as is it’s original intention) to b-boys and b-girls on the streets of New York.

In some respects, it’s much like the adidas Superstar of PUMA. It represents the brand’s image of being well rounded, with their paws placed firmly on both the courts and the streets, while also being aware of the heritage which created it. The PUMA Suede is a grandfather to many other models roaming around the stockrooms, including but definitely not limited to the Clyde and the States silhouettes. But of all the models which must’ve been fighting for the formstripe spotlight in PUMA’s earlier years, what events allowed the PUMA Suede to rise above the rest?

It all dates back to the year the Suede was introduced to the public, in 1968. Since then it has been worn by track stars like Tommie Smith, who wore it during the 1968 Olympics. Also by pro ball players such as Walter “Clyde” Frazier, who sported a pair during the 1970 championship, until he was given a signature shoe (which he based off of the Suede). Later on, it was adopted by the hip hop scene for use in breakdancing, helping to concrete the trend of fat laces throughout the world.

This diversity is what helped the Suede succeed. It was not only a tool to be used for a variety of activities, but a blank slate to be manipulated in different directions with the creation of new models.

At the end of the day, the PUMA Suede is a Swiss Army Knife of sneakers. It has the ability to perform a multitude of tasks and doesn’t fail to impress.