PUMA States x Shadow Society “Crystal Grey”

• MODEL: PUMA STATES
• DESIGNED BY: PUMA Shadow Society
• MADE IN: CHINA
• MADE ON: --/11
• ART.NO: 352692 03

Another famous PUMA silhouette gets the Shadow Society treatment in this August 2011 release. The States model is one that most Puma aficionados will recognize with ease, and after a four year absence the States came back as a part of the Shadow Society pack.

Cousin to the Suede and the Clyde, the States share their illustrious history as well as their iconic status. Renamed the States after its UK birthplace, the general shape of the silhouette resembles both the Suede and the Clyde but has a lower frame and bears a slimmer body.

The Shadow Society are a select group of PUMA enthusiasts who blow the dust off classic models and breath a modern life into them via their well-mixed remedies of quality materials and fresh colourways. Like a true secret society their identity remains unknown – and they’ve even adopted the eye and pyramid logo that the Illuminati made famous as their branding – though despite the shroud of secrecy it’s a widespread fact that they’ve been, and apparently continue to be, PUMA’s go to guys (or gals) for inventive twists on existing models.

PUMA is well known for their collaborations with designers and stores but the Shadow Society provides some of their most frequent colab releases; a sign of the Shadow Society’s popularity and the trust PUMA has in them.

True to form the Shadow Society have updated the States using a rich suede upper with leather linings, and once again flexed their ability for picking great colourways in these States. Sticking to the formula of cool base colours mixed with a more striking hue for highlights the overall result is a success that we’ve seen in previous models with similar treatments.

The colourway of this particular pair is “crystal” grey and red. The grey being the dominant colour of the shoe with the red added for contrast on the laces, side strip, and heel logo. These States were also released in a turquoise and white combo for those that want an even cooler look.

Accompanied by a leather tote bag and some extra, off-white laces, these were the ultimate welcome back for a much loved PUMA classic.

written by Sam Arojo

photography by errol