Puma celebrates the 50th anniversary of its Suede silhouette with the help of music, fashion and pop culture icons, and 50 unique drops of the signature style, including rereleases of the original style and brand-new variations.
The celebration comes 49 years after the shoe’s moment in the sports spotlight at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City, where American athlete Tommie Smith broke the 200m world record wearing Puma spikes. The celebration will continue all year leading up to 2018, which will mark 50 years since the brand launched its first Suede style.
“The Suede simply represents what we at Puma stand for as a brand,” said Puma Chief Archivist Helmut Fischer. “Taking a standard and making it a must-have. Being iconic.”
Upon walking to receive his medal, Smith wore black socks and carried a single Puma Suede in his left hand in a silent protest against racial inequality and human rights. Smith remains one of Puma’s long-standing athletes, making him a go-to to kick off the campaign.
“The Suede has swag. I loved those shoes and took them to the victory stand because they reminded me of me,” said Smith. “They were annoyingly strong, unassuming and dark.”
Rereleases include classic silhouettes like the B-Boy Fabulous Pack and the Made in Japan Collectors’ Pack.
The first sneaker rolls out Nov. 4 and will be available in Puma stores and online.