The History of PUMA
PUMA began in the 1920s, co-founded by brothers Adolf (‘Adi’) and Rudolf Dassler, in the small town of Herzogenaurach, Germany. Known as the Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory, their business gained global recognition after Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics wearing their spikes.
But by 1948, the partnership fell apart, and Rudolf left to form his own company – PUMA. Adi was left to establish what would become his rival company, adidas.
PUMA quickly established itself in the sports footwear industry with the Atom, the company’s first football boot. The Super Atom, introduced in 1952, was the first football boot with screw-in studs, developed in collaboration with West Germany’s national football coach Sepp Herberger. Its innovation helped to cement PUMA’s reputation in professional sports.
In was in 1958 that the iconic Formstrip was first added to PUMA shoes, serving as both a design and functional element for foot stability.
In the 70s and 80s, PUMA was a key player on the basketball court, and collaborated with NBA player Walt Franzier, who was renowned for his distinctive off-court fashion sense. Given the nickname ‘Clyde’ from ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ fame, PUMA created the PUMA Clyde when the player sought a personalised pair of basketball shoes.
In 1984, PUMA introduced its first computer-equipped shoe, the RS-Computer, ahead of the technological wave. The Disc System, released two years later, revolutionised lacing mechanisms with its custom fit. Later, in 1991, PUMA introduced Trinomic Cushioning, which improved runner’s comfort and support. The Cell Technology, seen a year later, improved stability and energy return.
Though the brand faced fierce competition from rivals such as adidas and Nike, it continually reinvented itself to stay ahead of the game. In the early 2000s, PUMA shifted from being purely performance-driven to embracing the sports-lifestyle niche, blending their athletic silhouettes with street and fashion appeal.
Continuing to innovate, PUMA brought out their Ignite Foam Technology in their running shoes in 2010, providing responsive cushioning. In 2021, Future Z football boots were equipped with an adaptive FUZIONFIT+ compression band.
Coming a long way since its initial roots in sibling rivalry, PUMA has consistently emphasised style, performance and technology over the years, and today, remains one of the world’s top sportswear and lifestyle brands.
FENTY x PUMA
PUMA is known for injecting playfulness and creativity into its sneaker designs through a wide range of fun and unexpected collaborations. From pop culture tie-ins like Animal Crossing, One Piece and SpongeBob SquarePants, to high-profile partnerships including streetwear brands Maison Kitsuné and Butter Goods, rappers J.Cole and A$AP Rocky, sports legends LaMelo and Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier and more, PUMA constantly refreshes its lineup with high-profile collaborations.
PUMA’s FENTY collaboration with Rihanna stands as one of the most culturally influential partnerships in the brand’s history. Launched in 2015, the collab marked Rihanna’s debut as PUMA’s Creative Director for Women’s.
At the heart of the FENTY line was a bold reimagining of classic sportswear silhouettes with elevated, edgy, and fashion-forward twists. One of the most iconic releases was the Fenty Creeper, a platform-soled version of the PUMA Suede that quickly became a bestseller.
FENTY x PUMA was revived in 2023, starting with the Avanti, a luxe reinterpretation of a vintage football shoe.
PUMA: Answering Your Questions
When was PUMA founded?
PUMA was founded in 1948, after brothers Adolf and Rudolph Dassler ended their previous business partnership and established their own companies – Adolf with adidas, and Rudolph with PUMA.
Are PUMAs good running shoes?
Compared to brands like Nike and ASICS, PUMA isn’t the top choice for running shoes, but models like the Velocity Nitro, ForeverRUN Nitro, and Deviate Nitro are well-reviewed for performance, comfort and responsiveness.
What technologies do PUMA use in their shoes?
PUMA uses NITRO foam, PUMAGRIP and RUNGUIDE technologies in their running and training shoes. NITRO foam is a lightweight, nitrogen-infused midsole material that provides cushioning and energy return, PUMAGRIP is a durable rubber compound used in outsoles for multi-surface traction, and RUNGUIDE provides structural stability.
Where are PUMA shoes made?
PUMA shoes are manufactured in several countries, primarily in Asia, including Vietnam, China, Indonesia, India and Bangladesh.
What are PUMA shoes made of?
PUMA uses a variety of materials in their shoes including leather, suede, mesh, knit fabric, synthetic textiles, and rubber or EVA. They also use foam, Nitro foam, or ProFoam in their midsoles.
Are PUMA shoes vegan?
PUMA has vegan-certified collections, including styles in the Re:Suede and Future Rider lines. Look for labelling that confirms a shoe is vegan.
Do PUMA fit true to size?
For the full guide on how different PUMA sneaker models fit, check out our PUMA sizing guide here!
How do you tie PUMA sneakers?
For guidance on tying your For guidance on tying your PUMA laces, check out our Ultimate Sneakerjagers Lacing Guide!
How do I clean my PUMA sneakers?
A PUMA sneaker should be cleaned by hand. For the best results, remove the laces, then use a toothbrush to remove obvious dirt from the surface. Mix a mild detergent with some water and use a sponge or cloth to gently scrub harder stains, or for suede, use a suede brush (water can damage suede). Use a damp cloth to wipe off the residue, then let them air-dry.
For a smelly sneaker, you can sprinkle baking soda inside the shoe, then leave overnight. The powder will absorb moisture and neutralise the smell. Shake out the excess before wearing again. Alternatively, you can use silica gel or activated charcoal bags for the same results.
Laces can be cleaned with a mild detergent and rinsed afterwards, or you can put white laces in a 1:5 bleach and water solution for a few minutes and then rinse thoroughly with clean water.
In addition, we do not recommend putting your shoes in the washing machine. Sneakers made of leather and suede can come out damaged. With shoes made of canvas or cotton, the risk is less, but the chance of damaged sneakers remains. So we recommend always washing your sneakers by hand. If you do put them in the washing machine, then place the shoes in an old pillowcase beforehand.
Where can I buy PUMA?
Do you have your eye on this brand? With our sneaker search engine, you can browse the PUMA at different retailers and at different prices. Our release calendar also keeps you up to date on PUMA restocks and new releases!
Popular PUMA Models
Velophasis
A recent PUMA silhouette, the Velophasis dropped in 2023 and takes its inspiration from the running shoes of the 2000s. Its asymmetrical uppers, honeycomb mesh and textured panels give off a trendy Y2K vibe.
SOFTFOAM+ and CMEVA technologies in the midsole provide cushioning and comfort in this chunky, retro-style sneaker built with contemporary materials.
Cali
The PUMA Cali model is a modern reinterpretation of the PUMA California, combining chic street style with bold class. Panels of suede, leather and synthetic material on the upper pay homage to the original model.
Generally available in classic black and white, some versions feature special colour blocking for something a bit louder.
Palermo
Drawing inspiration from 80s football culture, the PUMA Palermo features a combination of suede and leather materials in a clean and classic design. The gum sole provides durability alongside a retro flair.
It’s a choice model for those looking for timeless appeal and understated elegance.
Suede
One of PUMA’s oldest models, the Suede made its debut back in 1968 and has been a cultural icon ever since. Its clean silhouette and has been worn by everyone from basketball players to hip-hop legends.
Featuring a suede upper and modern design elements, the Suede is continually refreshed through new colorways and collaborations. The recent Suede XL is popular for its exaggerated silhouette and thick laces.
Mayze
The PUMA Mayze is a bold, platform sneaker designed with a street-inspired edge. Featuring a chunky stacked midsole and layered leather or suede uppers, it blends fashion-forward styling with everyday wearability.
The Mayze often comes in fresh colorways and collaborations, including lines with Dua Lipa.
Speedcat
Originally hitting the market in 1998 as a motorsports shoe, the PUMA Speedcat saw a resurgence in the lifestyle scene in 2024. Its sleek and streamlined design has become a staple in sneaker culture.
The suede and leather upper is paired with a thin rubber sole for a versatile and stylish look.
RS-X
The RS-X is a bold, futuristic yet retro-style sneaker that builds on PUMA’s ‘Running System’ from the 80s, with a chunky, exaggerated design. A relatively recent model, the RS-X was launched in 2018, and features a mix of mesh, leather and synthetic materials.
Known for its vibrant colorways and tech-inspired look, the RS-X has added plenty of new styles to its line including the refined RS-X3 and the aggressive RS-X Efekt.
Rider
The PUMA Rider series takes retro running silhouettes from the 80s and gives them a modern flair.
The Future Rider emphasises bold colours and cushioning, while the Easy Rider mixes vintage aesthetics with updated materials, making them versatile choices for everyday wear. The Wild Rider is crafted to make more of a statement, with a dynamic design and a layered, bold look.
Avanti
First released in 2021, the PUMA Avanti’s design is styled on both the King football boot and Easy Rider running shoe. The result is a narrow, vintage leather shoe with a slim sole.
Revived through collaborations like FENTY x PUMA, it features a fold-over tongue for a nostalgic look.
For more FAQs on your favourite sneaker brands and models, visit the Sneaker FAQ page.
