PUMA was founded by Rudolf Dassler, who first rose to sportswear notoriety when he and his brother Adolf jointly formed the company Gebrüder Dassler Schuhfabrik (Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory) in 1924.
Fast-forward four years and the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics saw most German athletes sporting Dassler spikes. Eight years later American icon Jesse Owens won four gold medals at the Olympic Games in Berlin while sporting the brothers' shoes. Despite their shared success, however, the relationship between the brothers deteriorated, and the two parted ways in 1948. Adolf went on to create adidas, while Rudolf formed PUMA.
PUMA's now-famous logo was originally chosen by Dassler as a symbol of speed, strength, adaptability, perseverance, and dexterity. Named one of the world’s most valuable sports brands by Forbes, the Bavarian-headquartered group maintains its pioneer status in the footwear and fashion industry.
Thanks to the help of a revolutionary football boot, a World Cup marketing stunt featuring Pele, close relationships with a long list of the world's best athletes, and endorsement deals with leading artists such as J. Cole and Rihanna, PUMA has rightfully earned its place as one of the biggest companies in sneaker culture.
To help you navigate some of the best releases from PUMA in 2021 alone, we've compiled a list of our favorite PUMA sneakers below.
Shop the best PUMA Sneakers of 2022 below
Puma – Wild Rider Grip LS Black
Wild Rider Grip LS
PUMA
Streamlined and futuristic, it only makes sense to top off the list with one of our favorites. We love the sneaker's multi-layered upper and fresh mix of leather overlays. The iridescent highlights are a nice touch too. Like many of Puma's models, this sneaker looks great in the gym and out on the street.
Puma x Helly Hansen RS Connect Sneakers
RS Connect Sneakers
Puma x Helly Hansen
This is one of the colorways that will help you easily transition into the Fall. The sneaker is the brainchild of two sportswear titans and includes a mesh upper in a cool blue and nubuck in a stunning olive green, all contrasting on a clean off-white midsole. As an added bonus, PUMA's RS cushioning technology is here to make the ride comfortable.
Puma x KidSuper Studios
Nitefox Sneakers
Puma x KidSuper Studios
KidSuper Studios has been killing it, giving us a steady stream of playful, nostalgia, and well-designed seasonless staples. The Brooklyn studio has added its creative direction to Puma's Nitefox silhouette. It's a solid chunky sneaker, bright enough for a late summer rotation.
PUMA Palermo Sneakers
Palermo Sneakers
PUMA
Christmas in summer? Helly, yes. This festive green Palermo works well with its gum sole. The shoe is an excellent statement piece, whether you are wearing shorts or a nice linen suit.
PUMA Cell King Rhude
Cell King Rhude
PUMA
RHUDE has "luxed-up" the PUMA covering, the sneaker into paneled leather. We love how the black leather contrast with the midsole and sweeping suede puma logo. These Puma's will not feel out of place on your trip to Italy.
Puma x Ader Error Vaderon Sneakers
Vaderon Sneakers
Puma x Ader Error
Love the utilitarian look of these. The disjointed gum soles paired with the grey colorway make this sneaker a minimal masterpiece.
PUMA RS-Connect Adapt Sneakers
RS-Connect Adapt Sneakers
PUMA
RS technology but in low-maintenance black on black? Take my money. I feel batman would wear these if he had the time to be a sneakerhead.
PUMA Slipstream Retro Low
Slipstream Retro Low
PUMA
The Slipstream sneaker is a shoe with a lot of history. The shoe originally appeared as a basketball sneaker in 1987 to acclaim, inevitably building a cult following a decade later. Fans of it love the shoe's varied colorways, plush leather uppers, suede overlaps, and retro vibes.
PUMA Slipstream Lo Retro
Slipstream Lo Retro
PUMA
Speaking of Slipstream colorways, the white on red is a classic pairing that will go with just about any fit.
Puma x AMI Suede Mayu Deconstruct
Suede Mayu Deconstruct
Puma x AMI
Chunky, suede, and simple? What more can you ask? A strong contender for a daily driver, the collaborative sneaker blends Parisian styling and tailoring with innovative sportswear design — another win for you minimalists.
Puma x Butter Goods Slipstream Lo
Slipstream Lo
Puma x Butter Goods
You know the Slipstream is good if we have featured them three times on today's list. The Butter Goods in Mocha brown is just another win of a colorway.
PUMA Vlado Stenzel Legends Sneakers
Vlado Stenzel Legends Sneakers
PUMA
Red always looks clean with gum soles. PUMA has become a master at this combo giving classic after classic.
PUMA Suede Gum Sneakers
Suede Gum Sneakers
PUMA
Another easy rotation pick, this sneaker colorway opens the gates to a wide array of fit picks.
PUMA Easy Rider Sneaker
Easy Rider Sneaker
PUMA
An Easy Ride? Absolutely. The shoe looks great and features PUMA's comfortable design.
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