The Best PUMA Sneakers of 2019
PUMA was founded by Rudolf Dassler in, who first found 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 agreed to part 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 in 2019, 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, a long list of close relationships with the world’s best athletes, and endorsement deals with leading artists like Rihanna, PUMA has rightfully earned its place as one of the biggest companies in sneaker culture.
In sneakerhead culture, PUMA has received recognition for innovative and iconic models like the Clyde and Disc Blaze. To help you navigate some of the best releases from PUMA in 2019 alone, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite PUMA sneakers below.
PUMA x Chinatown Market Future Rider
Brand: PUMA x Chinatown Market
Model: Future Rider
Key Features: The collaborative sneaker comes in two colorways: black with yellow accents and white with yellow accents. Both feature a translucent upper and Chinatown Market branding throughout.
Release Date: January 2020
Price: $120
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: PUMA and Chinatown Market are back at it again, this time reworking the latter’s Future Rider, a new silhouette that was introduced late 2019. It’s a contemporary take on retro running shoes, normally featuring fun color blocking, though that has been swapped out for a more monochrome approach by Chinatown Market.
PUMA Future Rider Ride On
Brand: PUMA
Model: Future Rider Ride On
Key Features: The lightweight deconstructed ripstop upper and the corrugated outsole nod to the Fast Rider. The TPU heel stabilizer is also a distinctive element that’s called out in a different vibrant shade in each colorway.
Release Date: December 2019
Price: $80
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: After months of teasing, PUMA’s Future Rider Ride On sneaker finally hit virtual and physical shelves worldwide in December 2019. Inspired by the Fast Rider sneaker from the ‘80s, the Future Rider Ride On draws cues from the original and reworks them into a modern sneaker with a distinctly retro feel, continuing what PUMA dubs its “Futro” approach.
Similar to its predecessor, the Future Rider Ride On features a supple, ripstop nylon upper with suede overlays and the brand’s iconic Formstrip in smooth leather. Meanwhile, the waffle-like outsole is a reduced and improved version of the “Federbein” construction featured on the ‘80s model. Although its aesthetic may appeal to the retro-inclined and in particular those with a love of ‘80s bright and neon-tinged colorways, the Future Rider is constructed with modern materials including a newly developed midsole and a TPU heel stabilizer.
PUMA x Randomevent Deva
Brand: PUMA x Randomevent
Model: Deva
Key Features: Deva is a sleeker, vintage model that has been slightly reimagined.
Release Date: January 2019
Price: $100
Buy: Dolls Kill
Editor’s Notes: Chinese brand Randomevent, who previously teamed up with New Balance on a super hairy suede 580, unveiled its first collection with German sportswear giant PUMA. The collection consists of four sneakers: the Deva, Alternation, Ralph Sampson Low, and CELL Alien. In addition, there was accompanying apparel, all of which combined unexpected graphic designs and bright colors.
PUMA x Randomevent Alteration
Brand: PUMA x Randomevent
Model: Alteration
Key Features: The Alteration features a chunky silhouette with an equally chunky midsole.
Release Date: January 2019
Price: $140
Buy: Saks Fifth Avenue
Editor’s Notes: The PUMA x Randomevent Alteration joins three other sneakers in this collaboration: the Deva, Ralph Sampson Low, and CELL Alien.
PUMA x Randomevent Ralph Sampson Lo
Brand: PUMA x Randomevent
Model: Ralph Sampson Lo
Key Features: The PUMA x Randomevent Ralph Sampson Lo is a sleek, vintage model that features only minor tweaks here.
Release Date: January 2019
Price: $110
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: The Ralph Sampson Lo joins the Deva, Alteration and CELL Alien as part of PUMA and Randomevent’s collaboration.
PUMA x Randomevent CELL Alien
Brand: PUMA x Randomevent
Model: CELL Alien
Key Features: The CELL Alien is another chunky silhouette with bulky midsoles. This iteration features hints of blue and yellow on the soles and overlays.
Release Date: January 2019
Price: $110
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: The CELL Alien accompanies the Deva, Alteration and Ralph Sampson Lo as part of PUMA x Randomevent’s collaboration.
PUMA x Les Benjamins CELL-Alien
Brand: PUMA x Les Benjamins
Model: CELL-Alien
Key Features: Istanbul’s Les Benjamins gave four PUMA silhouettes, as well as a range of apparel, a hiking-inspired upgrade. Each of the sneakers is constructed using technical materials with trail-inspired lacing. The color palette is kept muted, with pops of color and oriental patterns providing contrast against predominantly black and white base layers.
Release Date: October 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: PUMA and Les Benjamins unveiled their second collaborative collection, which comprised a set of four sneakers and a range of apparel. The Turkish label, founded by Bünyamin Aydin, has carried over some of the oriental motifs found on its first PUMA collection, using the patterns in small doses as detailing on the sneakers and apparel. The hiking-inspired collaboration is utilitarian in nature, featuring multi-functional bags, trail-style lacing, and water-resistant materials.
PUMA x Les Benjamins Storm
Brand: PUMA x Les Benjamins
Model: Storm
Key Features: Model two of four from the collection, once again the color palette is kept muted, with pops of color and oriental patterns providing contrast against predominantly black and white base layers.
Release Date: October 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: In their second collaboration, the Turkish label carried over some of the oriental motifs found on its first PUMA collection, using the patterns on the sneakers and apparel.
PUMA x Les Benjamins RS-X Mid
Brand: PUMA x Les Benjamins
Model: RS-X Mid
Key Features: The muted color palette prevails with this model, which is also the third in the collection.
Release Date: October 2019
Resale Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Multi-functional bags, trail-style lacing, and water-resistant materials are all showcased in this collab.
PUMA x Les Benjamins Thunder Disc
Brand: PUMA x Les Benjamins
Model: Thunder Disc
Key Features: Each of the sneakers in this collaboration is constructed using technical materials with trail-inspired lacing.
Release Date: October 2019
Resale Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: The fourth and final model in PUMA x Les Benjamins’ collaboration, the Thunder Disc is easily the most subtle and striking sneaker in the pair’s partnership.
PUMA RS 9.8
Brand: PUMA
Model: RS 9.8
Key Features: The sneaker pulls together elements from various models in the RS Family including knit sock liners and RS foam. Influenced by space explorations, the new model features cosmos-themed bold colors and aerodynamic simplicity.
Release Date: July 2019
Price: $45
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: After announcing the reboot of their sporty archival ’80s RS-X model, PUMA launched a new RS franchise, the RS 9.8. The name RS 9.8 speaks to 9.8 m/s2 – the approximate speed of gravitational acceleration near the earth’s surface. The formula coincides with PUMA’s running system technology, which adds momentum and support to the sneaker’s lightweight silhouette.
PUMA x Def Jam Clyde Court
Brand: PUMA x Def Jam
Model: Clyde Court
Key Features: The sneaker features a maroon knit upper with a sock-like collar and the Def Jam logo on the heel. The year 1984 is embroidered on the heel loop, a nod to the label’s founding year. A translucent gum midsole completes the look.
Release Date: July 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: PUMA and Def Jam teamed up on a collaborative Clyde Court to celebrate the record label’s 35th anniversary. The partnership runs for a year and will include a number of product drops starting in 2019 and extending into 2020, the first of which is the above basketball sneaker.
PUMA Trailfox Overland
Brand: PUMA
Model: Trailfox Overland
Key Features: The Trailfox is rugged from heel to toe. Its trail-running sole unit features a heavy tread, while the shoe’s lacing system doubles down on performance with a quick-lace mechanism for easy tightening and loosening. A robust mesh upper is complemented by a nubuck mudguard.
Release Date: August 2019
Price: $80
Buy: Amazon
Editor’s Notes: The PUMA Trailfox was, as its name suggests, originally a trail running shoe and was relaunched as a trail-inspired lifestyle sneaker in 2019. Its more rugged beginnings become immediately clear when looking at the sole unit and performance lacing system. The color-blocking mixes a predominantly black upper with safety orange accents and a contrasting cream mudguard and sole unit.
PUMA Alteration Blitz
Brand: PUMA
Model: Alteration Blitz
Key Features: The shoe’s exaggerated design features elements like a bulbous, de-coupled sole unit and concealed eyelets. Crafted from a timeless mixture of suede, leather and mesh, the shoe is done up in two contrasting colorways.
Release Date: August 2019
Price: $65
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: The Alteration Blitz is an original silhouette designed by Han Kjøbenhavn founder Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen for PUMA’s Co.Creative project. The shoe’s structure is partly inspired by the outskirts of the Danish capital, Copenhagen.
PUMA Inhale
Brand: PUMA
Model: Inhale
Key Features: The sneaker features a predominantly mesh upper, rendered in a neutral nude tone, with fabric and nubuck overlays at the toe box and on the sides. Red detailing is present on the PUMA Formstrip, on the tongue, heel, and across parts of the upper.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: $70
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: The PUMA Inhale originally made its debut in the ’00s, which is reflected in its sporty and overlay-heavy design. The first colorway to hit stores played with a combination of muted nude tones and more eye-catching blacks and reds.
PUMA Storm
Brand: PUMA
Model: Storm
Key Features: This sneaker design features a textile upper accentuated by mesh and suede overlays on the toe, heel, and vamp. A CMEVA midsole and rubber outsole provide cushioning and grip. PUMA branding on the tongue completes the look.
Release Date: May 2019
Resale Price: $45
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: The PUMA Storm was unveiled as the sportswear brand’s latest all-new sneaker design in May 2019. The sneaker features ’90s-inspired pops of color on the upper and midsole, with a cloud-shaped sole giving the PUMA Storm an unmistakable shape. While an all-new sneaker design, the Storm does bear a striking resemblance to the PUMA Thunder that extends past their similarly-themed names. The retro upper paired with a slightly bulkier sole that extends past the heel is a design feature also found on the Thunder silhouette.
PUMA RS-X “Fourth Dimension”
Brand: PUMA
Model: RS-X “Fourth Dimension”
Key Features: The RS-X “Fourth Dimension” pushes boundaries and conventions with contrasting prints and loud color-blocked design motifs.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: $110
Buy: PUMA
Editor’s Notes: PUMA continued to churn out funky, retro-inspired colorways of its RS-X silhouette, and this iteration—dubbed “Fourth Dimension”— was no exception.
PUMA Palace Guard OG
Brand: PUMA
Model: Palace Guard OG
Key Features: The Palace Guard OG features a predominantly white leather upper with blue and red detailing on the tongue, sock liner, and Formstrip. Perforated leather builds the base of the upper, while PUMA branding is seen on the heel and tongue. Trinomic technology in the heel and a padded collar complete the look.
Release Date: March 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: PUMA announced the relaunch of its Palace Guard line of basketball shoes in March 2019. The collection consisted of two sneakers, the old school Palace Guard OG and the updated Uproar Palace Guard.
With PUMA making basketball a priority again, this release was part of a wider push to bring PUMA’s basketball heritage to the forefront and on the minds of sneakerheads. The Palace Guard OG was worn by NBA stars such as Isaiah Thomas during the late ’80s and early ’90s. The sneaker was named in honor of the Detroit Pistons’ legendary arena: The Palace of Auburn Hills.
PUMA Uproar Palace Guard
Brand: PUMA
Model: Uproar Palace Guard
Key Features: The Uproar Palace Guard features a similar blue, red, and white colorway, with more performance-appropriate materials used on the upper. Custom cushioning tech is present in the midsole, while dynamic lacing provides a secure lock down.
Release Date: March 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: StockX
Editor’s Notes: Accompanying the OG version seen previously was this newly-updated version, dubbed the Uproar Palace Guard, which features obvious nods to the original, all while bringing a more modern and performance-focused feel to the shoe.
PUMA x Pirelli Replicat X
Brand: PUMA x Pirelli
Model: Replicat X
Key Features: The low-top sneaker takes inspiration from Formula One cars, reflected in its low profile and the tire-like sole unit that wraps up and around the sides of the shoe. The tread pattern is taken from Pirelli’s F1 Cinturato tire. The upper has a mix of microfiber suede on the vamp, lateral mesh panels, and exposed stitching.
Release Date: May 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: PUMA tapped its motorsport heritage through this partnership with tire manufacturer Pirelli. The two brands worked together on the Replicat X, a sneaker whose sole tread was taken from the Pirelli Cinturato tire used in Formula One.
PUMA x Ferrari CELL Venom
Brand: PUMA x Ferrari
Model: CELL Venom
Key Features: The CELL Venom consists of a mesh base with suede and leather overlays on both the medial and lateral sides. Ferrari branding is seen on the lateral side, while PUMA CELL branding can be found on the heel and tongue. A chunky EVA midsole is complemented by visible CELL cushioning in the heel.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: PUMA continued its ’90s revival by collaborating with iconic Italian carmaker Ferrari on two of the sportswear brand’s classic silhouettes: the CELL Venom and the RS-X.
PUMA first announced it would be bringing back the CELL Venom in late 2018 and has since collaborated with BAIT on a Venom-themed project. Ferrari lent the shoes its instantly recognizable prancing horse logo on a yellow background with the letters “S” and “F” for Scuderia Ferrari.
First released in 1998, the CELL Venom comes with a wealth of ’90s features, most notably CELL tech, a series of hexagonal cells in the midsole to provide cushioning at the heel for runners.
PUMA x Ferrari RS-X “Trophy”
Brand: PUMA x Ferrari
Model: RS-X “Trophy”
Key Features: The RS-X features a bulky, exaggerated design. The upper has a mesh base with textile overlays and original RS technology in the midsole. A molded sock liner provides added comfort.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: GOAT
Editor’s Notes: The RS-X was revived late 2018 and has been the subject of collaborations with Hot Wheels and Hasbro, in addition to the above Ferrari iteration.
PUMA x David Obadia RS-1
Brand: PUMA x David Obadia
Model: RS-1
Key Features: The RS-1 is constructed using a vintage-like nylon upper that features suede overlays. The off-white midsole is fitted with Running System (RS) technology, while the Formstrip sports a unique zig-zag stitching pattern. PUMA branding is embroidered on the heel.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: Resell sites like GOAT, StockX, Grailed and eBay
Editor’s Notes: Harmony Paris’ creative director David Obadia teamed up with PUMA on a pack of vintage-inspired footwear. Obadia’s pack consists of two colorways each of the PUMA RS-1 and the PUMA Crack. The collection is inspired by mid-century modern design, which is evident in the use of colors and materials on both pairs.
PUMA x David Obadia Crack CC
Brand: PUMA x David Obadia
Model: Crack CC
Key Features: The Crack is the forerunner to the PUMA Suede and features a similarly low profile, easily identifiable Formstrip on the side, and a corduroy-like upper construction.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: Varies
Buy: Resell sites like Grailed, eBay, GOAT and StockX
Editor’s Notes: The PUMA Crack is one of the German sportswear brand’s most iconic models. It debuted in 1968 at the Mexico Summer Olympics and was worn by track & field gold medalist Tommie Smith, who raised his right fist on the podium in a silent protest against racial inequality.
PUMA CELL Viper
Brand: PUMA
Model: CELL Viper
Key Features: The upper features a leather and mesh construction, with overlays and paneling on the toe box and vamp. PUMA CELL branding can be seen on the tongue and midsole.
Release Date: February 2019
Price: $30
Buy: Journeys
Editor’s Notes: The shoe’s upper is kept predominantly sleek and athletic, while the sole unit features PUMA’s ’90s-era cushioning system. The sneaker is a throwback to CELL’s debut 20 years ago, with a vintage-looking colorway and, of course, the famous PUMA Formstrip down the side. The upper is an all-new design inspired by heritage CELL sneakers from the PUMA archive.
Best PUMA releases and collaborations, ranked
Chinatown Market x PUMA Future Rider
PUMA Future Rider Ride On
PUMA x Randomevent Deva
PUMA x Randomevent Alteration
PUMA x Randomevent Ralph Sampson Low
PUMA x Randomevent CELL Alien
PUMA x Les Benjamins CELL-Alien
PUMA x Les Benjamins Storm
PUMA x Les Benjamins RS-X Mid
PUMA x Les Benjamins Thunder Disc
PUMA RS 9.8
PUMA x Def Jam Clyde Court
PUMA Trailfox Overland
PUMA Alteration Blitz
PUMA Inhale
PUMA Storm
PUMA RS-X “Fourth Dimension”
PUMA Palace Guard OG
PUMA Uproar Palace Guard
PUMA x Pirelli Replicat X
PUMA x Ferrari CELL Venom
PUMA x Ferrari RS-X
PUMA Co. Creative by David Obadia RS-1
PUMA Co. Creative by David Obadia Crack
PUMA CELL Viper
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy PUMA shoes?
You can buy PUMA shoes worldwide, from the brand’s online shop to online retailers like Foot Locker. As a rule of thumb, your best bet is to check PUMA’s website before looking eslewhere. For resell options, make sure to check out online marketplaces like GOAT, StockX, eBay and Grailed.
Are PUMA shoes good for running?
As a leader in the footwear industry, PUMA is internationally recognized as a manufacturer of excellent running shoes, often known for their comfort and durability. In a crowded marketplace, it continues to mass produce with particular attention to style and functionality.
Do PUMA shoes run small?
According to customer reviews, PUMA shoes fit true to size. For those who wear half-sizes, it is generally recommended to buy a pair half a size larger than usual.
