Category: Shoes

The PUMA Suede dates back to 1968 and over the course of 53 years the sneaker has become a cult classic, becoming a definitive style choice in the ’70s with the Clyde, a foolproof pair for breakdancing B-Boys in the ’80s, and with skateboarders in the late ’90s and early 2000s. Now, the pair is back, refreshed as the Suede XXI to mark 2021.The Suede XXI appears in a campaign with help from Lauren London, LaMelo Ball and Cordae, seeing the pair on the feet of all three in the classic black and white colorway. This hero colorway is complemented by classic signature details such as metallic gold foil PUMA Suede logo on the lateral, an archival-styled woven tongue tag, and meticulous finishing touches such as the stitching on the suede stripe that cuts through the black upper.Rounding out the pair is its rubber sole unit and the cupped toe that made it so perfect for breakdancing and skateboarding, while its thick laces add another retro touch to the look. In addition to the black pair, PUMA will be dropping five more colorways of the iconic low-top pair in sizes for all. The PUMA Suede XXI will cost $70 USD and will be available on PUMA’s site from February 19.In case you missed it, check out this week’s best footwear drops.

New Balance follows on from its plaid patchwork-covered 992 with the Japan-special “Plaid Pack,” comprising its Made in USA 997 and 1300.As with any of its Made in USA pairs, the sneakers come fitted with premium materials such as pigskin suede and a high-quality textile making up the plaid section of each pair. For the 997, New Balance Japan serves up a timeless mix of black, burgundy and petrol blue suede alongside a tartan plaid on the toe box, tongue, and heel sections, each sporting a different colorway and mix of patterns or checks.All of this boldness is only accentuated by the blush pink suede strip that runs over the vamp, the bright yellow “N” emblem on either side of the shoe’s mid-panel area, and the red suede stripe on the heel. Contrasting this is the 997’s signature pebble-effect rubber components that form part of the eyestay placket and the heel clip, both of which are finished in gray. Rounding out the design is its contrasting white ENCAP-equipped midsole and the New Balance branding that’s embroidered into the tongue and heel, with the former noting its Made in USA credentials.For something a bit more subtle, New Balance Japan’s 1300 comes in a lighter palette that sees tartan plaid hit the toe box, tongue, and two sections on the mid-panel at the front and rear quarter respectively. Served in creamier tones with hints of blue and brown, the tartan is more traditional and sits alongside cream suede on the toe box, gray suede on vamp and mid-section, burnt orange suede on the heel, and tan leather on the upper heel area where you’ll find debossed New Balance branding.A classic New Balance Made in USA tongue tag, fat white laces, and a white midsole with ENCAP cushioning inside rounds out the pair. New Balance Japan’s “Plaid Pack” can be seen in the gallery above and purchased from the regional New Balance site now, with the 997 and 1300 both costing approximately $312 USD.For more New Balance goodness, check out its earthy Made in UK 991.

Shortly after being spotted in a never-before-seen AJ1 Low in a “UNC/Obsidian” colorway, Travis Scott was recently photographed wearing a fragment design-like Air Jordan 1 High.Currently dubbed the “Cactus Jack Royal,” the newly surfaced model adds fuel to rumors that La Flame is preparing some kind of collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara. Although we only get an obscured view of the shoe, sneaker insider zSneakerHeadz has put together a render of what the full shoe might look like.Utilizing Jordan Brand’s mix of blue and black made popular by the godfather of streetwear, the Air Jordan 1 High “Cactus Jack Royal” features a “Black Toe” base with “Dark Royal” overlays at the rear and Travis’ signature reversed Swoosh branding in black. Finishing up the design is a sail-colored rubber sole unit that adds an added layer to the design of the shoe.Catch Travis Scott wearing the fragment design-like Air Jordan 1 High “Cactus Jack Royal” below. View this post on Instagram A post shared by zSneakerHeadz (@zsneakerheadz)For more footwear news, take a detailed look at the sacai x Nike Blazer Low “Dark Grey.”