These Trainers Have Officially Been Crowned The Coolest Of The Season

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Much of the Speedcat’s popularity can be attributed to celebrity endorsements from A-listers like Rihanna, Troye Sivan, Emily Ratajkowski, and Dua Lipa. In fact, according to additional data shared by Lyst, demand for the red colourway that Ratajkowski and Lipa wore throughout the summer is currently up a staggering 1,588% month-on-month.

The shoe’s reasonable £90 price tag is another key part of its appeal, though due to the current hype, it can be difficult to snag and retails for upwards of £200 on certain resale sites. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this season’s hottest trainers, and how to get your hands on a pair.

History Of The Puma Speedcat

The Puma Speedcat was first introduced in 1999 as a fashionable, functional option for motorsports fans. Its notably narrow, streamlined silhouette draws inspiration from fire-resistant racing boots worn by Grand Prix drivers throughout the ’90s. Originally introduced in black and red, the style is now offered in a variety of colours, including a chocolate brown that feels particularly on-trend for autumn/winter 2024.

Why Are Puma Speedcats So Popular?

It’s no coincidence that racing-inspired sneakers are trending this season. From the release of Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive series and Supreme’s Ducati bike earlier this year to Kim Kardashian’s viral Balenciaga biker looks over the past few seasons, motorsports have solidified their hold on today’s cultural lexicon. Analysing the arc of past It-sneakers like Nike Air Force 1s and Adidas Sambas, I suspect we’ll see a growing number of sleek Speedcat-esque silhouettes emerge from other top trainer brands as well.

‘We’re seeing an evolution of the flatter sneaker silhouette, from the Samba to the Onitsuka Tiger,’ says Katy Lubin, VP of brand and communications at Lyst. ‘Puma Speedcats play into the trend for sleeker, more streamlined shapes at an accessible price point. Compared to chunkier, more technical “dad” sneakers, they’re a versatile piece to style with elevated daywear, with built-in nostalgic appeal.’

Puma has released numerous trainer collaborations with racing giants like Ferrari, BMW and Mercedes-AMG, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the shoemaker drop similar Speedcat collaborations in the coming months. Take the eclectic Coperni x Puma Speedcats that debuted this spring as indication that more buzzy designer spins on the popular Speedcat silhouette may be on the horizon.

Where To Buy Puma Speedcat Trainers

The coveted sneaker is currently back in stock in all sizes on Puma’s website, after being sold out for a number of weeks due to demand. You can currently shop the brand’s classic red and black colourways at retail price, however for the more niche, limited-edition and designer collaboration styles, you’ll have to hit up the resale sites and drop a little more as a result.

Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers

Puma Speedcat Archive Sneakers

Puma Coperni Speedcat Sneakers

Puma Speedcat OG Suede Trainers

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