Following in the ubiquitous footsteps of the Adidas Samba are the Puma Speedcats. Characterized by a round-toe silhouette and speed lines on its sides, the model has quickly earned its status as an it-sneaker. The pair's red-hot iteration, in particular, has become quite the crowd-favorite.
Ahead, we delve into how the Speedcat came to be, and what makes it a worthy addition to one's sneaker rotation.
What Is the Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker?
Like most of Puma's offerings, the Speedcat is rooted in a history of functionality. First introduced in 1998, it was designed as fireproof footwear for Formula One racecar drivers. Friction intensifies when one zooms through a track, which calls for shoes that won't flare up and cause any unwanted harm.
Two years later in 2001, more casual versions were released for patrons who speed through city streets rather than race tracks. The shoe features a leather upper and a comfortable rubber mid and outer sole. The signature formstrip on its sides, initially designed to help football players keep their balance, is rendered in suede.
Its unassuming yet sleek appearance, accentuated by the emblematic logo upfront, has made it appealing to many fashionistas. Puma ambassadors and stylistas such as Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and BLACKPINK's Rosé have all been spotted rocking the retro-inspired pair with their effortless, day-to-day looks. Locally, the shoe has grown increasingly popular that stocks sell out almost instantly.
Why Is the Red One Going Viral?
Across different facets of the fashion world, there seems to be a growing affinity for the color red. Sabato de Serna's Gucci, for one, has even gone as far as introducing its own shade, aptly called Sabato red. In terms of runway styling and even in streetwear, the vivid hue is often enlisted to amp up an otherwise monotonous outfit.
Red shoes, specifically, have been avid scene-stealers in the Fall/Winter 2024 collections of Proenza Schouler, Ferragamo, Fforme, and more.
One could say that this style cue stems from the fashion world embracing disruptions and foregoing extreme perfection, such as the recent fascination with the wrong shoe theory and the internet-popular "Pinterestcore."
A pair of red shoes, therefore, could be the ideal punctuation mark for tailored, neutral-toned ensembles. The Speedcast adheres to a similar ethos, having evolved from an article of clothing exclusively worn for sport to a closet MVP that revels in prevalence and inevitable longevity.
How Much Is the Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker?
In the Philippines, a pair of red Speedcats has a price tag of P7,100. As mentioned, the pair is known to fly off shelves pretty swiftly, so you better hit check-out on it while you can.
Speedcat OG Sneakers in Red, P7100, PUMA, puma.com
While not as popular, the simple black version is still quite the looker, and is tagged with a similar price.
Speedcat OG Sneakers in Black, P7100, PUMA, puma.com
Just recently, new fetching iterations of the Speedcat have hit the Philippine market. An icy blue hue and an earthy brown colorway have entered the group chat, and it seems like they're bound to make an equally as compelling case as their red counterpart.
Speedcat OG Sneakers in Frosted Ivory, P7100, PUMA, puma.com
Speedcat OG Sneakers in Haute Coffee, P7100, PUMA, puma.com
Filipino Style Stars Wearing the Puma Speedcat OG Sneaker
Heart Evangelista
If a pair of steppers are baptized by Heart Evangelista, then they're most probably worth the splurge. The global style star picked up some Speedcats to offset her blazer and shorts combo. With a beige Chloe Cape in hand, she was ready to make yet another fashionable statement.
Kylie Verzosa
Trading in her usual heels for a pair of kicks, Kylie Verzosa attested to the "sandwich method" and wore her Speedcats with a red knit top and crisp blue jeans.
Liza Soberano
Docked in Singapore for the Formula One Grand Prix—which is the same event that prompted the invention of the Speedcats—Liza Soberano tuned into the race in a sporty-chic OOTD featuring the shoes.
The actress has also taken the brand's freshest colorways out for a spin, pairing them with her off-duty looks. To complete an all-neutral blazer and mini skirt combo, she reached for her Haute Coffee Speedcats.
Going for a tonal moment the next day, she slipped into her Frosted Ivory pair when she rocked an oversized polo and short-shorts moment.
Anne Curtis
A girl who always has her fingers on fashion's pulse, Anne Curtis has added a pair of blue Speedcats to her shoe rotation. She enlisted the it-shoes to complement her white and denim OOTD, which also featured her an adorable duo of Labubus.
Laureen Uy
As a gal who evidently loves a pop of color or two, it made sense for Laureen Uy to cop a pair of red Speedcats. She went for a duochromatic OOTD, rocking the trainers with a tee, shorts, and a tote bag.
Liz Uy
Her big sister Liz Uy has also caught the Speedcat fever, reaching for the pair of shoes to spice up an all-neutral travel look in Europe.
Rhea Bue
The Speedcats have also found their way to the wardrobe of streetwear influencer Rhea Bue. For a laid-back day out, she teamed them with a color-coordinating cardigan, a tank top, and loose trousers.
Gela Muñoz
Preview Clique member Gela Muñoz is loyal to the "blokette" aesthetic, and it looks like she's given her Speedcats the same treatment. The content creator wore them with dark-washed jeans, a knit top, and, for a cutesy touch, a little red hood.
Angelique Manto
Staying true to her minimalist aesthetic, Angelique Manto copped the Speedcats in its uncomplicated black colorway. They were the right choice of kicks to go with her blokette-inspired 'fit.
EJ Nacion
A model who was literally off-duty, EJ Nacion donned her brown Speedcats with a loose button-down and a pleated mini skirt.
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