For 2019, PUMA had a very superb year, surfing from chunky sneakers, platforms to reviving their 80s models.
The sports brand has really hit the right notes as they delivered the state-of-the-art stylish designs on most of their 2019 releases. That goes for their sensible collaborations with celebrities to pioneer their products well, as well as other brands and fashion labels.
Still a winning year for the brand, it appeared on the 2019 list of Forbes World’s Most Valuable Sports Brands and also scooped Brand of the Year at the Footwear News Achievement Awards.
We saw the RS-X becoming dominant as the model earned several collaborations with iconic brands like Motorola, Scuderia Ferrari, Tetris, Rubik’s amongst others. Other silhouettes that surfed the wave for PUMA include the Alteration Kurve, RS 9.8, Cell Stellar, Cali our latest fav sneaker PUMA Future Rider / Style Rider.
As the year wraps up, we take a look back and reflect on The Best PUMA sneakers of 2019 – see the list below:
#20
PUMA x HELLO KITTY Cali
Released in celebration of the 45th anniversary of the beloved character Hello Kitty. What makes the shoe stands out is the clean white look with a touch of red making the PUMA & Hello Kitty branding notable. Cherry on top, the shoe features removable lace patches and two sets of laces.
#19
PUMA Rs-0 Les Benjamins
Perfect for cold days, this model combines a sneaker + boot elements, making the PUMA RS-0 a perfect staple to have for your chilly season.
In collaboration with Istanbul-based luxury streetwear label Les Benjamins, this mid-cut silhouette is built with a bold chunky sole featuring PUMA’s RS (Running System) cushioning technology on the midsole. The mixed material upper of Suede and a knitted sock construction with cross-stitch details adds to the traditional hand-made feel. With abstract rubberized eye-stay and hiking-inspired rope laces, the bold ‘LES BENJAMINS’ contrasted branding on the extended rear heel loop completes the look.
#18
PUMA x Ralph Sampson Mid OG
The reissue of Ralph Sampson OG! In celebration of NBA Hall-of-Famer Ralph Sampson’s legacy, PUMA decided to hit back the vault and relaunched the model in its original glory as a sport-inspired street style.
#17
PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari CELL Venom
Linking up with Scuderia Ferrari, PUMA kept it super cool on fusing the two brands on their silhouettes. However, the relationship between these two brands comes way back. For 2019 it was amazing to see PUMA take their models to the next level incorporating SF to blend with the current trends of sneakers.
Both silhouettes are constructed with a mix of suede and mesh on the upper combined with reflective overlays. Other features include a chunky, disruptive design with CELL cushioning technology on the heel. A tribute to the iconic Italian racing team competing in every championship since 1950, the sneakers are decked with bold Ferrari logo on the lateral side. Fusing speed, street style, and sophistication, the sneakers drop in PUMA White – Rosso Corsa and PUMA Black – PUMA White – Rosso Corsa colourways.
#16
PUMA x Motorola RS-X Tech
Who ever thought we will see the Nostalgic Motorola do something this cool with a Sports brand?
For 90 years, Motorola has pioneered innovation – be it delivering messages from the moon to creating the first mobile phone or developing the first 5G-upgradable smartphone, moto z 3 with 5G moto mod. This collaboration brings together two cultural reinventors: one through sport and style, the other through tech and innovation for a nostalgia-packed collection, inspired by Motorola’s mobile phone designs.
#15
PUMA Cell Stellar
PUMA has always been catering for women, putting a balance between the two worlds. This Cell Stellar stands out as of the best designs that PUMA has put out this year. The CELL Stellar takes design cues from CELL Alien and redesigning them for the street with feminine aesthetics.
The beauty of the colours mix (Black, White, and Pink) is what completes this pair.
#14
PUMA RS 9.8 Space
Another new silhouette that was introduced this year – the PUMA RS 9.8 Space, clean and simple model. Also very lightweight, the shoe is infused with a PU (Polyurethane) midsole reinvented to create unique, space-inspired spheres, the sole is built to provide adequate cushioning.
These released in several colourways catered for both men and women.
#13
PUMA x Scuderia Ferrari RS-X
We know that white sneakers are a staple – and for this one PUMA really pulled it off perfectly, also with how they incorporated the Scuderia Ferrari branding and colours.
Sorry if you slept on these!
#12
PUMA x Sankuanz Cell Endura
What are those? For this Cell Endura silhouette, PUMA linked up with Chinese label, SANKUANZ to deliver this atypical fresh sneaker. The vibrant neon colour is what makes this shoe stand out…well let’s say the entire collection even.
One of our fav for 2019, this PUMA Cell Endura released alongside the RS-X, Cali, and the Thunder Spectra altogether forms part of the SS19 collection between two brands.
#11
PUMA Cell Alien OG
Reviving the 90’s visible running technology boom, adding to this year’s memories – PUMA brought back yet another revolutionary sneaker from the era – the CELL Alien OG. A design that originally paved the way for futuristic sneakers in the world of running now returns as a renewed street style staple.
Easy to spot coz of it’s popping Vibrant Blue, White, and Neon colours.
#10
PUMA x Tetris RS-X
Another collab that we never saw coming – taking us back to the days when Tetris used to be hyped. This sneaker is a presentation of PUMA x Tetris, perfectly colour-played. Can’t ignore those falling Tetriminos sprinkled across the heel, as well as the 6-coloured sole and the overall shoe design.
This RS-X released alongside the RS 9.8 Space accompanied by a collection of apparel (track pants and tee).
#09
PUMA x SONIC RS-X³
A big one for PUMA this year! A new model that was introduced recently – the RS-X³.
Surely this marks one of the best collabs that PUMA has put out this year – fusing the iconic SONIC® branding around the shoe yet keeping it clean and exceptional.
#08
Co.Creative Puma x Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen Alteration PN-1
The PN-1 Alteration played its part in the dad-shoe trend wave, the chunky midsole, as well as the uncommon 3-way lacing system and the shrunk upper is what makes this silhouette a show stopper.
Alteration PN-1 is the result of a Co. Creative collaboration with Jannik Wikkelsø Davidsen, the founder of Han Kjøbenhavn. The unique design refers to ‘Post-Now’, the futuristic, post-apocalyptic world based on his environment and upbringing.
#07
PUMA x Karl Lagerfeld Roma Amor 1.0
Sold out so quick. Gotta say that Ladies really didn’t waste time on this one.
Another dope collaboration between PUMA and the fashion house of style icon KARL LAGERFELD. All things design placed perfectly, the combination of colours also incomparable and altogether it’s a silhouette that one pull off easily with either casual or streetwear outfit.
#06
PUMA Style Rider 020 Ride On
PUMA has mastered the art of reimagining OG silhouettes for modern tastes, and the recently released Fast Rider OG is no exception. Born in 1980, the Fast Rider originally came to fruition during a time when the running landscape shifted from the track to the street.
Now PUMA is getting ready to make a shift of their own, revamping the Fast Rider OG into two new street-ready silhouettes: the PUMA Future Rider and the PUMA Style Rider.
This PUMA Style Rider surely is one of the best to close-off this year.
#05
PUMA Cali Sport
Love at first sight! That’s how easily we fell in love with this PUMA Cali Sport sneaker.
If you are a lover of platforms this model perfectly fits in your collection. The newest evolution of classic California, the CALI Sport stands out with a rubber platform in light grey and hints of soft nude. Features a white leather upper with the newly designed vamp, taupe leather details, and a taupe suede PUMA Formstrip, as well as suede overlays in light grey.
#04
PUMA x RUBIK’S RS-X³
Taking the colour inspiration from the iconic Rubik’s Cube.
A Rubik’s cube re-imagined perfectly on a shoe, with all the colours well-coordinated. On this collab, PUMA linked up with RUBIK’S Brand Ltd. putting out this RS-X3 sneaker and a collection of apparel (pants, tee and hoodie).
#03
PUMA Future Rider OG
Back in the ’80s, the Fast Rider was one of PUMA’s most comfortable running shoes, with a super-light design and shock-absorbing outsole. Today, the Fast Rider is reborn as the Future Rider – blending casual comfort with retro style.
To fit into today’s style PUMA has added bold new materials and colour blocking, as well as a slimmer outsole design and ultra-comfortable Rider Foam for a little extra spring in your step.
#02
PUMA RS-X³ Puzzle
If we could pull out something fresh on a fine day then BANG! this PUMA RS-X³ exactly this colourway is the one!
With this one, PUMA takes its signature RS design to a new level with the cubed, enhanced and extra RS-X³ Puzzle featuring amplified detailing on the upper, layers of texture, a stronger material mix, and vibrant colour combinations.
Still freshly available at retailers, make sure to not sleep on this one.
#01
PUMA Future Rider Ride On
Here is our number one best PUMA sneaker of 2019 – PUMA Future Rider “Ride on”.
Its retro look is what makes it a dope shoe, and also how the colours are put all together. And this Future Rider is on our weekly rotation throughout this December.