Why the Puma Speedcat OG might be this season’s It shoe

Every now and then, a shoe comes along, takes over the fashion scene and reshapes the shoe trends. Last year, the adidas Sambas took the industry by storm with its iconic football design that tied in with the ‘Blokecore’ trend. Before that, the dad sneaker dominated with its chunky yet trendy silhouette like the ones from New Balance. As we start retiring our old sneakers, all eyes are on the next big thing — enter the Puma Speedcat.

Poised to be the next must-have sneaker with its streamlined design, the Speedcats have gained traction over the last few months since its release in June this year. 

In fact, celebs have also taken a liking to the sneakers including Emily Ratajowski (who has been wearing it for months), as well as Dua Lipa who posted a cute selfie of herself wearing the black Speedcats. 

Originally designed for the racetrack and inspired by the fireproof footwear worn by Grand Prix drivers in the ‘80s and ‘90s, the Speedcat boasts a rich motorsport heritage and was originally introduced in 1999 as part of Puma’s Sportstyle collection.

Fast forward two decades later, the Speedcat returns this season with a fresh take on its low-top silhouette, featuring luxe suede finishes in classic black and red — paying homage to the legendary F1 racing teams. Further establishing itself as a timeless wardrobe staple, the shoes have also been updated with new details like an embroidered cat on the toe and a gold logo on the tongue and above the signature Formstrip.

Poised to overtake other “It” sneakers like the Sambas, the Speedcat’s sleek, racing-inspired lines and aerodynamic profile have made it a hit in fashion hubs from London to Berlin to Seoul. Its influence has even given rise to spin-offs like the PUMA Drift Cat and Race Cat.

As the face of PUMA’s latest campaign, Blackpink’s Rosé—now the brand’s new global ambassador—infuses the iconic Speedcat with her signature fresh and dynamic energy. Sporting the classic red edition, revamped with soft suede, premium leather, and a tire tread-inspired sole, Rosé effortlessly brings this bold sneaker to life on the streets of Seoul.

The campaign visuals not only highlight the sleek, fashion-forward design of the Speedcat but also its rich legacy in the sneaker world. With Rosé’s star power and the sneaker’s undeniable versatility, it’s no surprise the Speedcat has become PUMA’s all-time bestseller. As a matter of fact, it has been flying off the shelves in Singapore — online and in-store — making it a must-have for sneaker lovers everywhere.

For now, Puma has only released two colourways for the sneakers, but the brand has revealed that additional colourways are set to arrive later this year. 

The Puma Speedcat OG is available in-stores and online at Puma.com.