Suede Classic XXI

The Puma Suede was born out of a desire to break away from the uniformity of sneakers in the 1960s, when most were made of canvas and had a similar look, lacking uniqueness. It wasn't until 1969 that Adidas released the Superstar, the first leather sneaker. Puma wanted to redefine what a sneaker could be and designed the Puma Suede as a departure from the usual designs. Heiko Desens was the designer, and the shoe was introduced as an alternative to the "Puma Basket."

In the same year the Puma Suede was released, it gained significant attention when U.S. Olympian Tommie Smith, during the 1968 Summer Olympics, took off his shoes, placed them on the podium, and raised his fist, joined by John Carlos, to protest against racism and injustice toward African Americans in the United States.

Puma later collaborated with basketball star Walt Frazier to create a new shoe designed specifically for him, named the Puma Clyde after Frazier's nickname, Clyde. This shoe became popular in the 1980s, particularly among breakdancing groups, due to its durability and flexibility, which made it ideal for dancing.

Today, the Puma Suede remains a staple in modern fashion, embraced by celebrities, athletes, and style enthusiasts alike. Its enduring popularity speaks to its classic design and cultural significance, continuing to make an impact across generations.