Motorsport à la Mode: Styling the PUMA Speedcat
It may have originated as fireproof , but the has recently found itself on a new circuit, transcending the opulent tracks of Monaco for the streets of global fashion capitals. Spotted earlier this year at Paris Fashion Week, sold out at its initial release in , and regularly gracing the feet of street-style stars, the Speedcat fuels the low-profile sneaker trend that's storming the scene.
This isn’t the Speedcat’s first foray into fashion either, as the shoe set the 00s ablaze and quickly became one of the Big Cat’s biggest-selling styles. Equipped with an impressive combo of Y2K-era aesthetics and real F1 heritage that answers the burgeoning motocore trend, all signs point to the Speedcat making a podium finish as one of the hottest sneaker styles of the year. But whether you take cues from fashion tastemakers or opt for a more avant-garde or streetwear-centric approach, the key to cracking this sleek and sporty sneaker is all in the styling. Here, we’ve pulled together some of our top tips for styling the Speedcat so that you can get ahead.
Colour Co-ordinated
The ‘office siren’ trend has been doing the rounds, but we’ve found an even better way to take these outfits from the boardroom to the bar. Pairing your Speedcats with a pop of colour is an easy way to add a playful touch to any smart-casual ensemble, and here we’ve tapped into the shoe’s connection to motorsport by adding Ferrari-red accents. You can make this fiery shade as bold as you like, with matching red tights or by pairing the black colourway with a brighter jumper. The former helps to elongate the silhouette, while the latter embraces fashion’s go-to sandwich theory for a sleek and sophisticated look.
Playing With Proportions
Styling slimline sneakers doesn’t need to be daunting, and just because your shoes are narrow doesn’t mean your outfit should be. If oversized looks are your vibe, then don’t be afraid to play with the proportions of your ‘fit to create an interesting juxtaposition with the silhouette. Here, we’ve teamed an oversized bomber jacket with wide-leg cargos for a more high-fashion look, and we love how the Big Cat’s logo peeks out from under the hem of the trousers.
You could even mix things up by styling your Speedcats with a skirt. This long, pleated version stays elevated with tailoring, and the red and grey colour combo allows the shoes to pop from beneath. Top this off with a classic leather biker jacket to pull the look together.
Opposites Attract
The beauty of the Speedcat is that you can go as bold as you like, so we’ve experimented a bit more with these final looks by embracing completely opposite aesthetics to play with the concept of angels and demons. First up, we’ve teamed the black pair with legwarmers and a Moncler puffer skirt for a 'fit that’ll take you through the seasons in style, finishing it off with a balaclava that calls back to the sneaker's place in F1 history. If you prefer a more classic look, then you really can’t go wrong with your fave straight-leg jeans, a white shirt and a trench coat – we’ve pulled this all together with a collegiate-style tie to channel a preppy vibe.
Though its roots are in racing, the Speedcat’s commercial successes within fashion could be considered its victory lap, and it's already gearing up for another run this year. If you're ready to rev up your rotation, look for them to land over the coming months.
PHOTO CREDITS
• Concept and Art Direction: Sneaker Freaker
• Photographer and Creative Producer: Sam Pyatt
• Content Creator and Production Manager: Maddie Quinn
• Stylist: Tom Pirello
• Styling Assistant: Camille Trml
• HMU: Anna Grego
• Models: Sophia Ferhat and Juliette Maguette