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Easily one of the most iconic trainers of all time, the PUMA Suede was first released in 1968 as a basketball specific shoe at a time when suede seen was a revolutionary alternative to leather.  At the 1968 Olympics Games in Mexico City, USA Track & Field athlete, Tommie Smith, famously wore the newly released Suede to receive Olympic gold for his 19.83 seconds 200m triumph with one fist held defiantly in the air in support of human rights.

Because of the wide range of eye-catching colourways, simple styling and smooth grip the Suede is also synonymous with hip-hop culture and in particular the early emerging rap generation of the 1970’s and 80’s. The PUMA Suede has since become a staple piece in footwear history.

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The Basket Classic is built on the original Suede tooling for a clean classic look. Originally a leather answer to the Suede, the distinctive look combined with the clean and simple design gave the Basket a mature, sophisticated feel. The elements of colour and classic materials fully smoothed together brought about a sleeker member to the Suede family. This classic basketball shoe has been popular since 1971. the durable leather upper proved a popular winter choice for PUMA Suede fans.

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In 1973, New York basketball legend Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier asked PUMA for a custom-made version of the Suede. The ‘Clyde’, as it became known, was lighter, came with a wider last for comfort and had Frazier’s nickname stamped in Gold on the side. During the past three decades, the ‘Clyde’, went on to star in break-dancing circles, and proved that all-over suede sneakers look good with fedoras and thick sideburns. The ‘Clyde’ has been embraced by street culture and still remains a timeless classic today.

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