Samba, Who? The Puma Speedcat Is the Next Cult Sneaker

It's showing up everywhere, from the streets of Copenhagen Fashion Week to Emily Ratajkowski's dog walks.

Every so often, there’s a shoe that captures the hearts of the masses and shifts the culture of fashion. Last year, it was all about the Adidas Samba, which fit in nicely with the industry’s ongoing passion for soccer gear, also known as “Blokecore.” Before that, chunky orthopedic-esque New Balance sneakers, a lá the eclectic grandpa trend, were king. Next on the docket? Puma's super sleek Speedcat driving sneaker.

And from looking at the street-style scene in Paris and Copenhagen alike, it’s coming in hot.

Inspired by the fireproof racing footwear worn by Formula One drivers at the Grand Prix throughout the '80s and '90s, the Speedcat Sneaker was originally introduced in 1999 with a narrow, motorsport-inspired silhouette as part of the brand's Sportstyle collection. The design features soft suede and premium leather accents, but what defines this shoe is its instantly recognizable puma cat motif. Now, more than two decades later, the sneaker has been updated with “subtle enhancements” to further solidify its place as a timeless staple.

“For 2024, the Speedcat retains the classic silhouette of the early 2000s but introduces modern updates like a new cat logo on the toe box and enhanced comfort underfoot,” says Director of Puma Sportstyle Marketing Christina Mirabelli. “While the core design reflects its original racing heritage, the lightweight build, grippy sole, and iconic colorways continue to offer the perfect balance of style and performance.”

With fashion’s never-ending affinity for all things Y2K, this resurgence feels somewhat inevitable. Because of the shoe's racing details, which were popular at the time, the Speedcat quickly became an early aughts style fixture, especially in Europe. One of Puma’s most popular lifestyle sneakers would unavoidably find itself back into the trend cycle, one way or another, and the evidence proves the Speedcat is on its way.

One telltale sign that a fashion item is on track to achieving cult status (yet again) is a marked increase in famous and fashionable fans. In the case of the Puma Speedcat, Emily Ratajkowski wore hers to walk her dog around New York City countless times over the last nine months, while K-Pop star Rosé sported a brown and white pair back in June with a sporty zip-up jacket and micro mini skirt—a look that screams Y2K. Singer Dua Lipa is also among the reissued sneaker’s earliest adopters, wearing the red colorway on multiple occasions, including with jeans and a tiny sheer top to the Sunny Hill Festival in Kosovo earlier this month. Just last week, she paired a black paire with a red loungewear set, per a recent Instagram dump.

The shoe is just as popular IRL as it is among celebrities and social media. For some within the Latin community, the racing sneaker (also known as “the Sarco”) has remained a mainstay for decades. And now the streets of Paris are riddled with locals easing their Puma Speedcats back into rotation. Stylist Sierra Rena teamed up with female-led sneaker brand NAKD Copenhagen for a new release of the Speedcat in the French capital earlier this year. Meanwhile, influencers like Emili Sindlev and Baya Gorbunova have also embraced the Speedcat’s comeback, styling them with everything from ruffled mini skirts and knee-high socks to micro shorts and an oversized T-shirt, further igniting the wave of popularity.  Even designers are on board: fashion founder Dorian Who wore a black and white pair with khaki cargo shorts, a lá Adam Sandler, a criss-cross cropped top, and lace socks for what can only be described as a sporty-chic ensemble.

Fashion approval aside, another indicator of cult status is how quickly the sneaker sells out. The reissued Puma Speedcat, which comes in a range of colors, including the popular black, red, and light-brown colorways, is nearly impossible to get ahold of. Despite the shoe (almost always) being sold out, a few select sizes can be found at retailers, including KITH, Farfetch, and, of course, resale sights like GOAT. Fortunately, the brand is gearing up for yet another restock on August 29th. Regardless of where you decide to pick up a pair, you’ll want to act quickly, as they’re bound to go fast.

When it comes to styling this cult hit, the options are endless. The Speedcat's slender silhouette lends it a certain versatility—it's one of those shoes that looks just as good with a dress or tailored trousers as it does worn with track pants off-duty. And unlike the chunky dad sneakers favored over the last few years, Puma's barely-there design offers the same polished proportions as a pair of slip-on mules or penny loafers. In other words, the key to pulling off the nostalgic style is wearing it like a chic, non-sneaker staple, even if that sounds contradictory.

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