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Every fashion girlie knows there’s always a cult shoe that defines the season and wins over the masses.
Last year, it was the Adidas Samba, with everyone from Rihanna and Hailey Bieber to Jennifer Lawrence and Harry Styles donning a pair.
But tides change dramatically and the fashion community declared the Samba ‘dead’ back in May after former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was spotted wearing them and ‘ruined it for everyone’.
This sent many fashion followers scrambling to find the next ‘it girl’ trainer.
Now, the spotlight is on the Puma Speedcat. A suede, sleek, round-toed silhouette that sits close to the foot.
Inspired by the fireproof footwear worn by Formula One drivers at the Grand Prix in the 1980s, the Speedcat was originally introduced in 1999 as part of the brand’s Sportstyle collection – with a sleek, low-profile design tailored for motorsport use.
Now, 26 years after its initial launch, the trainer has been revamped in its original black and red colours, with a new Puma cat logo on the front.
Though it originates from motorsport, the trainer has recently ‘found itself on a new circuit’, according to Puma – the streets of global fashion capitals.
The retro shoe has been spotted on the feet of celebs including Em Rata and Dua Lipa.
Em Rata sported the shoe as early as December 2023, according to British Vogue, and has been seen in them multiple times since.
The supermodel has paired her cherry-red Speedcats with everything from a slip dress to sweats and a hoodie, and matched her black set with cargo trousers and a bomber jacket.
Meanwhile, Dua Lipa has flaunted both pairs on her Instagram account. The pop singer is regularly spotted wearing Puma’s and has been brand ambassador for the label since 2020.
Alongside celebrities, the trainer has been picked up by the TikTok trends forecaster ‘FloTrends’, who claims the Speedcat is going to ‘take over’ and will be the Autumn/Winter trainer of 2024.
In a video posted to her account, she explains: ‘There’s something about the ease of styling these, minimal and classic, they have the statement stripe and look stunning with this all-black outfit.
‘We saw them a bit in summer and we’re going to see these red ones into Autumn/Winter.’
Fashion expert, Oriona Robb, tells Metro.co.uk that the Puma Speedcat has all the potential to become the next ‘it’ trainer.
She said: ‘Their sleek design, comfort, and versatility make them a favourite among sneaker enthusiasts. Especially those of the Gen Z and millennial demographic. I’ll be definitely adding them to my sneaker collection for a versatile and trendy look.’
Oriona shared some styling tips too. She said: ‘I personally love them in red and I would pair them with jeans and a grey cashmere jumper for a casual yet stylish look, perhaps with a cap and a trench coat.
‘Their bold red colour can add an interesting touch to your outfit, making the shoes the hero of the look.’
The trainer is sold out in various countries and is unavailable to buy on Puma’s US website.
However, those in the UK can still grab the revamped black or red pairs for £90 on Puma’s website.
Get the look
Puma Speedcats in red
The shade that Dua loves, why not embrace the sneaker’s striking red colour?
Puma Speedcats in black
If you want a more sleek, low-profile look why not try the black Speedcats?
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