Trainer hype ebbs and flows, and in recent years brands have recognised the power of bringing back a beloved style. The latest comeback is the Puma Speedcat – a streamlined shoe inspired by fireproof, high-top pairs worn by Formula 1 drivers in the 1980s that rose to prominence in the 2000s, only to reappear in 2024. While they’ve flown relatively under-the-radar in recent years, chief archivist Helmut Fischer asserts that they are the “most-sold Puma sneaker ever”.
Read more: The Best Trainers For Women Available Now
True to Puma’s slogan, “forever faster”, the Speedcat was conceived with pace in mind. The first motorsport footwear model was made for Stefan Bellof in 1984, and in 1999 the brand released low-cut lifestyle versions with the same hallmarks: a flat outsole, a heel wrap and white insignia on the sides, stamped with the Puma logo.
“I think it’s a really good example of a simple, yet effective, trainer design,” designer Priya Ahluwalia, who paired Speedcats with several looks at her spring/summer 2025 show, tells British Vogue. “I’ve always been interested in archives, especially when it comes to trainer design. The Speedcat is a trainer I’ve always loved from the archives, even when I saw the silhouette in its traditional racing setting I always thought that it would be such a good silhouette to wear in general, so I’m very glad that it’s back in rotation in a wider context.”
“It’s an easy shoe to style into your wardrobe,” echoes Feben, who paired a caramel pair of Speedcats with tailoring rendered in the same shade at London Fashion Week, while another collaborator from this season, Marie Lüder (creative director of Lueder), likens them to ballerina shoes. “I love the Speedcats because they are so versatile, they can be smart but they can also be for sportswear,” the designer explains.
“These collaborations highlight the shoe’s incredible versatility and encourage exploring various looks,” says Christina Mirabelli, marketing director of Puma Sportstyle. “Despite these creative interpretations, the Speedcat remains true to its racing heritage, with a lightweight build and grippy sole, perfectly blending style and performance.” Prepare to see plenty more Speedcats on the streets, socials, and maybe even on the runways.
