Andrew Pace
Puma has a long history in basketball, dating back to the 1970s when they first launched the Puma Clyde in 1973, a basketball shoe designed for NBA player Walt Clyde Frazier. The shoe gained wide popularity and became significant in old-school hip-hop and skate punk subcultures. In the 1980s, Puma released seven new Ralph Sampson signature shoes, and the Rockets center soon got a shoe named after him: the Puma Ralph Sampson. After a nearly 20-year hiatus from the sport, Puma re-entered the basketball market in 2018, appointing Jay-Z as the division's creative director. Since then, Puma has signed several NBA players to its basketball roster, including Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton, and LaMelo Ball, and has released several new basketball shoes, including the Scoot Zero, the Stewie 2, and the MB 03.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year Puma launched basketball shoes | 1973 |
| Name of the first basketball shoe | Puma Clyde |
| Puma basketball shoe based on | Suede |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for | Walt "Clyde" Frazier |
| Puma basketball shoe launched in 2018 | Clyde Court Disrupt |
| Puma's first women's basketball line | High Court |
| Puma basketball shoe designed by Walt "Clyde" Frazier | Puma Clyde |
| Puma basketball shoe designed by Rihanna | Puma's womenswear line |
| Puma basketball shoe designed by LaMelo Ball | LaMelo signature shoe |
| Puma basketball shoe designed by Bianna Stewarts | Puma Stewie 2 |
| Puma basketball shoe designed by Kobe | Stewie 3 |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for outdoors | Scoot Zero |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for indoors | Stewie 2 |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for the 2023-24 season | Scoot Zero |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for the NBA | All Pro Nitro |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for the WNBA | All-Pro NITRO |
| Puma basketball shoe designed for the German Men's National Basketball Team | All Pro NITRO |
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What You'll Learn
Puma's basketball shoe history
Puma has a long history in basketball, dating back to the 1970s. The brand first made its mark in basketball with the Puma Clyde, launched in 1973 and designed for basketball player Walt "Clyde" Frazier. The shoe gained wide popularity and became significant in old-school hip-hop and skate punk subcultures.
Puma continued to make its mark in basketball throughout the 1980s, with endorsements from players like Isiah Thomas, the leader of the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys" era and one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all time. Thomas wore Puma's basketball shoes both on and off the court, including during his MVP performance in the 1990 NBA Finals. During this time, Puma also released seven new Ralph Sampson signature shoes, with the Rockets center getting his own shoe, the Puma Ralph Sampson.
After a break of almost 20 years, Puma re-entered the basketball market in 2018, appointing Jay-Z as the division's creative director. The brand has since released several new basketball shoes, including the Scoot Zero, the Stewie 2, and the MB 03, which is considered one of the best LaMelo signature shoes to date.
Puma has also signed several notable players to its basketball roster, including Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton, Zhaire Smith, and Michael Porter Jr., who became the first players to play in performance Puma basketball shoes. In addition, Puma has partnered with NBA athletes like LaMelo Ball and Dennis Schroeder, who has been sporting the All Pro NITRO's silhouette since signing with the brand in 2022.
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NBA players endorsing Puma
Puma has a long history of association with basketball, dating back to the time when Walt "Clyde" Frazier wore the iconic Puma Clyde shoes, which became popular in the old-school hip-hop and skate punk subcultures. In recent years, Puma has made a comeback in the NBA, signing several top players and launching new basketball sneakers.
Deandre Ayton
Deandre Ayton was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft for the Phoenix Suns. He signed a four-year, multi-million-dollar deal with Puma in 2018 and was assigned a signature sneaker, the Puma Clyde Court Disrupt. Ayton is known for his impact both on and off the court, showcasing his unique creativity and personality while endorsing Puma.
Marvin Bagley III
Marvin Bagley III, the Pac-12 Player of the Year, joined Puma in 2018 alongside other young players. He is one of the first players to join Puma's basketball roster and wear their performance basketball shoes. Bagley's partnership with Puma demonstrates his rising prominence in the basketball world.
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, representing the next generation of basketball talent. He partnered with Puma in 2020 to create the LaFrancé Collection, which blends on-court performance with off-court fashion. Ball keeps the B-Ball crowds inspired with his signature shoe collection, which is updated frequently.
Dennis Schroeder
Dennis Schroeder, a professional NBA Point Guard for the German Men's National Basketball Team, signed with the Puma Hoops brand in 2022. He sports the All Pro NITRO's silhouette, showcasing Puma's stylish and functional designs.
Tyrese Haliburton
A two-time NBA All-Star and elite performer on the court, Tyrese Haliburton showcases his skills through his partnership with Puma. He was a key part of the USA Basketball Men's Olympic Team, winning a gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Demarcus Cousins
Demarcus Cousins, a perennial All-Star and one of the NBA's most dominant players, signed an endorsement deal with Puma in 2019 after leaving Nike. Cousins brings his superstar talent and established power to the Puma brand, showcasing his influence both on and off the court.
Puma's partnerships with these NBA players demonstrate their commitment to performance, style, and cultural impact in the world of basketball.
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Puma's basketball shoe technology
Puma is one of the top shoe brands in the world, alongside Adidas and Nike. The company has been a public company since 1986 and is known for its stylish and performance-oriented basketball shoes. In 2018, Puma announced its re-entry into the basketball market after a hiatus of almost 20 years, appointing Jay-Z as the creative director of the division.
Puma basketball shoes are designed with a culture-first approach, focusing on both style and performance. The brand's core principle is the fusion of court and street, aiming to create shoes that are "made for the street and built for the court." This approach is inspired by Walt Clyde Frazier, who used his platform as a basketball player to express his interests in fashion, music, and entertainment.
The Fusion Nitro model in the Nitro line features Fuzionfit technology, which is designed to reduce weight and provide a secure fit. This technology is inspired by compression bands, aiming to minimise the amount of material on the foot while maintaining a locked-in feel. The Rise Nitro model, on the other hand, showcases Pwrtape technology, which is similar to kinesiology tape used in footwear. It provides zoned areas of strength for stability and lateral movement while maintaining a lightweight construction.
Puma's basketball shoes are worn by several notable players, including LaMelo Ball, Breanna Stewart, and Scoot Henderson, who have all received signature shoe collections from the brand. The brand also sponsors athletes across various sports, including track and field, Formula 1, and golf, showcasing its diverse presence in the sports industry.
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The design and styling of Puma basketball shoes
Puma basketball shoes are designed with both style and performance in mind. The brand takes a culture-first approach, aiming to create shoes that are not only functional for NBA-level performance but also stylish enough to be worn outside the basketball court. This approach is inspired by NBA player Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who is known for his impact on basketball culture, including his sense of style, swag, and persona.
The design of Puma basketball shoes reflects this fusion of court and street influences. For example, the Puma Clyde Court Disrupt model features a sporty silhouette and a bright colour palette, embodying the spirit and style of Walt Clyde Frazier. The shoe's design combines performance-enhancing features, such as a rubber outsole made from high-abrasion rubber for durability and traction, with a stylish and comfortable fit.
Puma's basketball shoes also incorporate innovative technologies to maximize performance. The All-Pro NITRO, for instance, features NITRO™ SQD foam technology, providing both style and functionality with its fast, responsive, and comfortable design. The NITRO FOAM technology delivers excellent responsiveness and cushioning, enhancing the player's speed and agility. Additionally, the PROPLATE technology in Puma basketball shoes improves propulsion for more powerful and dynamic movements.
The styling of Puma basketball shoes is versatile, blending casual and sporty aesthetics. The shoes can be paired with various outfits, from basketball shorts and t-shirts to everyday casual wear. This versatility aligns with Puma's culture-first mindset, ensuring that their shoes are not limited to the basketball court but can also be worn confidently in different settings.
Puma's basketball shoe collection also includes signature shoe lines from notable athletes. LaMelo Ball, one of the most exciting players in the NBA, has a signature collection with Puma called the LaFrancé Collection. This collection blends on-court and off-court fashion, infusing a luxurious twist into the dramatic and romantic aesthetic of basketball culture. Similarly, the debut colourway of the All-Pro NITRO™ celebrated Scoot Henderson with its neon colour palette, paying homage to long nights spent working hard and the neon vibes of a 24-hour diner.
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The performance of Puma basketball shoes
Puma basketball shoes have been on the rise in recent years, with the brand re-entering the performance basketball market in 2018 after a break of almost 20 years. The brand appointed Jay-Z as the creative director of the division and released the Clyde Court Disrupt, a great first offering from the brand.
Since then, Puma has released several impressive basketball shoes, with the All Pro Nitro being one of the best performers. The shoe offers a good deal of breathability, stability, and impact protection. The heel counter and the shoe's base provide a lot of resistance, and the midsole is softer than average. The Puma MB.02 is another shoe that delivers amazing support and can be confidently used outdoors. It has a thicker and harder outsole than average, but it still manages to get rid of any clunkiness due to its flexibility.
The TRC Blaze Court is also a notable shoe for its comfort, providing a good blend of impact protection and bounce. Its lightness and structural flexibility complement the performance of the cushioning. While the midsole thickness and softness do not indicate a lot of softness and compression, the shoe still provides protection from pain and energizes your steps.
The Court Rider is an affordable option at only $100 per pair, and it delivers a convincing performance. Its firm midsole allows for better control and natural movement, and its structural flexibility makes acceleration easier.
Puma has also released signature shoes for some of its brand ambassadors, such as the Scoot Zero, which is an affordable and dependable on-court performance shoe. The Stewie 2 is another signature shoe that offers excellent indoor traction, a well-balanced and bouncy cushioning system, and a secure and natural-feeling low-top build.
Overall, Puma basketball shoes offer a range of features, from breathability and stability to excellent traction and cushioning. With a culture-first approach, Puma designs stylish shoes that perform at an NBA level.
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Frequently asked questions
Puma has been making basketball shoes since at least the 1970s. The Puma Clyde, a basketball shoe based on the Suede, was launched in 1973.
Walt "Clyde" Frazier was the first professional basketball player to be signed by Puma. The Puma Clyde shoe was designed for him and became very popular, even outside of basketball.
Isiah Thomas, who played for the Detroit Pistons, wore Puma basketball shoes during his career. Other players who have had Puma basketball shoes include Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton, Zhaire Smith, and Michael Porter Jr.
Some of the best Puma basketball shoes include the Puma MB 03, the Puma Scoot Zero, and the Puma Stewie 2. The Puma Clyde is also considered a classic, with a recent version called the Clyde Court Disrupt being released in 2018.
