After 3 blissful months of summer sandals, it’s time to call it a day on toes-out season and enter into suede sneaker territory and as somebody who would never class themselves as a self-confessed ‘trainers fan’, there are still a few pairs out there that have caught my eye. My brown and yellow Adidas SL72’s, in all their retro glory, have had a fair few outings now and a classic pair of checkerboard slip-on Van’s have remained in my wardrobe the indie-sleaze days. Sure, the newest drop of impossible-to-get-your-hands-on Jordan’s comes with some serious sartorial kudos, but for the less than dedicated-to-the-cause folks out there (me) I’ll be sticking with the pairs you can actually get hold of. Next on the nostalgic footwear wish-list? The Puma Speedcat OG sneakers, a pair that come A-list approved, spotted on the likes Dua Lipa and EmRata.
When did the Puma Speedcat come out?
First launched in 1999, these minimal suede trainers were the epitome of early '00s Y2K fashion. If you're old enough to remember the Speedcat's the first time around (yup) you might well associate this style with freezing morning's running around a hockey pitch in P.E. rather than with fashion forward street-style. But, skip to 2024 and the Speedcat's have been given a new lease of life, emerging as the must-have trainer for 2024, taking over from Adidas Sambas and the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66.
What to wear with Puma Speedcat OG trainers?
The beauty of these low-fi trainers is they'll pretty much go with anything in your wardrobe. Take note from from Emily Ratajkowski, who's is already a fan, wearing her bright red Pumas with slip skirts and tank tops - an easy autumn outfit idea if you're thinking of copping a pair. If you're into a midi dress, wear with a flouncy milkmaid style to add some sporty edge, or, pair with tailored trousers and a cashmere crew neck sweater for a minimal effort, maximum impact, outfit. Race you to the checkout.
Shop: The New Puma Speedcat Trainers
uk.puma.com
Give your outfit a splash of colour and opt for the cherry red. For the tricky transitional period into the autumn months, suede trainers are a great footwear choice bridging the gap between sandals and winter boots.
uk.puma.com
If all black trainers are more your bag, this colourway if simply, chic and easy to wear. Go for monochrome and wear with black maxi dresses or tailored suits for a 2024 take on minimal dressing.
Julia Harvey has been the shopping editor for Grazia for the three years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.