Puma Brings Back Eighties Icon

Puma has struck a deal with UK retailer Size? to release a reissue of its iconic States trainers. The style, which was a staple among New York’s fledgling hip hop community, went on to become the brand’s signature product.

After an extended hiatus, the shoe has returned exclusively to the British market as part of Puma’s SS14 collection. The relaunch, designed exclusively for Size?, features a pared-down take on the original silhouette, reverting almost entirely back to the 1980s blueprint.

Paul Ruffles, of Size?, was keen to explain the decision, saying: “Whenever a brand does a re-launch of an iconic shoe, you have to do it from almost an original and not cloud it with any other kind of interpretations.”

The move mirrors those by the likes of adidas, which recently revived its Stan Smith model, known to have sold in excess of forty million pairs worldwide.

The 2014 edition of the States is constructed from a softer suede material than the original and comes complete with an off-white sole, foam-backed tongue and perforated collar. Puma has opted for a trio of the shoe’s original colorways – blue, red, and green – with a set of customizable laces to accompany.

Designers at the brand say the shoe stays true to its hip hop roots. Therefore, it’s little wonder Puma commissioned renowned British photographer and street culture connoisseur Norman ‘Normski’ Anderson to capture the relaunch with a limited edition book.

Interviewing some of Puma’s key players and fans, the global release of Normski’s book aims to capture the shoe’s cultural influence over the last 35 years – from 1980s Brooklyn to 21st century East London.

The PUMA x Size? States are available now in all Size? stores, as well as on its website: Size.co.uk.

A representative from Puma tweeted FashionBeans‘ editor to say the £50 models are already “flying out of stores.”

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