ASAP Rocky Takes on Puma’s Classic Suede Sneaker for the First Time

A$AP Rocky and Puma have been going steady for two years now, but never have they joined forces on the brand’s most enduring sneaker. That will soon change, though, as the rapper and designer has now taken on the Suede with an older form of its construction.

The A$AP Rocky x Puma Suede ’94 features moderate tweaks in its build and the faux-aged aesthetic that’s been a core element of many of his sneakers. Starting with a classic black and white treatment, Rocky’s flip on the sneaker adds some grime to the white Formstrip and makes the sole unit appears as if its been yellowed with age. Gold-tone metal lace dubraes feature Puma‘s name in the style of jewelry, and Rocky’s is actually nowhere to be found throughout the sneaker.

Differences between the contemporary version of the Suede and this ’94 rendition are subtle, but can be seen in a slimmer collar, revised eyestay and a more articulated vamp. The gold deboosed brand hit has also removed the word “Suede” and shifts the big cat to be jumping over the Puma wordmark.

Puma launched the Suede in 1969, and the fact that it’s named for the material used on its upper denotes how novel that choice was in a time when canvas was the standard. Four years later, the Clyde was introduced as Walt “Clyde” Frazier’s signature model with slight changes from the Suede making it narrower, more pointed at the toe and more durable in the sole. His signature was also added to the gold debossed branding, and it released with more emphasis on color than the Suede.

The A$AP Rocky x Puma Suede has already popped up for sale through Extra Butter but has yet to appear on Puma’s channels. Wider availability will likely come soon, and pricing is set at $120.