We’ve seen a number of collaborations since the appointment of A$AP ROCKY as a PUMA ambassador. However, having been appointed as Creative Director for PUMA’s Formula 1 partnership to shape apparel and visual direction, we’ve seen plenty in the way of Motorsport-themed releases. That’s extends with the latest collaboration, releasing the A$AP ROCKY x PUMA Straycat.
Initially released as a trail shoe in 2005, the Ouninpohja Explorador II forms the base for the Straycat sneaker. This PUMA archive classic was handpicked by A$AP ROCKY to receive the overhaul treatment for his latest drop, which was spotted on stage during his latest US Tour a few weeks back.
The sneaker still features many of its classical elements from the design perspective, including the Vibram® sole, tyre-inspired traction that extends beyond the midsole, and many other technical details. As a result, the sneaker keeps its trail grit and motorsport heritage, being refreshed for the modern sneakerhead. The Straycat pushes performance-inspired design into bold new territory.
As PUMA’s Creative Director for over 3 years, A$AP Rocky often visits the PUMA Archive and identifies different silhouettes that inspire him. The 2005 Ouninpohja Explorador II is one of those styles that inspired him after a recent visit. Looking at the sneaker, it’s clearly inspired by rally racing. See its signature tire tread and rugged outdoor details. Beyond that, the aggressive wrap-up soles and bold material mixes make it stand out. Now it’s being reimagined by Rocky with Vibram-enhanced compound rubber, hand-distressed materials, and unique double lacing. This marks Vibram’s first true co-branded outsole, with a cat set near the toe.
In addition to the Motorsport-inspired sneaker collection, we’ve also seen plenty more in the way of apparel and accessories. PUMA have taken the F1 clothing and protection garments and converted them to more lifestyle-friendly designs, albeit sometimes over the top. This continues with the release of the Straycat, which includes its own subset of apparel and accessories. This includes a panel jersey, fire gloves, oil can bag and distressed balaclava.
A$AP Rocky had this to say about his latest collaboration with PUMA:
“I wanted to rename the shoe Straycat. The name captures the spirit of the outlier, built for rugged terrain racing, now living on the streets. This 2005 icon returns with style, and we’ve reengineered it for the future.”
The A$AP Rocky x PUMA Straycat is currently available online at PUMA.com, Shelflife and Al Capone for $150 (R 3 099 in South Africa) and was released on August 27, 2026.
| Silhouette | A$AP Rocky x PUMA Straycat |
| Based On | PUMA Ouninpohja Explorador II (2005) |
| Colorway | Black/Red |
| Price | $150 USD |
| Release Date | August 27, 2026 |
| Style Code | 408509-01 |
| Key Details | Vibram enhanced compound rubber outsole (Vibram’s first true co-branded outsole), hand-distressed materials, double lacing configuration, tire-inspired traction |
| Available At | PUMA.com, Shelflife, Al Capone |
