PUMA Suede Review – Tommie Smith Carried One to the 1968 Olympic Podium. After Hours on My Feet in 2026, Here’s What Still Holds Up

To say that the PUMA Suede is a staple of street culture would be a slight understatement. The Suede has been part of culture and notable movements for almost six decades since its release in 1968. Iconic would be a more apt description. It has been worn by many legends across the ages and has remained largely unchanged over the years, sticking as close as possible to its classic build. With each new campaign that PUMA launches, we get a host of new colourways, themes and collaborations, from the A$AP Rocky x PUMA Suede ’94 to PUMA x LAAMS and PUMA x Netflix Squid Game, but the icon remains the same. The latest chapter is the Suede “Forever” Pack, three new colourways that arrived on 1 October as part of PUMA’s ongoing “Never Not Suede” campaign.

PUMA Suede History: From the 1968 Crack to Clyde and Suede

The PUMA Suede, originally known as the PUMA Crack, will forever be imprinted in cultural significance when it was carried to the podium at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico by Tommie Smith, with his fist held high in solidarity with the equal rights movements of the time. With many name changes throughout its history, from Crack to Clyde to simply Suede (with a UK-only spell as States), it has stood the test of time with its low-profile, gum sole design.

PUMA Suede Classic Black and White: Design and Cultural Legacy

With all the variants available for the Suede, we received the most classic of all, the original black and white silhouette. This is also the colourway Smith was given in Mexico City, while most PUMA-supplied athletes received blue and white. It is an instantly recognisable silhouette that, although so simple, still stands out in many ways. Its premium suede upper has been the basis for this since its release, breaking boundaries in 1968 when almost all other shoes were made with canvas and smooth leather finishes. From the Olympic podium, basketball courts, New York breakdancing, UK football in the 1980s, the 1990s skateboarding scene, along with high fashion in modern collaborations, the PUMA Suede has seen it all.

PUMA Suede Materials, Construction and Price

The full leather upper is divided into two sections – the suede leather in black and the more conventional leather in white, as seen on the PUMA Formstrip and heel tab cutout. The inner is crafted from a synthetic lining with a mesh sockliner for breathability. The manufacturing is probably the one major aspect of the shoe that has changed over the 58 years, with the liner being crafted from 72.44% textile and 27.56% synthetic materials. Its upper is crafted from 97.26% cow leather and 2.74% synthetic materials for strength and durability, while the midsole is rubber and the outsole remains 100% rubber. At the time of writing, the Suede Classic retails for R1,899 at PUMA South Africa.

How the PUMA Suede Wears: Styling and Comfort

Even as it keeps being reinvented, the Suede’s reputation keeps growing, helped along by the people who wear it their own way. With its minimalist base and classic colour palette, the sneaker is easily pairable with any fit you have for the day. Whether you’re going with the baggy aesthetic prominent in the 1990s, the skinny jeans of the 2000s or even a basic pair of shorts, showcasing its flexibility across styles.

Another aspect you’d think would be an issue, especially on classic designs, is its comfort. With its rubber midsole and outsole, this was never really in doubt. Most of the worry would be internal, with the sockliner and inner lining. Thankfully, there aren’t any issues there either. There is just enough padding to keep your feet snug, while also not overindulging on this front, adding weight and insulation, which could cause issues for longer use. Having tested these out several times for multiple hours at a time, I can confirm that you won’t feel much, if any, discomfort for prolonged use, even if you’re on your feet walking for much of it.

PUMA Suede in 2026: Verdict and Where to Buy

As the trends, styles and even nostalgia takes its course, often repeating in cycles, the PUMA Suede has remained true to its origins. It’s as iconic and stylish as ever, as well as being an adaptable sneaker for all styles and occasions. With PUMA’s “Never Not Suede” campaign in full swing, fans can get their hands on a myriad of colourways for the Suede sneaker. On 16 October, it will be 58 years since Smith carried a pair onto that podium, and the Suede is still going.

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Detail	Info
Model	PUMA Suede Classic XXI Sneakers (the US style name)
Colourway	Puma Black/Puma White
Style number	374915-01
Release date	February 19, 2021 for this colourway, per StockX. Original release was 1968 as the PUMA Crack.
Retail price (US)	$70 at release per StockX, and $75 list on PUMA’s US site today
Where to buy	us.puma.com, though stock for this colourway isn’t confirmed. Resale: StockX.
Upper / lining / outsole	97.19% cow leather, 2.81% textile / 100% textile / 100% rubber