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What’s fashion’s next It-sneaker? As the Adidas Samba hype has started to wane, it’s a question I often get asked and one that’s top of mind for me as a trend forecaster. Though many Adidas Samba alternatives have attempted to usurp the ubiquitous soccer shoe, none have succeeded—until now, that is. According to the latest Lyst Index released today, there’s a new challenger for It-sneaker of the year: the Puma Speedcat.
The shopping platform’s quarterly report utilizes data from over 200 million online customers to rank the hottest fashion brands and items, and for Q3 of 2024, shows searches for Puma Speedcats spiked 523 percent in August. The streamlined, retro silhouette was among the three most sought-after products of the season, falling just behind the buzzy Alaïa mesh flats and Coach’s celebrity-loved Brooklyn tote bag. Adidas Sambas were notably absent from the list.
Much of the Speedcat’s popularity can be attributed to celebrity endorsements from A-listers like Rihanna, Troye Sivan, Emily Ratajkowski, and Dua Lipa. In fact, according to additional data shared by Lyst, demand for the red colorway Ratajkowski and Lipa wore throughout this summer is currently up a staggering 1,588 percent month-over-month.
The shoe’s reasonable $100 price tag is another key part of its appeal, though due to its current hype, it can be difficult to snag and retail for upwards of $200 on resale sites. Here, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about this season’s It-sneaker and how to get your hands on a pair.
History of the Puma Speedcat
The Puma Speedcat was first introduced in 1999 as a fashionable, functional option for motorsports fans. Its notably narrow, streamlined silhouette draws inspiration from fire-resistant racing boots worn by Grand Prix drivers throughout the ’90s. Originally introduced in black and red, the style is now offered in a variety of colors, including a chocolate brown that feels particularly on-trend for fall 2024.
Why Are Puma Speedcats So Popular?
It’s no coincidence that racing-inspired sneakers are trending this season. From the release of Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive series and Supreme’s Ducati bike earlier this year to Kim Kardashian’s viral Balenciaga biker looks over the past few seasons, motorsports have solidified their hold on today’s cultural lexicon. Analyzing the arc of past It-sneakers like Nike Air Force 1s and Adidas Sambas, I suspect we’ll see a growing number of sleek Speedcat-esque silhouettes emerge from other top sneaker brands as well.
“We’re seeing an evolution of the flatter sneaker silhouette, from the Samba to the Onitsuka Tiger,” says Katy Lubin, VP of brand and communications at Lyst. “Puma Speedcats play into the trend for sleeker, more streamlined shapes at an accessible price point. Compared to chunkier, more technical ‘dad’ sneakers, they’re a versatile piece to style with elevated daywear, with built-in nostalgic appeal.”
Puma has released numerous sneaker collaborations with racing giants like Ferrari, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, and F1 , so I wouldn’t be surprised to see the shoemaker drop similar Speedcat collaborations in the coming months. Take the eclectic Coperni x Puma Speedcats that debuted this spring as indication that more buzzy designer spins on the popular Speedcat silhouette may be on the horizon.
Where to Buy Puma Speedcat Sneakers
The coveted sneaker is currently sold out on Puma’s website, but you can sign up to receive notifications about future Speedcat drops and restocks on Puma.com. I’ll be keeping a close eye on availability so you can be the first to know when and where you can buy Puma Speedcats at retail price once they’re back in stock. In the meantime, Nordstrom and Shopbop currently have a few sizes in stock.
Those who must own a pair immediately and don’t mind paying extra can find certain colorways at Farfetch, FWRD, and Ssense starting at around $125—though quantities are extremely limited and prices vary widely by size. Alternatively, you can also buy Puma Speedcats on resale sites like StockX, Stadium Goods, and Vestiaire for higher-than-retail prices.
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Puma Coperni Speedcat Sneakers
Sarah Maberry is a fashion and luxury commerce editor at Hearst Magazines, where she covers fashion, beauty and pop culture. A seasoned trend forecaster and fashion historian, she analyzes viral products and trends on a deeper level, helping readers determine what’s worth buying. When she’s not writing for ELLE, Harper’s BAZAAR, Town & Country, Esquire, Cosmopolitan and other publications, she can be found roaming the Museum at FIT (her alma matter) or sewing her own couture while she binge-watches reality TV.