When PUMA’s Rudolf Dassler [above] imagined the Suede, the brand’s iconic sneaker, little did he know that he would be changing the game forever.

It was released in 1968 and, from the courts to the street, from ‘80s b-boys to today’s hipsters, it has made an impression ever since.

The Suede is turning 50 this year and, to celebrate the momentous occasion, PUMA has joined forces with a number of major icons to release a wide range of celebratory sneakers throughout the year.

From Hello Kitty to FUBU, the latest drop in the Suede50 campaign is from Detroit superstar and PUMA ambassador, Sean Anderson, a.k.a Big Sean.

Unfamiliar? Here’s a taste:

A legend in his own right, Big Sean has long fit the bill and the collab will include PUMA apparel, as well as a new PUMA X Big Sean Suede Mid Classic, explains Fortress of Solitude:

The sneaker takes inspiration from the streets, and from the simple fact that life is what you decide you want it to be. The Mid Classic features a mid-cut iteration of the Suede with chunkier midsole, knitted sock construction and customised lacing system inspired by hiking laces.

Check it:

Pretty delish, not going to lie.

A reimagined mid-cut with a chunkier midsole and iconic Big Sean signature, the design features many distinct elements:

One of the key features on the sneaker is the OG PUMA “D” branding on the tongue, reminiscent of its founder Rudolf Dassler’s logo way back in 1948. The upper also features a premium taping with a mix of velour and knits to create key design elements on the silhouette.

Yet, even with all that, it’s still super clean – and is finished off with Big Sean’s characteristic green, white and blue finishes.

A look at the apparel:

With a retail price of R2 499, the PUMA X Big Sean Suede50 sneaker is set to drop on March 22, and will be available at PUMA Select stores in Bree Street and Braamfontein.

However, if this shoe ain’t for you, PUMA has a few more collabs set to drop throughout the year, and I am sure something of your liking will pop up.

[source: fortressofsolitude]