[imagesource:petemckee/robinclewley]

Before the late 1970s, trainers were usually only worn by people doing sports. Now they’re a trendy way to feel nostalgic about ‘terrace culture’ and ‘casuals’.

Terrace culture began when football fans from Liverpool started travelling to Europe to follow their teams, bringing back sports trainers and branded clothing that weren’t yet on sale in the UK. To be asked “Where d’ya get your trainees from?” was an accolade, and it wasn’t much time until those football ‘casuals’, as they were called, had a huge impact on the fashion industry of today.

While back then Adidas Sembas or Stone Island were the most highly prized trainers of the subcultural movement, today, the silhouette is all that matters and the return of PUMA‘s OG pair in a signature classic colourway is making waves.

In February 2021, Hypebeast asked, “Is the Sneaker Industry Ready for an Early-00s Revival?” Their question was centred around the re-release of various low-profile silhouettes that were often associated with terrace culture in the UK and Italy in the 1980s, and subsequently, the styles’ resurgence in the 2000s. It seems they were onto something, as the iconic PUMA Palermo is back.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by PUMA South Africa (@pumasouthafrica)

The sportswear label’s ambassador Dua Lipa teased a pair of Palermos earlier this year, showcasing a style saturated with nostalgia. Now you can let your inner ‘casual’ rejoice as PUMA has opted for blue and white Palermos, which are – of course – found in suede and leather.

Image: PUMA

The signature T-toe construction remains a staple part of this pair, as does a gum sole unit, and the gold-stamped PUMA-branded tag on the lateral panel. Thick white laces, a white PUMA cat logo, and a clean white interior round out the pair.

Image: PUMA

In addition to this, PUMA also delivers the shoe in “Icy Blue/Orange” and “Green Illusion,” the latter of which comes with fuchsia accents. Both are in tribute to Palermo’s iconic fruit vendors, known locally as “fruttivendolo,” and both are sure to serve you well this summer.

Image: PUMA

Find the sick sneakers on PUMA’s website now, where they’re retailing for a cool R1 899 a pair.

[source:hypebeast]