PUMA is once again teaming up with British tannery Charles F. Stead — and naturally, they’re spotlighting one of the brand’s most iconic sneakers: the Suede.
Known for its signature suede upper and throwback colorways, the Suede gets a premium refresh this season, crafted using Charles F. Stead’s renowned English suede. The result feels clean, elevated, and true to the silhouette’s roots.
This latest release strips the shoe back to one of its purest forms, keeping original detailing intact while introducing three standout colorways: “Honey Butter,” classic “PUMA Black,” and “Orange Glo.” The bold orange nods to a legendary Knicks-inspired pair created for the sneaker’s former namesake, NBA icon Walt Frazier.
Founded in 1825, Charles F. Stead is known for producing some of the finest suede in the world, thanks to a meticulous tanning process that gives the material its soft, natural finish. To highlight the collaboration, each pair includes a special hang tag made from the same premium suede as the upper — a subtle detail that speaks to the craftsmanship behind the drop.
Earlier this year, PUMA celebrated the Suede’s cultural legacy with “Suede House,” an immersive experience during Paris Fashion Week that honored the sneaker’s past while looking ahead to its future.
The PUMA x Charles F. Stead Suede launches February 28, 2026, on PUMA.com, at flagship stores, and through select retailers.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE SUEDE’S LEGACY
Few sneakers have lived as many lives as the PUMA Suede. Originally introduced in 1968 as the “Crack” during the Mexico City Olympics — famously raised on the podium by track athlete Tommie Smith — the shoe evolved quickly.
In 1973, Walt “Clyde” Frazier made the silhouette his own on the NBA court, and the sneaker became known as the Clyde. Over time, it adopted the name Suede, inspired by its signature material. From there, it moved beyond sports — embraced by New York City B-boys, hip-hop culture, and skaters. In the UK, it even earned the nickname “States.”
One shoe, many names — and decades later, it’s still going strong.
