Kith has partnered with Puma to introduce the global sports brand’s latest performance-inspired lifestyle silhouette – the Tsugi Shinsei. The Tsugi takes sensibilities and functionalities (pics via Kith)
Source: Kith Introduces the Puma Tsugi Shinsei
In the world of sneakers Kith demands respect. Puma doesn’t necessarily demand respect with men, but Puma is working hard to change this. A Kith collaboration typically equals an immediate sell out with the pairs entering the resale market. This new Puma Tsugi Shinsei is a shoe that evokes immediate thoughts of comparison. A quick glance shows some Yeezy and Huarache elements, but it’s very closely related to the Tubular Shadow shape.
However, anyone looking and seeing those cues should stop and look closer. The shoe features a shroud that creates a unique lacing system and a knit sock that is on trend. Puma branding is minimized and left up to the name on the heel counter. With Ignite cushioning the model will undoubtedly be comfortable. There is a beautifully molded midsole and the structure and lines of the shoe look more like an art gallery piece than a pair you’re going to use for daily wear.
The release is dropping in very limited qualities, but this is one of those moments where the right campaign could present an opportunity for Puma to nail that men’s market that has been evading the brand. In this post I said something similar.
I think the black and the white are the better looking pairs and that the olive and red colorway, which is limited as a Kithstrike at 150 pair, is actually not as attractive.
Overall, this is another dope addition to the Puma line up and shows that the brand is definitely attempting to be more than Rihanna and Carla and Fenty and ribbon shoestring classics.
These are more aggressively styled shoes that are on trend. The only issue I see with this push is the lack of marketing associated with the styles. Here is a snap collection of the release party for the Tsugi. What do you think?