First making its debut in the mid-1900s by Rudolf Dassler, the German-based sportswear label Puma is best known for its premium sneakers and apparel, all of which sport the iconic Puma logo and Puma Formstrip. Puma has since established itself at the forefront of the fashion industry. ‘Puma’ translates to strength, agility, and endurance, all recognized throughout the brand’s offerings. Puma has become one of the fashion industry's most recognizable and iconic sportswear brands.

By the time the ‘70s rolled around, the sport of basketball was growing, and Puma became the first brand to introduce a signature sneaker for an athlete. This sneaker was designed with one of history's most iconic NBA players, Puma ambassador and former athlete Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. The partnership between Puma and Frazier began in 1971, and when Puma first signed Frazier, the athlete made three demands: he wanted the first flat basketball sneaker made with suede instead of leather. He also requested ‘Clyde’ be printed on every shoe in addition to a new color variation for every NBA game he played in. Puma met these demands, resulting in the Puma Clyde. It's reported that Frazier wore over 390 colors of the shoe. It was important for Frazier to improve the shoes during each test and game continuously. The shoe went international in 2018 with its comeback in Puma’s global collection.

The Puma Clyde joined Walter ‘Clyde’ Frazier throughout his active NBA career, up until 1977 with the New York Knicks, and from 1977 to 1980 with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Once he retired, Clyde was voted one of the 50 best players in the NBA.

The Puma Clyde had not just an impact on the world of basketball sneakers but also became an integral piece of popular culture—getting embraced by the subcultures of dance, hip-hop, and skateboarding.

The Puma Clyde takes on a suede upper, with signature embossed Puma branding at the sides and a signature Formstrip. Gold foiled and debossed branding can also be found at the quarter. The suede tongue is treated with a woven Puma label, while the crepe rubber outsole underneath protects and supports the entirety of the design.

To shop the Puma Clyde OG ‘Parisian Night,’ click here.