A Review Of The Puma Speedcat OG Sneakers

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The Puma Speedcat OG has been on my radar for some time now, but I have to admit that it's been remarkably difficult to acquire. Until recently, I'd spent much of my time over the last year or so in China where I couldn't get my hands on a pair for the life of me anywhere; not in store (I scoured several) nor online. And keep in mind that this is an E-commerce centric country that has perfected the art of expedited shipping.

For context, Puma's flagship sneaker exploded in popularity worldwide in 2024, but it was particularly sought-after in East Asia. This cultural phenomenon is in part thanks to collaborations with notable fashion brands like South Korea's OPEN YY and endorsements from high profile celebrities such as Blackpink's Rosé. The strong consumer demand seemed to outpace supply for several months, but luckily inventory has returned to a healthy level, at least here in North America.

It might not be common knowledge, but Puma has a long history of creating serviceable footwear for Formula 1 drivers. In 1999, the Puma Speedcat OG was released as a low top lifestyle version of their tailor-made fireproof F1 racing shoes. While I've said before that the Fenty x Puma Avanti is reminiscent of a Formula 1 sports car, the Speedcat OG takes this a step further and embodies this design philosophy entirely.

A 25 year legacy is nothing to sneeze at, but it's still a relatively modern classic compared to other iconic silhouettes. I was curious to find out how Puma's best selling shoe stacks up against beloved classics such as the storied Adidas Samba OG. So what exactly does the Puma Speedcat OG bring to the table?

Materials & Construction

Just like the Avanti, Puma has really nailed the details with the Speedcat OG. The sneaker's vivid blue pigment is downright eye catching and the two tone colorway is gorgeous in person.

The white side panel adds visual interest with finely detailed stitching, while the embroidered jumping cat on the toecap is a distinct reminder of Puma's consistently bold styling cues. Rounding out the aesthetic highlights we find debossed accent logos on the side, heel, and tongue of the shoe that tie the unapologetic branding together in an elegantly balanced manner.

In terms of materials, the Puma Speedcat OG's upper is comprised of a soft and supple suede leather that adds a luxurious tactile feel to the sneaker. The shoe's motorsports influence is nowhere more apparent than on the ingenious tire tread rubber outsole, which is a standout feature on an already adventurous model.

Overall construction is of extremely high quality, easily on par with the Adidas Samba OG sneakers with no signs of inferior build anywhere. Simply put, the Puma Speedcat OG is a well crafted sneaker that looks the part and gives the impression that it's been created with longevity in mind.

Comfort & Performance

In terms of sizing, I'd recommend that most people choose half a size up. I opted for my usual size ten, however my feet felt slightly cramped towards the toe end of the shoe.

Aside from that, the sneakers are also somewhat narrow in width but not uncomfortable by any means. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised that my pair felt immediately agile out of the box with zero break in time needed.

As for overall comfort, the Puma Speedcat OG has adequate heel support, however cushioning in the arch and forefoot area is definitely on the minimal end of the spectrum. The ankle collar is fairly loose, so it won't offer much in the way of added stability, but fortunately the ankle padding itself is excellent. The tongue also includes a solid amount of protection as well.

So while this wouldn't be my first choice for all-day excursions, it's important to remember the original intent of the Speedcat. Which of course, was to be an intuitive extension of a Formula 1 racer's feet by allowing for an instantaneous muscle memory connection to their car pedals. In that regard, its thin rubber outsole is super grippy and unrivaled with exceptional foot feel to the ground. By prioritizing overall feel in place of cushioning, Puma may have created the ultimate driving sneaker.

It's also worth mentioning that the Puma Speedcat OG is remarkably lightweight and has an almost slipper-like quality to it. I've found it to be an ideal casual use walking sneaker; or if you're workplace has a more relaxed dress code, the perfect choice for fashionable office footwear.

Pros

• Superior quality in use of materials
• Beautiful details such as soft suede, visually appealing stitching, and a unique tire tread outsole
• Offered in several variations and colorways
• Cozy, almost slipper-like experience
• Excellent feel to the ground
• Great value for the price

Cons

• Minimal forefoot cushioning
• Ankle support is lacking
• Not optimal for all-day walking

Verdict

The Puma Speedcat OG is not the type of shoe that you thoughtlessly pair with skinny jeans and be done with it; as my middle-aged millennial self is so often inclined to do these days. Rather, it’s a bold statement piece that requires a certain degree of confidence to pull off, and should be treated as such. Along with plenty of colorways to choose from, Puma also offers several interesting variants such as the Leather, Mid, Ballet Sneaker, GO, Scuderia Ferrari, and Metallic models among other special editions.

It's also not the sneaker I'd choose as an everyday go-to as a consequence of its modest arch and ankle support, but it's a striking casual use lifestyle shoe with a premium build nonetheless. It even gives the outstanding Adidas Samba OG a run for its money; both in aesthetics and construction.

At the same time, the Puma Speedcat OG is a completely unique offering that stands on its own. If you have an appreciation for thin soled shoes and an unmistakable racing inspired design, there's really nothing else quite like it.