Originally launched in 1999, the PUMA Speedcat and Mostro were born on the cusp of a new millennium. The moment felt like the edge of the future, and sneaker design experienced a burst of experimental exploration with PUMA firmly at the forefront.
To celebrate these icons from the archive, PUMA took over The Platform at King’s Cross with an amazing installation using bespoke fixtures and fittings, to showcase the history of the silhouettes.
Rooted in the PUMA DNA but looking firmly to the future, the Speedcat and Mostro emerged as flagship designs with a fusion of fashion and function that was arguably way ahead of its time.
The Speedcat was developed for Formula 1. Originally a fireproof racing shoe with a low-profile rubber sole for better pedal feedback, its monochromatic colour blocking and slim silhouette took it from the circuit to the catwalk, to become a true PUMA icon. Multiple variations followed in a myriad of materials, including a luxe laser-cut leather edition and the flamboyant Future Cat with its ribbon lacing and diamante studs.
Combining elements from 60’s sprinting spikes and ‘80s surf shoes, the Mostro took inspiration from the past but looked like nothing that had ever come before. Even the name, meaning ‘monster’ in Italian – played on the shoe’s non-conformist looks, and the style was picked up by forward-looking fashion tribes before exploding into widespread popularity.
Subsequent releases saw Mostro decked out in camo, mesh and perforated leather, and it even morphed into a boot-length Mostro Alto, worn at the time by Bjork and resurrected with an Ottolinger collab this year.
After being withdrawn from the market, both models lay dormant in the Archive until they caught the eye of PUMA collectors and design aficionados, who were fascinated by the brand’s rich legacy of experimental design. Now with the low-profile look they pioneered having come back full circle into contemporary fashion, the 2024 Speedcat and Mostro breathe new life into the Archive Icons.
The PUMA installation is at our King’s Cross store until the end of July. If you can’t make it down, check out the collection online.
