PUMA Basketball's First StarFrom its debut in 1968, the PUMA Suede Classic has been at the center of culture. Worn by civil rights activist and Olympic gold medalist, Tommie Smith, on the podium at the Mexico City Summer Games, the Suede became an instant cultural icon. Throughout the 1970s, the Suede again hit the world stage, this time as the shoe of choice for seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Walt “Clyde" Frazier. Clyde was the epitome of cool back then and New York Knicks basketball was the hottest ticket in the Big Apple. Around the same time, Kool Herc was laying the foundation for what hip-hop would become by extending instrumentals using two turntables. The result was the B-Boy movement, which was fueled by a sneaker that had style, durability, and was respected in the streets of The Bronx. The only sneaker that could make the cut was the PUMA Suede. True Icon Status The PUMA Suede perfectly personifies the unique style of Walt "Clyde" Frazier, who was known for his extravagant wardrobe and impeccable swag. PUMA has always been about marrying functionality of sport with style to create shoes that transition well from decade to decade. While the Suede might not be wrapped in silk or mink like Mr. Frazier often is, it has been known to appear in a variety of colors that most shoes dare not attempt. So, it's no stretch of the imagination to include the Suede Classic as one of the most iconic and timeless silhouettes in sneaker history; Complex Magazine ranked the PUMA Suede ninth on their “30 Most Influential Sneakers of All-Time" list. The future of the PUMA Suede Classic is just as bright as its past, thanks to PUMA's signing of NBA stars Rudy Gay, Marvin Bagley III, and DeAndre Ayton, and their new partnership with the WNBA and Skylar Diggins-Smith. It doesn't matter if you're wearing a formal-looking pair to a dressed up event or wearing a bold color with a pair of camo shorts and your favorite team's jersey … the Suede Classic is going to look great! Premium suede upper offering durability and style. Midfoot perforations for breathability. Classic Puma branding provides an ageless look. Sturdy rubber outsole for grip, stability and traction.