The Speedcat’s Next Life: Rise of A Low-Profile Legend
Elevating a classic, with a nod to PUMA’s archive
January 16, 2026
From Formula 1 cockpits to fashion week runways, everyday wear to celebrity favourite, the PUMA Speedcat is an iconic sneaker that truly does it all. Now, two new silhouettes are in town. We take a closer look at how the PUMA Speedcat is reaching new heights with its Wedge and Ballet models – two fresh takes on the street style staple.
Riding high on the flat sneaker boom
Driven by the high-fashion shift toward low-profile trainers, PUMA Speedcats have reclaimed their place in the spotlight. They’re on the feet of Lewis Hamilton, Dua Lipa, Emily Ratajkowski, and runway models.2025 saw PUMA launch the Speedcat’s next life with three new models: Wedge, Ballet, and OG. Wedge and Ballet “feel like two different personalities cut from the same cloth,” says High Snobiety.
ELLE describes the Wedge as “era-defining” and InStyle declares that we’re about to see them “on every It girl”. Grazia approves of Ballet as “poised… for success”.
As evocative as these models are, don’t be fooled into thinking they’re your ticket to a time machine. Serve up modern interpretations with playful statement pieces: drapey layers, boho fringe, or sporty, sculptural lines such as wide sleeves.
ELLE describes the Wedge as “era-defining” and InStyle declares that we’re about to see them “on every It girl”. Grazia approves of Ballet as “poised… for success”.
As evocative as these models are, don’t be fooled into thinking they’re your ticket to a time machine. Serve up modern interpretations with playful statement pieces: drapey layers, boho fringe, or sporty, sculptural lines such as wide sleeves.
Not a big lift: styling the Speedcat Wedge
Sportstyle Global Marketing Director Christina Mirabelli described the Wedge as “a confident progression, something for people who want that mix of nostalgia and forward-thinking design.”
Fashion is deep into a nostalgic trip back to the 2010s – and the Speedcat Wedge fits many of its revitalised emblems. This model perfectly matches architectural layering, loud graphic motifs, slouched jeans, and chunky accessories, as shown by stylist Lea Waldberg.
Her alternative look was wide sweatpants cuffed by chunky socks, topped with a figure-skimming wrap top – a nod to balletcore. Double down on that aesthetic by layering leg warmers just over the Wedge. Anchoring your look with volume at the base of your silhouette leaves room for a statement piece up top, too.
Because the Wedge retains the Speedcat’s slim outline, it’s adaptable to more slender Tumblr-esque indie rock outfits. Try a mini dress with faux fur jacket, or slim crop top with wide pinstripes or silky track pants. See Sportscene’s interpretation: mini skirts, biker motifs, wide belt.
Her alternative look was wide sweatpants cuffed by chunky socks, topped with a figure-skimming wrap top – a nod to balletcore. Double down on that aesthetic by layering leg warmers just over the Wedge. Anchoring your look with volume at the base of your silhouette leaves room for a statement piece up top, too.
Because the Wedge retains the Speedcat’s slim outline, it’s adaptable to more slender Tumblr-esque indie rock outfits. Try a mini dress with faux fur jacket, or slim crop top with wide pinstripes or silky track pants. See Sportscene’s interpretation: mini skirts, biker motifs, wide belt.
Wedge’s four colourways lend their hand to 2026’s colour palette. Opt for soft, neutral tones, with pops of luxe in animal print or metallics (chunky jewellery is a must). The Speedcat isn’t riding this trend wave; it’s outrunning it.
A new feminine: styling the Speedcat Ballet
Balletcore isn’t going anywhere – and it’s the driving force behind the ‘sneakerina’ trend. What to wear with Speedcat Ballet depends on the aesthetic you’re aiming for.
Double down on the elegant, clean-girl look like Rosé and Dua Lipa. Sportswear, demure skirts, block colours. Hair and make-up stay neutral; for the necessary edge, choose a brighter colour of Ballet, statement lip, or add a denim jacket.
Double down on the elegant, clean-girl look like Rosé and Dua Lipa. Sportswear, demure skirts, block colours. Hair and make-up stay neutral; for the necessary edge, choose a brighter colour of Ballet, statement lip, or add a denim jacket.
Lean further into the warm-up dancer vibe, a la Madeline Woo. Crew socks, full leg warmers, layered skirts. Add dangly jewellery and a tiny bag. Add expression to suit your vibe – as Madeline said:
“When what I wear is simple and clean, it doesn’t tell me what to be: it lets me move how I want. That’s the power of Speedcat.”
An alternative? Play with proportions, and loop back around to the sort of fits outlined for Wedge. Baggy culottes, chunky knee-highs, sports tees, wide-leg trousers that pool to peep the Ballet – whatever helps to contrast the dainty, girl-like feel of the shoe. The bonus: streetwear edge that keeps Speedcat Ballet comfy right through the cooler months.
Where the Speedcat’s growth spurt started
The Speedcat has ist roots in Motorsport, where PUMA worked with the world’s fastest drivers to design lightweight racing shoes that featured flame-resistant fabric and smooth heels to pivot.When lifestyle Speedcats were released in 2000, and Michael Schumacher wore them off the track, suddenly the shoe was on the feet of everyone everywhere. The low profile, luxe suede, and slim but comfortable fit made them truly versatile.
A wedge of history
For long-time PUMA fans, the wedge look is memorable. As PUMA’s Michele Mirtschov discussed with High Snobiety, “Wedges have actually been a big part of our story for years… Fenty by Rihanna heels and pieces really cemented us in that fashion-sports lane. So taking the Speedcat into this space felt natural. We already had the foundation, it was just about reimagining it for today.”Some of PUMA's wedge styles through the years
Any sneaker fan can see that the Speedcat has staying power. Few predicted its rise to a heel. Now, by inverting its signature low profile for a bold wedge and open ballet, it’s entering a new phase. If the Speedcat has nine lives, it’s currently living the most fashionable one yet.
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