PUMA Inhale

Inhale

Throughout the 1990s, PUMA was known for creating medal-winning running shoes at everything from 100m sprints to long-distance. Towards the end of the decade, the brand developed its supportive Cell cushioning and began blending athletic footwear with fashion to form new sportstyle silhouettes. In the early 2000s, this led to the release of the Inhale – a performance running shoe with a captivating look that eventually made it a popular sneaker off the track.

The upper of the PUMA Inhale incorporates breathable textiles for comfort alongside protective layered panels on the toe and heel. A perforated overlay sits at the base of each Formstrip, delivering extra ventilation, while the easy lacing system is secured by additional loops at the bottom of the eyestay and the middle of the plush tongue. This is joined by generous internal padding to ensure a soft fit around the foot as the slightly wider shape allows plenty of wiggle room for maximum wearability.

The Cell midsole of the Inhale has been updated with an even softer compression moulded CMEVA foam to make it more comfortable and ideal for everyday use. Meanwhile, its rubber outsole features large grip pads below the heel, sturdy support through the midfoot and rows of conical lugs across the forefoot, all of which leads to excellent traction and a solid step.

With a look inspired by deep breathing techniques, the PUMA Inhale is both dynamic and eye-catching. Striking contours ripple back and forth across the flanks, forming flame-like shapes beside each arcing Formstrip. ‘Cell’ text appears on the heel of the midsole below a PUMA Cat logo as more feline symbols accent the tongue and outsole. Underfoot, the curvy, flowing design lines of the upper continue into the midsole, whose undulating profile stops only where the outsole rubber reaches up to protect the toe.

Although the Inhale has its origins in the Y2K-era running scene, it has since been released as a lifestyle sneaker. A brief return in 2019 preceded a more substantial 2024 comeback which occurred after the silhouette was chosen by superstar rapper A$AP Rocky as part of his F1-inspired PUMA collection. His distinctive take on the PUMA Inhale blends fashion, sporting heritage and motor racing through the use of artfully embroidered effects, ‘Flacko’ branding, hand-distressed details and suave materials such as twill weave. Multiple general release colourways and variants followed, including the elegant Essentials, the luminous Reflective Pack and the shimmering Colour Shift Pack. A brand new model known as the Inverse was also designed based on the Inhale, its progressive outer generated using a combination of AI technology and human ingenuity. Then, in 2025, PUMA helped Formula 1 fans celebrate 75 years of the sport with commemorative editions of the Inhale.

From high-performance running shoe to sought-after casual sneaker, the PUMA Inhale has proven itself to be a multifaceted silhouette with a comfortable design and a charismatic style.