PUMA Suede XL trainers

Suede XL

Back in the late 1960s, PUMA released a suede-covered warm-up trainer known as the Crack. With its luxurious suede upper, it soon became popular, and by the 1980s, its name had been changed to the Suede. In the years that followed, it was adopted by subcultures from breakdancing to skateboarding, so in 2024, the brand chose to honour this rich cultural heritage with the release of the PUMA Suede XL.

The Suede XL features exaggerated dimensions throughout, beginning with its durable yet flexible suede upper and leather sidewall Formstrips. Lines of perforations have been added on either side of the famous logos, adding a touch of breathability that is enhanced by the use of mesh elements on the tongue, inner and sockliner. Comfort is bolstered by generous padding across the shoe, including on the broad tongue and the enlarged collar, while extra-thick laces held in place by a central lace loop secure the foot.

The PUMA Suede XL is founded upon a sturdy cupsole that elevates the wearer with its platform design. A Softfoam+ Ortholite sockliner provides comfortable cushioning, its thickened heel adding particular support beneath the back of the foot. Its grid-like rubber outsole incorporates X-shaped lugs from heel to toe for solid traction, and its wide base delivers outstanding stability.

Bold and chunky, the Suede XL is an eye-catching take on the classic Suede silhouette that maintains a minimalist aesthetic while also expressing a captivating look. The golden foil PUMA Suede XL branding stamped into the lateral flank and the Cat logo adorning the heel are stylishly familiar elements, but the tongue badge has a tactile rubberised effect that visually lifts it from its puffy background. Underfoot, the midsole’s textured exterior features a striking ridged panel around the toe and PUMA lettering on the heel, thus completing the silhouette’s standout design.

The PUMA Suede XL was released in January 2024 through a collaboration with subversive streetwear brand Pleasures. Their black and white edition leans into the shoe’s 90s skateboarding influences, making it the perfect way to launch the nostalgic silhouette. A general release soon followed, with skater-focused campaigns continuing throughout the year as various versions of the Suede XL came out, including the super-fluffy Plush, the premium Elevated, and the SK8TE Wrld, with its criss-cross stitching and heel counter. It has also been involved in several collaborations, including with the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One racing team, with which PUMA has a long-standing partnership. In recognition of this, superstar driver Lewis Hamilton wore the Suede XL to a Shanghai event in 2025, marking his unexpected move to the Italian team and further growing the silhouette’s profile.

With its extravagant size, the PUMA Suede XL stands out as a bold take on the iconic Suede silhouette. While its plush padding and bulked up cushioning feels great, its distinctive aesthetic and powerful stature produce a stunning look that makes the XL a strong choice both on and off the board.