Last week, Hot 97 radio host Peter Rosenberg teased a major announcement to come from the unlikely combination of Puma, the WWE, and Foot Locker.
At the time, all we got were those three Instagram handles and the following imagery featuring a slight peek at the sneakers.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRvmCeYAPQa/?taken-by=rosenbergradio
A WWE logo on the heel of my shoe?
Listen, I like wrestling. In fact, I used to love wrestling and it will always hold a unique place in my immature heart. But there’s a line to be drawn somewhere when it comes to things like this.
Alas, we must not judge a sneaker solely based on a glimpse of the heel, so we must press on as we now have a full look at the limited edition collaboration that will be launched in celebration of WrestleMania 33.
As you can see, the side of the shoe in the very back features a microphone to go along with the aforementioned WWE-branded heel. But other than that, all the important stuff is happening on the insole save for those shoelaces that must be instantly replaced if you happen to be older than 12.
If you’re gonna create a WWE-themed shoe, why not go all-in and pepper the damn thing with a whole bunch of “Woooooooos!” to properly honor a legend like the Nature Boy?
Even from just a moderate distance, these things have zero identity and don’t really feel like a limited edition release at all.
Can I get a Hell Yeah?
Thank you.
Per Foot Locker (via Uproxx) comes some of the specifics:
"For its first WWE product drop, Foot Locker will release a collection of Puma product designed by Alexander-John, featuring exclusive art of six WWE Legends: “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, The Ultimate Warrior, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Ric Flair, Andre the Giant and Undertaker.The collection will include limited pairs of WWE-inspired white Puma Clydes in custom boxes, retailing for $199. Additionally, 23 pairs of black Puma Clydes will be sold exclusively in Orlando for $499, touting Undertaker imagery and packaged in a collectible sneaker casket. The WWE Legends will also be featured on exclusive Puma T-shirts, available for $44.99."
They certainly chose the right stars, all of which tug at our nostalgic, turnbuckle stuffed heartstrings.
Just make sure to take a deep breath before you reread that first sentence in bold.
That’s right, a pair of Undertaker/WWE themed sneakers — with the base of the design centered around the Puma Clydes — for the wallet-friendly price of, uh, yeah … $499.
However — there’s always a however — they DO come with a casket.
Precisely how many times will we ever be able to say our sneakers sit in a casket when we’re not wearing them?
The answer is never. Especially since only 23 pairs are releasing and they can only be purchased onsite in Orlando. So good luck with that.
As for the $44.99 t-shirts, I’m gonna ahead and say “hard pass,” mostly because you can get a pair of these Nike High Lux Casuals for just $49.98. Though if I’m being completely honest with myself, that Ric Flair shirt will be difficult to pass up.
Now go ahead and feast your eyes on the whole collection.
According to the press release, this unforeseen sneaker collab by the three-headed monster of WWE, Puma and Foot Locker will be available for purchase at 33 select “Puma Lab Powered by Foot Locker” locations on April 1, just one day shy of WrestleMania XXXIII.
You can find out exactly where on Foot Locker’s Launch Locator using the drop-down menu.
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Previously:
- Nike Releases “FlyEase” Version Of LeBron Soldier 10
- Air Jordan IV x KAWS Is Set To Release This Spring
- The adidas Consortium x Sneaker Politics Gazelle
- The Jordan IV Suede “Royalty”
- Michael Jordan Gifts Serena Williams With Custom Jordans
- Paul George’s Signature Shoe Features His FACE
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