Just four days after PUMA´s sponsored Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team released the all-black base livery of the W11 race car, the racing team unveils their PUMA black race gear. The change of color to black is demonstrating our partner’s commitment to the principles and practice of diversity and inclusion.
“We have been supporting the initiative of Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team from the very beginning. PUMA is happy that we have been able to fulfill their request for black race gear directly from the start of the season”, explains James Clark, Head of Sports Marketing Motorsports & Operations at PUMA.
The black race gear includes the race suit, underwear, balaclava and gloves. The latter shows #reform on the right hand which is PUMA´s statement against racism and criminal justice. The race shoe Speedcat Pro of Lewis is turned into black with purple logo form stripes while Valtteri Bottas´ black race boots are coming with white logo form stripes.
Throughout the history of more than 70 years, PUMA has strongly believed in equality and in the power of sport to unite people and push culture forward in a positive way. PUMA has always partnered with athletes and ambassadors that have stood up for universal equality.
“We are always eager for the opportunity to support any of our partners and ambassadors in their pursuit of Universal Equality. We launched our REFORM platform in 2018, with the single goal of turning intentions into actions in the fight for equality, respect, and fairness. This has allowed us to work with amazing athletes such as Lewis Hamilton in fighting racism in their own sporting cultures. To date, we have focused our efforts in Europe on fighting racism in sports, with a particular concentration on Football. In the US, we have focused on racial inequity through reform of the criminal justice system. On a global basis, we have supported organizations campaigning against gender bias and LGBTQ discrimination”, states Adam Petrick, Global Director Brand Marketing PUMA.
Lewis Hamilton and teammate Valtteri Bottas are at the heart of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team’s commitment to fighting racism and discrimination. Lewis said: “It’s so important that we seize this moment and use it to educate ourselves, whether you are an individual, brand or company to make real meaningful changes when it comes to ensuring equality and inclusivity. I have personally experienced racism in my life and seen my family and friends experience racism, and I am speaking from the heart when I appeal for change.“
Valtteri Bottas added: “It is important for us to be united and show our commitment to change. Racism and discrimination have no place in our sport or in our society.”
PUMA will not give up its REFORM campaigns until racism and discrimination has been abolished.
Global sports company PUMA has announced the launch of J. Cole’s first signature basketball sneaker, the RS-Dreamer. The shoe sports a DREAMER logo, about which Cole explains, “When said out loud, all the best dreams sound crazy. Dreamer was created with the belief that, still, we must follow ours, no matter how unachievable they may seem to others.” Cole was intimately involved in the new franchise -- from inspiration to design.
Earlier this year, PUMA and Cole announced their official partnership with a TV spot that aired during All Star Weekend. The theme of that spot, which inspired Cole’s new signature product line, is about never abandoning one’s dream, despite the obstacles faced or time passed. The RS-Dreamer will be worn on the court by PUMA Hoops athletes and has already been spotted on several NBA and WNBA athletes as they ramp up for their respective returns to play this summer.
This first signature basketball sneaker is intended to be worn both on and off the court – equipped with the latest technology while having a fashion-forward and disruptive design.
“Over the years, basketball shoes have progressed greatly in their level of technology and comfort but have strayed too far away from designs stylish enough for cultural relevancy,” Cole explains. “The Dreamer hopes to change that reality. The highest level of on-court performance meets the highest level of aesthetic design for daily wear. Once again, you can hoop in the same shoes you wore outside.”
The RS-Dreamer is a new silhouette that leverages the brand’s running system “RS foam” and innovative RS technology for superior on-court mobility. Other RS-Dreamer benefits include enhanced durability and traction, a disruptive cord lacing system and PUMA’s signature ProFoam in the midsole for rebound and energy return.
Retailing for $125, the RS-Dreamer will be available exclusively in store and online at the Foot Looker Inc. Family of Brands (including Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Champs, Footaction and Eastbay), PUMA.com, and PUMA stores starting Friday, July 31. A limited PUMA apparel collection to compliment the sneaker will also be available for purchase. Additional iterations of the RS-Dreamer are slated to release throughout 2020.