PUMA Palermo

Palermo

In the 1970s and 80s, British football fans developed a unique fashion subculture based around European sportswear. Amongst the many shoes worn on the terraces during those years was the PUMA Palermo – a classy trainer in the brand’s series celebrating Europe’s iconic capitals that was revived in the 2020s.

The Palermo’s upper has a soft nylon base, with premium suede and leather forming a curvy heel panel, T-toe forefoot overlay, swooping eyestay and PUMA Formstrips. A window has been cut into the heel to reveal a leather tab with the brand’s Cat logo in golden foil, while the slim, mesh-backed tongue and synthetic lining keep things smooth and comfortable. Lastly, a large tag emerges from the lateral eyestay, staying true to the Palermo’s heritage look.

The PUMA Palermo features a flat rubber cupsole that is low-to-the-ground and filled with soft foam for comfort. Its outsole incorporates mixed tread patterns, with ridges around the edges and across the heel, pivot circles on the medial forefoot and ringed lugs ensuring reliable traction across the rest of the foot.

The terrace style of the Palermo is enhanced by its captivating retro colour-blocking and minimal branding. Alongside the Cat symbol on the heel, PUMA logos have been debossed into the tongue and stamped into both the midsole and the outsole. Intriguing textures punctuate the midsole, while sparkling golden text on the quarter flap announces the shoe’s honourific name, completing the Palermo’s timeless design.

Following a brief release of the original blue and white Palermo in 2021, PUMA launched a much broader selection in autumn 2023. In September, the brand told the story of so-called ‘Terrace Culture’, which took the shoe from its roots as a sports trainer and brought it into the world of fashion. Soon after, Manchester City footballer Jack Grealish showed off the Palermo’s sporty look in the so-called ‘Forever. Palermo.’ campaign, designed to celebrate its connection to the beautiful game. Alongside this, pop star Dua Lipa showcased a different side to the shoe through a vibrant campaign emphasising its homage to the Sicilian city and the relaxed yet expressive Italian lifestyle of ‘La Dolce Vita’.

This powerful release helped make the PUMA Palermo a success, and more designs arrived in 2024. Both retro and modern colour schemes allow wearers to express themselves in different ways, as do the many variants which have come out, from the old-school Vintage to the platform-soled Elevata and the elegantly refined Moda. The collection is further enhanced by collaborations such as the luxurious sneaker made with Spanish genderless fashion label Palomo, and an artistically reworked model from Brooklyn-based streetwear brand KidSuper that exudes sporty vintage vibes.

An stunning icon of footballing culture, the PUMA Palermo has always maintained its strong sporting legacy and effortless style, which is why it stands out today as a suave modern sneaker with irresistible nostalgic charm.