PUMA H-Street

H-Street

In the 1990s, PUMA created a number of high-class athletic trainers, including one called the Harambee. This featherweight distance-running spike was outstanding on the track, so in 2003, the brand chose to adapt it for use on the streets, resulting in the PUMA H-Street. After several years of success, this sleek sneaker faded away, only to be revitalised two decades later.

Breathable mesh with large open cells forms the upper of the H-Street, making it incredibly airy throughout. Minimal leather panels accent the toe and heel, with Formstrips on each flank and a slender eyestay to ensure that the shoe remains as lightweight as its sporting predecessor. The laces pass through textile loops, with the lower eyelet emerging from the forefoot overlay to hold them firmly in place. When combined with the soft textile inner lining and leather tongue, this offers a comfortable, secure and flexible fit.

The PUMA H-Street contains a slim sole unit with a supportive layer of EVA foam that tapers as it slopes upwards towards the toe. Its plush moulded sockliner enhances underfoot comfort, while the rubber outsole provides excellent traction via rows of convex lugs that stretch from heel to toe. This grippy tread even extends over the toe and the sides of the forefoot for comprehensive support and stability.

With its sporty, low-profile build, the H-Street is full of heritage style. It celebrates PUMA’s legacy of highly functional athletic silhouettes by taking the performance look and lightweight feel of the original racing-inspired design and updating it with modern materials, more generous cushioning and a slightly altered shape. Otherwise, it maintains a classic appearance, with arcing sidewall Formstrips bringing a dynamic touch to the minimalist upper, Cat logos embroidered delicately onto the toe and heel overlays, and the brand’s wordmark displayed boldly on the tongue.

Following appearances at Paris Fashion Week in early 2025, the PUMA H-Street was relaunched in May at a community driven event in Seoul that involved creatives from the local music and art scenes alongside brand collaborators like youth subculture label Cold Archive and vintage collector Inside Tag, who helped curate the immersive pop-up experience. PUMA ambassador and K-Pop superstar Rosé turned up in the ‘Fizzy Green’ release colourway, which honours the OG 2003 version with its lime green outer and shimmering silver accents, while an expressive range of stunning H-Street designs were showcased in the futuristic, track-and-field-inspired gallery. South Korean brand Open YY then collaborated on a distinctive version with a futsal-style foldover tongue before streetwear label Kith produced two stealthy colourways, one of which switches out the traditional mesh for smooth, sophisticated leather.

In celebrating its sporting legacy, PUMA has infused the H-Street with an authentic story of athletic achievement while also ensuring that it delivers everyday comfort, lightweight support and a stylish modern look.