First, there were sneaker-sandals. Now, sneaker-loafers are having a moment in the footwear scene. After recent efforts by New Balance, PUMA enters the chat with its own balance of prep and, erm sneaks.
PUMA actually dropped its sneaker-loafer back in 2022 with the fashion label Palomo Spain. Dubbed the Nitefox loafer, the PUMA model was essentially a sophisticated leather loafer on top and the Nitefox sneakers' chunky, trail-ready sole on the bottom.
The two also made some Nitefox boots, which — as you may have guessed — were part textural calf boot, part Nitefox sneaker, and all too cool.
The year is now 2024, and PUMA and Palomo have once again revived the Nitefox loafer for a new collaboration that looks just as good (and chunked-up) as the first round.
For starters, we're getting not one PUMA sneaker-loafer but two for the latest collection. Like 2022's pairs, one version arrives in buttery leather, now doused in "frosted" ivory white for a clean tonal vibe.
Palomo's other PUMA Nitefox loafer, on the other hand, boasts smooth cashmere uppers dressed in rich brown hues for a more suave feel.
The PUMA loafers naturally preserve their intriguing hybrid details, including those fringed tassels and, of course, the bulky sole making them the chunkiest sneaker-loafer of them all.
No sneaker-boots this time. But Palomo and PUMA's collaboration offers up some pretty nice clothes inspired by 80s rolling skating. Indeed, there are some cool track pieces, sweater vests, and tiny knit shorts dressed in creamy whites and rich red hues referencing both the 80s and the bold spirit of Southern Spain. Oh, there's Palomo also designed a Palermo sneaker, too.
After being teased since April, fans can finally indulge in Palomo x PUMA's Nitefox loafers — the retro clothes too — on May 11, when the collaboration officially launches on PUMA's website.
There is a sneaker-loafer revolution afoot, and PUMA's Nitefox loafers are back just in time to join its mates in a year of hybrid stomping.
