The PUMA Roma trainer is probably just about as "OG" as it gets when it comes to classic PUMA silhouettes from the Herzogenaurach archives.
Originally released in 1968 at the height of the Dassler brothers' bitterly brotherly rivalry to coincide with the Euros football tournament in Italy, the Roma in an OG training shoe that was specifically designed for track athletes. The running heritage of PUMA had already seen the German athlete, Armin Harry, cross the finish line wearing a pair of PUMA's at the Rome Olympics in 1960 as competition between the Dassler brothers took place on the global athletics stage. The Roma was also first introduced around the same time as the adidas Rom from Adi Dassler, another track trainer that made its debut at the Rome Olympics. Using similar names for their shoes would remain a common trend between the two Bavarian born brothers as the two German sportswear brands became some of the biggest names in the performance footwear game.
Above: The Exclusive PUMA Roma OG Nylon trainers in navy/white now available from 80s Casual Classics.
Although the PUMA Roma trainer may have officially launched in 1968, its definitely got a certain 80s swagger about it. As punk merged into 'new wave' and expensive track tops took over the local youth clubs of the UK, the Roma's 1980s re-release saw the trainer find a new home among those with a penchant for rare trainers & European sportswear. Subtle updates and re-releases introduced the shoe to new wearers with the introduction of full tracksuits on the streets and jeans with trainers on the terraces. At the turn of the 1980s the PUMA Roma had found a new home. Initially introduced as a training shoe for athletes it was the Roma's sporty looks that saw it become a popular trainer amongst the trainer fans of the 70s, the casuals of the 80s and the Britpoppers of the 90s. 
Above: The Exclusive PUMA Roma OG Nylon trainers in navy/white now available from 80s Casual Classics. The celebrated PUMA silhouette now arrives at 80s Casual Classics in an exclusive navy colourway. This latest Roma release switches up the traditional leather uppers for textile uppers with suede overlays in navy. A contrasting white formstrip & midsole completes the classic Roma style with t-toe detailing to the front & a classic grippy sole underfoot. Finished off with 'PUMA Roma' branding in gold foiling to the lateral sides, the Roma is a piece of PUMA footwear heritage every serious dresser should have in their trainer rotation. Shop the very latest PUMA trainer releases now at 80s Casual Classics.
