The PUMA Blktop Rider trainer marks the next generation of PUMA's legendary Rider series which first came on the trainer scene back in the late 1970s.
A lot has happened in the world since the late 1970s in pop culture, film, music & subculture. However, when it comes to classic trainers we're still talking about the OG stuff form the 1970s & the 1980s. With modern advancements in trainer technology there's also nothing wrong with a bit of "old meets new" & this latest Blktop Rider from PUMA is exactly that. Marking the next generation of PUMA's legendary Rider Series, the Blktop Rider puts a modern spin on the iconic Federbein sole designs of the original Rider Series stuff from the 1970s & the 19080s. For Casual connoisseurs & trainer enthusiasts the importance of the Rider series to PUMA is probably something like the equivalent of the ZX line to adidas or the classic leather stuff from Reebok.
Above: The PUMA Blktop Rider Preppy trainer in white/active red now available from 80s Casual Classics. Firs introduced in 1977 The Rider Series was one of PUMA's most technologically advanced trainers. The German sportswear brand even drafted in Dr. Ronald Riggs, a long distance running coach from San Jose State as their chief technical consultant. With vigorous testing on a range of athletes, the aim was to create a trainer that prevented injuries for long distance runners. The designers at PUMA focused on the specific stress points of a running shoe putting months of research into the exact dimensions the shoe needed to be. The Easy Rider was specifically geared up for long distance running, with uppers that were focused on support, stability and flexibility. The ground-breaking sole unit also featured shock absorbing rubber studs to minimise the overall stress put on the ankles & the heel.
Above: The PUMA Blktop Rider Preppy trainer in white/active red now available from 80s Casual Classics. First introduced in 1977, the Easy Rider started a legacy of innovative running shoes from PUMA such as the Joy Rider, the Rockette, the Whirlwind & the Sky Rider which were also released in the late 1970s. 1980 saw the introduction of the PUMA Fast Rider which was one of the lightest running shoes available on the market at the time. The lightweight design weighed only 279 grams making it one of the lightest trainers on the market. It was the Federbein sole design that really got people talking and featured studs to the outsole in an inverted V pattern for the ultimate grip and cushioning under foot.
Above: The PUMA Blktop Rider Preppy trainer in white/active red now available from 80s Casual Classics. Now introduced to 80s Casual Classics, the PUMA Blktop Rider Preppy trainer marks the next generation of the legendary Rider Series. Drawing inspiration from PUMA's vast track & field footwear archives, the iconic studded sole of the Rider Series is revived for a modern day iteration. Highlights include mesh uppers with suede overlays & a semi-speckled midsole. Finished off with a wrap around rubber sole & PUMA cat branding to the tongue the Blktop Rider packs some serious retro kerb appeal. Shop the latest PUMA trainer releases now from 80s Casual Classics via the links.
