
Summary:
- PUMA and ROMBAUT launch Season 2 of their Speedcat collaboration after the first release sold out quickly
- The new collection features three colorways with organic, aerodynamic design and a distinctive Levitation sole
- Silver and white versions release November 22 at select retailers, while the black colorway will be available exclusively online
The Belgian fashion label ROMBAUT and German sportswear company PUMA have released the second season of their collaborative Speedcat sneaker project. The first release sold out within days of its launch, prompting both brands to develop this follow-up collection.
Season 2 centers on three themes: evolution, transformation, and lightness. These concepts shape the physical design of each shoe, which now features more organic and aerodynamic qualities than the original motorsport-inspired silhouette.
ROMBAUT has reworked the classic Speedcat with a retro-futuristic approach. The design includes signature "cell bubble" elements throughout the upper, creating a texture that blurs the line between natural and synthetic forms. The original racing shoe has been transformed into a hybrid model that suggests a future where biological and technological elements merge.
The most notable feature is the Levitation sole. This component creates a visual effect of suspension, making the shoe appear to float slightly above the ground. The sole construction differs from standard sneaker platforms and serves both a functional and visual purpose.
Three colorways make up this release. Each version has specific material choices and color treatments that give it a distinct character.
The Silver version uses metallized technical mesh across the upper. This material choice creates a reflective surface that shifts in different lighting conditions. The overall effect suggests space-age design influences without relying on overt branding or graphic elements.
The White colorway takes a different approach. ROMBAUT has selected suede for the toe box and used natural rubber for the Formstrip. This version is the most restrained of the three, with material selection driving the design rather than bold color choices.
The Black version includes brown details that have been treated to look worn. This weathered effect adds visual depth to what would otherwise be a monochrome shoe. The brown tones appear at strategic points throughout the upper, breaking up the darker base color.
Material selection varies across all three versions. ROMBAUT has combined technical fabrics with natural materials, creating contrast between synthetic and organic elements. This approach reflects the brand's ongoing interest in sustainable production methods and alternative material use.
The release strategy differs by colorway. The Silver and White versions will be available on November 22 through the ROMBAUT official website and at select retail partners. Slam Jam and LUISAVIAROMA are confirmed stockists for these two versions. The Black colorway will be sold exclusively through online channels, though specific retailers have not been disclosed.
This release follows ROMBAUT's established design philosophy of merging technical innovation with forward-thinking aesthetics. The Belgian brand has built its reputation on experimental approaches to footwear design, often working with unconventional materials and construction methods.
The partnership between PUMA and ROMBAUT represents an intersection of heritage sportswear and contemporary design thinking. PUMA brings decades of motorsport heritage through the Speedcat silhouette, while ROMBAUT contributes a vision that pushes beyond traditional sneaker design conventions.
The Speedcat originally launched as a racing shoe, designed for drivers who needed lightweight footwear with secure foot placement. This collaborative version maintains the low-profile shape but reimagines the construction entirely. The result is a shoe that references its racing origins while moving into new design territory.
Eric Grischott
Born in Groningen in 1991, Eric Grischott is a linguist with a deep-rooted passion for art, music, and fashion. His academic journey led him to graduate in languages, further enriching his linguistic prowess. His thirst for knowledge and cultural immersion took him abroad, where he gained invaluable experience and insights. Eric’s linguistic expertise is not confined to just theory. He has honed his skills in French and German through specialized DELF and DELE courses, demonstrating his commitment to mastering these languages. His passions extend beyond languages, encompassing the creative realms of art, the rhythmic world of music, and the dynamic sphere of fashion.
