PUMA x Salehe Bembury Velum NITRO Nature Never Stands Still

Very few designers have developed a visual language as recognizable as Salehe Bembury's.

Before launching his own collaborations, Bembury built his reputation designing footwear for brands like Cole Haan, Greats and Versace. But it wasn't until he began creating under his own name that his perspective truly emerged. Rather than designing around trends, Salehe has always looked to nature for inspiration. Rock formations, tree bark, flowing water and uneven terrain have become recurring references throughout his work, not simply influencing color palettes, but shaping the way his footwear is constructed.

That philosophy continues through his ongoing partnership with PUMA.

Instead of revisiting archive silhouettes, the collaboration has focused on building something entirely new. The Velum NITRO is perhaps the clearest example of that ambition.

At first glance, the silhouette feels unlike anything else in PUMA's current lineup. Organic lines replace rigid geometry, while layered textures and sculptural forms give the shoe an almost natural appearance. Every detail feels intentional, balancing visual identity with technical performance rather than treating them as separate ideas.

Beneath the upper sits PUMA's proven NITRO™ foam, delivering lightweight cushioning and everyday comfort, while the outsole borrows directly from trail running to provide confident grip across changing terrain. Like much of Bembury's work, performance isn't an afterthought... It's where the design begins.

That balance is precisely what has made this collaboration so compelling. Rather than relying on nostalgia or limited-edition hype, each release has quietly expanded a shared design language built around movement, exploration and curiosity.

The Velum NITRO also arrives at a time when technical footwear continues to move beyond the trail. Running and outdoor silhouettes have become everyday essentials, valued as much for their functionality as their aesthetics. Few designers understand that shift better than Salehe Bembury, whose work has consistently blurred the line between performance and lifestyle without compromising either.

The result is a silhouette that feels equally at home navigating city streets or mountain paths.