Roland TR-808 PUMA shoes – tapping into EDM culture
Here’s a kick with a difference, the Roland TR-808 PUMA shoes.
Puma, in collaboration with Roland, are creating a pair of running shoes as part of the reboot of their RS (Running System) shoe line from the 80’s.
As well as approaching Roland, Puma also went to Polaroid and Sega to maximise 80’s nostalgia in the form of shoes, as is reported by CDM.
The RS-0 shoes consist of a black colour scheme, with accents taken from the drum machine and the original front panel label “Rhythm Composer TR-808 Computer Controller” printed on the heel.
Sadly, that is where the resemblance ends.
The Roland TR-808 PUMA shoes can’t produce any sounds from the TR-808, or even any sounds besides that of the shoes hitting the concrete as you take them for a jog, so no actual kick from the kicks (pun intended).
Re-re-boot
This is not the first time the 808 has transpired to shoes, although it is the first time it will be sold.
Last year design agency Neely & Daughters produced 808-inspired hi-top sneakers for Adidas (gasp).
Besides the 808-colour scheme it had, the shoes were also equipped with built-in beat making circuitry.
Now that sounds like some kicks to dip a toe in! Unfortunately, they never made it to stores because it was only a design prototype.
It is unclear when the RS-0 shoes will be available or how much they will cost, but if you’re immediately in need of 808-branded clothing, you can get 808-inspired T-shirts from UNIQLO.
We’re pretty sure that if the Roland TR-808 Puma shoes went into mass production they’d be a hit, though.
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