Matt Varga We’ve said it before, and as 2025 goes on, we’ll surely say it many times again: the border between athletic wear and fashion has never been more permeable. It’s a trend that’s prompted brand-new innovations like the New Balance 1906L and archival bring-backs like the Nike Air Rift, yet regardless of how they go about it, brands everywhere are taking notice. The latest to get in on the action is PUMA, entering the conversation with Mary Jane reimaginings of the Mostro and the Speedcat.
Both 1999 silhouettes have been points of emphasis for the German giant in recent memory, showcased for the Mostro by an ASAP Rocky-assisted push in the middle of 2024 and for the Speedcat throughout the brand’s lifestyle promo materials, notably featuring the likes of Dua Lipa and Rose.
Regardless of the co-signs they carry, the low-cut, simplified construction of either shoe makes them perfect candidates for this Mary Jane treatment, yet the Speedcat Ballerina presents with the most seamless transition. Molded almost as true dancewear, four elastic bands stretch over a cut-out instep, retaining the Formstrip on either side for some 3D branding and also maintaining the shoe’s rubber traction underneath.
The Mostro Fey sets itself apart with one single strap, a truer embrace of classic Mary Jane style. The silhouette’s trademark spikes make for a more “worlds collide” sort of atmosphere, bridging the gap between the tradition of formal footwear and the aggressive design language that’s made the model so fit for boundary-pushing modern employment.
PUMA unveiled three colorways of the Speedcat Ballet and two of the Mostro Fey for the Spring/Summer ’25 season. As of this writing, release dates for all five haven’t yet been announced, but the US PUMA site currently has two Speedcat Ballets queued up for March 1st, each retailing at $80. You can catch official images of all the upcoming looks included below.
