Matt Varga When 2025 is over, could VandyThePink have two sneaker of the year candidates? In our mid-year estimation, he had already claimed one, but his footwear industry takeover was far from complete with ASICS. Shifting from Japan to Germany, VandyThePink revisits a favored concept for his PUMA Suede “Burger.”
Harkening back to his inaugural Salomon collection, the designer’s love for throwback U.S. aesthetics is on full display anew. For these two pairs, the partners treat the PUMA Suede more like an open sandwich than a beat-for-beat recreation of the American staple. On one, Vandy douses the simplistic archive shoe with golden suede and red laces/collars, upholding the bun, cheese, and tomato parts of the recipe. Switch to the other for the main event, as velvet brown laces and a green body deliver the beef, lettuce, and mayo half.
As you’ll see in campaign images, the chunky lace options speak to diners and picnics, carrying gingham checkered patterns in a final nod to Americana imagery. Of course, as alluded to in our title, arguably the most eye-catching aspect of this collab is how it’s packaged, with some pairs arriving in massive plush burger “boxes,” with room enough for both pairs and cheeky detailing like the Big Cat on an American cheese slice.
This burger “box” will be included with pairs purchased at ComplexCon and likely at the launch event at PUMA Las Vegas on October 24th. A wider launch is expected online via the VandyThePink site on October 29th; you’ll need exclusive access to grab the special packaging edition.
WHERE TO BUY
Mens VandyThePink x Puma Suede
WHERE TO BUY
Mens VandyThePink x Puma Suede XL
