The true value of PUMA's sneakers as seen in up-and-coming stores.

RUN THE STREETS.

The true value of PUMA's sneakers as seen at an up-and-coming store.

In contemporary men's fashion, interest in sneakers is almost synonymous with sensitivity. Street fashionistas are always looking for the next fresh pair of sneakers, and popular stores have responded to this demand. Monkey Time, a Beauty & Youth United Arrows store, is another well-known store where such expectations are high. PUMA has long been a popular brand at this store. We asked the buyer why this is the case at the store, which had just received a shipment of the latest Ignite Limitless.

  • Photo_Toshio Ohno
  • Text_Rui Konno
  • Edit_Jun Nakada
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The presence of the new products at the exhibition stood out among them.

Monkey Time started in 1994, when Japan's unique street culture, known as "Urahara," was flourishing. The sneaker lineup is still very important to this store, which has been carrying keywords such as "traditional" and "street" since the dawn of the kicks boom. While the latest models from various brands are constantly being introduced, the Ignite Limitless from PUMA is one of the sneakers that has won the store's limited space this season. Buyer Satoshi Morimoto explains why he ordered this model.

forest bookPuma was originally one of our main brands at Monkey Time, as we had done some special orders with them. I always see their new products at exhibitions each season, and this season, the IGNITE LIMITLESS design really stood out. I knew that the IGNITE foam itself was comfortable to wear because PUMA has always been particular about it, and this high-tech upper design was new to me.

This new model is packed with PUMA's technology, including the IGNITE midsole, stretchy mesh upper, and TPU cage construction for improved fitting. The new model is characterized by a modern design that matches the current street style.

forest bookThe placement of the logo is also quite modern. The logo placement is also very modern. The shoes have high cushioning and are easy to walk in, and they hold the foot firmly in place, giving a sense of stability. It is interesting that the band with the logo on it is functional as well as designed. I think this model will appeal to sneaker lovers.

Mr. Morimoto, who travels around Japan and abroad as a buyer and is in touch with trends in countries around the world, describes the sneaker situation in Japan as "highly skewed" compared to major cities overseas. He has high expectations for these shoes because of this trend.

forest bookI have the image that people overseas enjoy sneakers more freely than in Japan. In Japan, I feel that when one brand or model becomes popular, everyone tends to follow it. In that sense, I think that PUMA, with its fresh, high-tech models, can create a stir, and as a buyer, I am looking forward to seeing what kind of response Ignite Limitless will get from customers.

Mr. Morimoto says, "The shape is sharp, so I want to recommend these to people who normally shy away from high-tech sneakers. In the saturated sneaker scene, PUMA's approach is likely to spark a new fire, just as they had planned.

The one-tone footwear makes the color combination look even better.

Left:〈Puma〉IGNITE LIMITLESS ¥15,000+TAX( Puma Customer Service ),〈A.D.S.R.〉 Sunglasses ¥18,000+TAX,〈monkey time〉Blouson: monkey time ¥19,000+TAX,〈CALUX × monkey time〉Pants ¥14,000+TAX P.A.M] T-shirt ¥12,000+TAX, [CALUX × monkey time] pants ¥14,000+TAX, [A COLD WALL] socks ¥4,000+TAX, [424] necklace ¥32,000+TAX, 〈BLACK DAKINI×monkey time〉Necklace ¥32,000+TAX(All at Monkey Time Beauty & Youth United Arrows Harajuku store ), others private items

Right: [Puma] IGNITE LIMITLESS ¥15,000+TAX(Puma customer service ), [STAMPD×monkey time] blouson ¥58,000+TAX, hoodie ¥35,500+TAX, T-shirt worn inside ¥17,500+TAX, pants )41,500+TAX (all at Monkey Time Beauty & Youth United Arrows Harajuku store) 9T17,500+TAX, pants ¥41,500+TAX (all at Monkey Time Beauty & Youth United Arrows Harajuku store ))

The flight jacket and jogger pants are the king of modern street sizing, creating a sense of crispness. The white color used throughout the collection is also used in the logo on the shoes, creating a sense of unity. ( right )

A coordinated look of spring-like pale tones pulled together with black. Noble beige sneakers have a clean look, so they don't look too rough when worn with damaged denim. ( Left )

Satoshi Morimoto / Buyer and Press, Monkey Time

After working as a store staff for 6 years, he worked as a press for Beauty & Youth United Arrows before becoming a press for Monkey Time. 2015, he became a buyer as well, searching for new trends day and night.

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