For its latest food-themed footwear launch PUMA teams up with Kool-Aid to drop the Kool-Aid x PUMA Suede Triplex. The collab will also include a Kool-Aid version of the brand's popular 'Clyde' sneaker as well a range of matching tye-dye apparel.
The Kool-Aid x PUMA Suede Triplex consists of blue suede and a white leather Formstrip with brick-red highlights. The Kool-Aid Man logo is printed on the heel tab while the PUMA logo remains on the tongue. The shoe derives its bright blue colorway from the classic Tropical Punch flavor of the drink. The 'Clyde' reverses the colorway, presenting a white leather body and blue suede Formstrip.
Following its collaborations with White Castle and Haribo, PUMA's Kool-Aid line shouldn't come as a total surprise; clearly, the company is in the midst of carving itself a niche space for high concept, food-branded footwear.
Iconic Beverage Brand Sneakers
The Kool-Aid x PUMA Suede Triplex is Bright and Playful
Trend Themes
1. Food-themed Footwear - More food brands are likely to enter the footwear market for creative product collaborations.
2. Brand Nostalgia - Nostalgia marketing through collaborations with iconic brands is becoming a popular trend among footwear manufacturers.
3. Tye-dye Apparel - Apparel with matching tye-dye patterns adds value to footwear collaborations and could be a trend for other industries.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Food and beverage companies can collaborate with footwear manufacturers to create product lines and reach new audiences.
2. Fashion and Apparel - Tye-dye patterns could be a trend for clothing and accessory brands to collaborate with footwear manufacturers and co-create product lines.
3. Marketing and Advertising - Iconic brand collaborations could be used by marketing and advertising firms to promote products in a new and unique way.