Any time I see a sneaker, whether it's designed for on-court use or just a general-purpose casual sneaker modeled in a Raptors theme, it always catches my eye.
Considering I used to cover everything at the intersection of sneakers, fashion, and sports in my previous side expert role, this type of news was once my forte and remains a topic of interest. So, when I saw that Raptors star and Canadian standout RJ Barrett was set to have his specially modeled player-edition PUMA sneakers released to the public, it brought me back to my old stomping grounds.
Barrett signed with the PUMA label shortly after joining the NBA, inking a multiyear deal in August 2019. In an ESPN article by Nick DePaula on the topic, the "Maple Mamba" was quoted as saying:
"I waited for a long time, and I really just wanted to weigh my options... I really looked at Nike and Adidas hard, but at the end of the day, it came down to Puma and I'm very happy and excited to be a part of the Puma family."RJ Barrett, August 28, 2019
Moreover, the article at that time mentioned how "Barrett emerged as a top target for the brand, with executives strongly believing that he would become the best player from his draft class, while also being drawn to the appeal of the New York marketplace."
Fast forward nearly five years, and Barrett is back home with the Toronto Raptors, with his NBA journey reaching new heights. He may not have become a superstar per se, but he's certainly in the fringe star category, thanks to his stellar scoring abilities and well-rounded skills.
Now that we know how Barrett secured his endorsement deal with PUMA, let's take a look at the new Raptors-inspired kicks released by the brand.
Barrett first unveiled this player-edition colorway during a January home game matchup against the Chicago Bulls, where you can see the sneakers on his feet in the image attached below.
RJ Barrett's Raptors PUMA sneakers get a public release
The shoes have a vintage Raptors aesthetic, reminiscent of the franchise's iconic Dino jerseys and Y2K-era threads. They feature purple, red, and black elements, with hints of space grey, white speckles, and deep sea blue rounding out the sole. Present on the tongue are the PUMA logo and Barrett's signature player logo, which reads "RJB."
As the product description for these sneakers suggests on the official PUMA website, it states:
"RJ Barrett is an explosive, unstoppable force. He puts it all out on the court repping the city he loves. His new version of the All-Pro NITRO™ is all about his drive and dedication to his game and his town. This performance shoefeatures NITRO™ SQD foam technology for superior support and responsiveness. An engineered mesh upper provides breathability and comfort for every chase down and fast break, while the high-abrasion outsole is perfect for quick cuts as you move past defenders. This player-exclusive edition of the All-Pro is packed full of details meaningful to RJ, and the colourway is a nod to his home team’s retro jerseys."via PUMA website
Like I mentioned at the beginning, I'm a sucker for any Raptors sneakers. The Vince Carter Nike Shox, Kawhi Leonard New Balance 990s, and Fred VanVleet AND1 colorways are some of my favorites that come to mind.
Before he was traded at the deadline, I reported how Davion Mitchell earned an endorsement deal with the Curry Brand, signaling a pivotal moment in his basketball career beyond his on-court endeavors. Now, with RJ Barrett as a prominent figure in the PUMA Hoops landscape, this is a fantastic business venture—not only to enhance his crossover appeal but also to provide die-hard Raptors fans with a sneaker that encapsulates their fandom.
If these kicks are up to your speed, you can get your hands on a pair (available only in men's sizing) at puma.com for a starting retail price of $130 USD.