Reportedly known as PAB1.0 (as in PAB-LO – geddit!), this is a creative chimera that brings together PUMA, adidas and BOOST in a 1.0 scheme that sets a new benchmark for hybrid initials and convoluted naming conventions.



It’s also an absolutely chunderous riot of influences and dual-branding. Built on the sole unit of the dud adidas_1 shoe, (which had a prehistoric mechanical widget in the heel to adjust cushioning), BOOST has been added to bring the sponginess perception up to 2017 standards. And since PUMA is involved, it made sense that Trinomic was infused into BOOST for even more superlative performance.

Given Ye’s crazy hands are all over this melangé a deux, it’s not surprising that the ‘Turtle Dove’ Yeezy 350 is the mainstay of the PAB1.0’s upper. Made from rugged hessian sacks, the provincial charm of the 350 is a rustic contrast against the adidas Micropacer’s high-tech computer module, which has been inserted into a mid-foot cavity. Also included is a Bluetooth-activated camera taken from the new iPhone 8. The Leica-lensed micro camera is exclusively designed for stealthy sneaker selfies, completing this technological tour de force.

But wait there’s more! Laces are so ‘last millennium’ and have been replaced with PUMA’s one great moment of ingenuity – the DISC closure system. One fap of the wrist and the shoes auto-lace, cinching them perfectly to your feet. Up top, the disruptive sock from the recent Clyde has been rebuilt using Clima-lite, an artificial waste material supplied by Parley for the Ocean that wicks moisture away from the skin faster than NMDs sell out in JD Sports. Additionally, the DISC-O system from Solange Knowles' own PUMA project has also been added above the ankles to lock-down unwanted shin flex.

The branding was, clearly, Kanye’s biggest challenge. Given the ambitious nature of this corporate hybrid, both ‘3 Stripes’ and ‘Formstripes’ had to represent, and this is indeed the case. Carved from luxurious beaver suede, the classic PUMA stripe is interwoven between 3M reflective stripes swiped from the EQT Support ADV. The symbolism of Ye’s design gesture – drawing both families closer, if you will – is breathtakingly ill.

No word on the release date as yet, but it seems this remarkable shoe will be stocked ONLY at the adidas webstore. As expected on such a momentous occasion, a cultural paradigm tilt-shift has also been calculated, which means that the only way you’ll be able to add the shoe to the shopping cart is by using a secret sneaker bot that is available through the PUMA Snapchat portal for a millisecond tomorrow at noon sharp.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, the sneaker game never ceases to amaze. Who knows what ridiculousness might happen next, but til then, stay tuned to Sneaker Freaker and keep your laces loose!