Rhuigi Villaseñor and PUMA Are Back with a Mid-Top Suede Collaboration

Rhuigi Villaseñor and PUMA are back with a second Suede collaboration: an elevated take on the oft-underutilized Suede Mid. Villaseñor has been collaborating with PUMA through his RHUDE label since 2019’s RHUDE x PUMA CELL Endura “Sundry,” but 2021 is the first year that he’s worked directly with the brand instead of going through the lens of RHUDE. This mid-top Suede also follows up the recent release of a low-cut iteration.

Though the shoe may be called the Suede, its ankle-height upper is made entirely of smooth and supple black leather. Though the base is simple, the devil is in the details: there’s an elevated forefoot overlay, psychedelic-patterned black and white laces that are long enough to wrap through the heel tab — a la the RHUDE RHECESS-HI — a special tongue tag that offers co-branded detailing and a midsole with weathered detailing that adds some aged flair to the look.

“I get to think in a freer space when it’s a Rhuigi project,” Villaseñor told HYPEBEAST in a recent Sole Mates interview, explaining the differences between collaborating as himself and collaborating as his brand. “Obviously whatever I’m working on still gets the same love and energy, but in a more open sense. When you have a brand, you have to build parameters and codes to ensure you stay true. When I’m collaborating as Rhuigi, I can tell an even more personal story and explore the things that made me who I am.”

Expect the Rhuigi Villaseñor x PUMA Suede Mid to release via the PUMA webstore on July 7 and retail for $90 USD.

For more news from PUMA, take a look at Lauren London’s new “Forever Stronger” capsule of footwear and apparel.