Palomo Spain and PUMA Re-Enter the Loafer Chat

Like ‘em or hate ‘em, sneaker-loafer hybrids are doing the rounds right now, as another pair have (re)entered the chat. While a lot of the conversation has revolved around the Via Palomo Spain (and has since been seen in silver), and has since been seen in silver , where drops have frequently featured a sneaker-inspired loafer. Now, the PUMA x Palomo Spain that debuted on the runway at.

The PUMA x Palomo Nitefox Loafer is based on the Big Cat’s Nitefox sneakers, which call back to early 2000s trail shoes. However, the heavily accentuated chunky rubber sole is just about all that remains of the Nitefox silhouette. Up top, the Nitefox transforms into the formal footwear style, with leather uppers letting it lean into a more dressy aesthetic than NB’s version. The hybrid silhouette continues to play on the loafer theme with tassle detailing and a metal PUMA x Palomo buckle. The Nitefox has featured in the duo’s collections since 2022, when Palomo also reimagined the style as a high-top boot.

As well as its obvious nods to 70s and 80s styling, the PUMA x Palomo collaboration also calls back to an experimental time in the Big Cat’s history, which saw the brand branch out from typical sports shoe silhouettes and try their hand at more traditional footwear. This included an experiment with loafers as part of the 'City Sport' direction, as seen in PUMA’s archive. This pair above is the Brighton Loafer, which debuted in 1987 alongside a couple of other loafer and slipper styles, also named after British or Italian cities. The direction didn't last long, and PUMA went on to spend the following decade dreaming up some particularly .

The PUMA x Palomo Nitefox loafer is set to drop alongside a collaborative Palermo from May 11 via PUMA's channels.