Jay-Z is a true enthusiast and avid sneaker collector. When we saw him rap to the beat of “S Carter” in a comfy pair of Air Jordans, in “Parking Lot Pimpin'” with the Air Force Ones, and in “Girls Girls Girls Girls” from The Blueprint with Reeboks, he demonstrated a deep connection to the most coveted shoes on the market. It’s no wonder, then, that he has one of the best sneaker collections around.

Whether it’s the rare Union Los Angeles Jordans or the sneakers he himself created in 2003 in collaboration with Reebok, we are in the presence of a man who can immediately recognize the quality of this type of footwear as soon as he sees a good one. Jay-Z also has the privilege of being able to try out the most exclusive upcoming models, thanks to his numerous collaborations with brands like Reebok, Fila, and now Puma, which has given him the role of creative director. The most recent example comes from the presence of the Watch The Throne author alongside his wife Beyoncé at the NBA meeting between the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks, held last weekend in New York City, where he sported a pair of upcoming Puma sneakers.

The model in question is part of a collaboration with Rhuigi Villaseñor, founder and creative director of Rhude, the Los Angeles-based streetwear brand that began its activity in 2015. The low-top sneakers are an update of Puma’s classic Suede silhouette and, in addition to a distinctive juniper-colored aged suede mid-foot swoosh, they feature a “Whisper White” suede upper perfect for summer.

On the tongue sewn label of the shoe, Villaseñor replaced the leaping Puma logo with his own signature. The heel is covered in a chocolate brown snake leather construction with a golden Puma motif. Paying homage to the brand’s historic affiliation with breakers, skaters, and basketball, these sneakers feature extra-thick laces, similar to those seen on the feet of the legendary Tony Hawk, and leather mudguards ready for action that are never present on a model of this kind.

Article sourced from GQ UK