PUMA's Inhale Returns as the Ultimate Y2K Reboot

It’s 2024, but the sneaker game has its eyes set firmly on the early 2000s with the return of PUMA’s Inhale—a silhouette grounded in a history of unapologetic individuality. Originally a part of the Cellerator family, the Inhale made waves two decades ago with its radical CELL cushioning technology, but the shoe’s distinct, biology-inspired aesthetic gave it lasting appeal. Those aggressive, tendril-like lines curling around the upper—mimicking human anatomy—created a look that was equal parts sci-fi and streetwear. Today, that same spirit returns, now with updates that make it as comfortable as it is eye-catching.

The revamped Inhale sports a wider fit and a softer midsole, features that elevate its wearability without compromising the infectious energy that set it apart on its first release. The design overhaul adds comfort to this cult-favorite sneaker, without dulling the impact of its unmistakable black-and-red colour scheme, featuring a fierce, artery-red Formstrip. This reboot signals a return to the unapologetically maximalist era that birthed the shoe, where bold aesthetics met high-performance design and carried them into unexpected spaces.

And for those wondering about the Inhale’s relevancy in today’s scene, the shoe was recently reintroduced to the spotlight by none other than A$AP Rocky. In 2023, the rapper brought the Inhale into his debut PUMA collection, selling out within hours and reinforcing the shoe’s cross-generational appeal. Now, it’s styled by the Netherlands’ rising star Xavi Simons, adding a youthful, Euro-inspired edge to the sneaker’s re-debut, and hinting that the Inhale’s influence will only grow as its bold style finds new fans on the track and the street alike.

With a re-release that doesn’t shy away from its legacy, PUMA’s Inhale is a fearless throwback that’s ready for a new era.