The return of the juniors in Puma

Puma, a brand born in Herzogenaurach in 1948

Puma was founded in 1948 in Herzogenaurach, Bavaria, by Rudolf Dassler, who initially named his brand Ruda before choosing the name of the feline. The Formstrip, that wavy stripe on the side of the shoes, appeared in 1958, just before the World Cup: it reinforced the lateral support of the foot before becoming a signature visible from afar. The pouncing puma, the brand's logo, now decorates sneakers, tracksuits, and sweats, even in children's sizes, accompanying juniors from the playground to the sports field.

Suede and Speedcat: two classics available for juniors

The Suede, released in 1968, has established itself well beyond the sports fields: its velvety suede upper and contrasting Formstrip have made it a model worn by several generations. The Speedcat, designed in 1999 for Formula 1 drivers, was adapted the following year into a city version, with a very low profile and a thin sole. For the younger ones, versions with Velcro or elastic laces replace traditional laces and can be put on by themselves, without adult help, saving real time in the morning and at the changing room.

How to choose the right size for a junior Puma garment

Children's Puma clothing is labelled according to height in centimetres, which corresponds to an indicative age: a size 128 targets a child of about 8 years, a size 152 a child of about 12 years. Measuring the child while standing, barefoot, with their back against a wall, is more reliable than relying on their age. For a tracksuit that needs to last the whole school year, going up a size allows for some growth, with elasticated cuffs and ankles that hold the sleeves and the bottom of the trousers in place. Taller teenagers then move on to adult sizes, in XS or S.

Sneaker sizes and care for suede and leather

For shoes, the ideal gap is about one centimetre in front of the longest toe, measured at the end of the day: enough for growth, but not so much that the foot slips when the child runs. A child's shoe size should be checked at least every term. The suede of a Suede is brushed dry with a crepe brush and protected with a waterproofing spray before rainy days. Leather and synthetic materials can be cleaned with a damp sponge, while the sole should be washed with soapy water using an old toothbrush. Polyester tracksuits can be washed at 30 degrees, inside out, and dry in a few hours.

A Puma outfit for PE and the playground

For PE class, a technical mesh t-shirt and a tracksuit pant or short from Puma dry faster than cotton and withstand repeated washes throughout the school year. A hooded sweatshirt or zip-up featuring the feline keeps warm on cool September mornings, and a pair of rubber-soled sneakers withstand the playground's asphalt. Marking each piece with the child's name limits losses in the gym. Other brands for the back-to-school operation can be found on the lifestyle junior page.

Frequently asked questions

Which Puma should I choose for school?

A leather or synthetic sneaker can be cleaned with just a sponge and withstands playground activities better than a suede model. The Suede appeals to children who like retro style, provided it is protected before rain.

From what age can a child wear lace-up sneakers?

Most children learn to tie their laces between 5 and 7 years old. Before that, a Velcro or elastic lace model allows them to put on their shoes by themselves, at school as well as in the changing room.

What does the Puma logo represent?

It represents a puma in mid-leap, symbolising speed, power, and agility, often accompanied by the name of the brand in capital letters. On shoes, it complements the Formstrip, the side stripe that allows the brand to be recognised at a glance.

Do Puma children's sneakers go in the washing machine?

It's better to avoid it: the machine can distort the upper, damage the suede, and potentially unglue the sole. Hand cleaning, using a sponge and soapy water, followed by air drying, significantly extends the lifespan of the pair.

How to choose a Puma sweatshirt for a teenager?

Teenagers often prefer a loose fit, with a prominently visible logo or, on the contrary, a very discreet one. Choosing a size up gives that relaxed look and allows for growth throughout the year.