“Gotta catch ’em all” has a new meaning. It’s no longer just about collecting Pokémon; now it’s about displaying your pride with new apparel from PUMA. The Puma and Pokémon Collaboration introduces new shoes, clothing, merch, and more.
The two companies announced via press releases the launch of their new collaboration of apparel. From shoes, shirts, jackets, and more, fans can display their favorite Pokémon on their sleeves.
Literally.
As you can imagine, expect these items to pop up on third-party sites like eBay. Currently, the online PUMA store is sold out. No word on what in-person retail shops look like. I imagine the demand for these shoes and apparel will be sky-high.
Gotta Wear’ Em All With Puma and Pokémon
Currently, the collaboration features five Pokémon: Pikachu, Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur, and Gengar. All five are represented through PUMA’s line of shoes. The chosen Pokémon indicate that the Puma and Pokémon collaboration focuses on the original starter Pokémon and fan favorites from the original games.
Unfortunately, there are currently no Legendary Pokémon featured. Neither company has announced plans for further expansion of the PUMA and Pokémon collaboration.
The PUMA Slipstream features Charmander. PUMA’s Suede, Rider FV, and TRC Blaze Court shoes are inspired by Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Gengar. For extra Pokémon goodies, PUMA included hidden details on the tongue label, insole, and heel.
In terms of apparel, PUMA announced that “textured prints add a tactile detail to items like a sherpa jacket and sweatpants, while Pokémon graphics are featured across an assortment of cotton T-shirts, relaxed crews, and hoodies. Lastly, accessories are included in the form of collaborative beanies and messenger bags.”
PUMA and Pokémon designated Foot Locker as an official partner for the clothing collection. In addition to selling the PUMA and Pokémon shoes and clothing, 400 different Foot Locker, Champs Sports, and Kid’s Foot Locker stores will turn into Gyms and Poké Stops in Pokémon GO. In addition, the PUMA NYC flagship store will do the same. They will be Gyms and Poké Stops for the next six months.
PUMA and Pokémon collaboration is available exclusively in North America at PUMA.com, the PUMA NYC flagship store, Foot Locker, Kid’s Foot Locker, and Champs Sports. Retail prices for items range from $30 to $130. Select worldwide retailers will carry these items.
It’s Been a Great Year for the Pokémon Franchise
It’s been a big year for Pokémon. In addition to two major game releases in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Released in January 2022, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered a breath of fresh air for the franchise. The Pokémon spin-off provides a new way to play the series with satisfying results.
For those looking for a more traditional Pokémon game, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet will release for Nintendo Switch on November 18th. Developer Game Freak is balancing classic Pokémon gameplay with continued innovation raised within the past couple of years. Fans are excited about the upcoming game, unlike 2019’s Pokémon Sword and Shield.
The animated series has also made major news. Ash Ketchum, after 25 years, is finally a Pokémon World Champion. Ash’s victory took place in the second season of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. The episode aired recently in Japan and will air on Netflix at a future date. While Ash has won championships, this is undoubtedly his biggest accomplishment.
Beyond the mainline games, the Pokémon series has seen two recent Pokémon Snap releases. The Nintendo 64 original is now part of the Nintendo Switch Online library of N64 games. Last year saw the release of New Pokémon Snap as a new entry in the photography spin-off series.
