PUMA x A$AP Rocky Straycat: Vibram, double lacing and a 27 August release

PUMA x A$AP Rocky Straycat: Vibram, double lacing and a 27 August release

• The Straycat is the first model in this partnership built from scratch rather than a reworked archive silhouette

• Releasing 27 August 2026, style code 408509-01, in PUMA Black and Formula Red

• Sales open through select international retailers, with Asphaltgold and SVD named

• PUMA has not confirmed a retail price, and a wider US launch has not been announced for the same day

• Some stock should reach retailers in the Soleback programme, with cashback of up to 5 percent

Where the Straycat came from

The starting point was the Ouninpohja Explorador II from 2005, a trail model Rocky picked out of the brand's archive. The original's name references the famous Finnish rally stage, so the racing DNA was in the shoe from the outset. Rocky pushed it further, mixing off-road ruggedness with the motorsport aesthetic he has been building with PUMA for four years.

One misunderstanding is worth clearing up straight away. Several outlets described the Straycat as a reworked Speedcat, which comes purely from the similarity of the names. The base is the Explorador, and Highsnobiety notes the model retains plenty of the original's detailing.

The name is not accidental either. A straycat is meant to convey the outsider character: a shoe designed for difficult terrain but intended for the street.

How it looks

The upper is dense and layered. Black and grey form the base, hand-distressed materials are in play, and contrast accents appear around the collar. A metallic silver Formstrip sits on the side in a scuffed treatment, looking as though a car has driven over it.

Materials: black suede and leather up top, ripstop on the tongue and collar, plus a hardened mesh wrapping the ankle cut-out.

On top of that comes a double lacing system with rope-style laces. One note here: descriptions of the colour differ between outlets, with some reporting lime green and others red and yellow, so treat that detail as uncertain until official product photography lands.

A detail easy to miss: there is no visible A$AP Rocky branding on the shoe.

The sole and Vibram

The most interesting element technically sits underneath. The chunky outsole wraps up the upper and uses a rubber compound reinforced by Vibram, with a tread pattern drawn from a car tyre. Press materials describe it as a fully co-branded Vibram outsole, with a custom cat logo near the toe.

The rubber does not stop at the edge of the midsole but climbs onto the upper, much as on the Mostro. The effect is a shoe that looks like it has been fitted with its own set of tyres.

That is consistent with Rocky's role at PUMA: he is creative director for the brand's Formula 1 partnership and its motorsport business.

A full collection, not just the shoe

The Straycat comes with a full apparel and accessories line running in the same motorsport and street direction: matching garments, functional bags, racing-style gloves and balaclavas.

The shoe itself ships in dedicated packaging with a dust bag covered in vintage car graphics.

When and where to buy

The release date is 27 August 2026, and the style code is 408509-01.

An important caveat applies. What is confirmed for that day is primarily sales at select international retailers, with Asphaltgold and SVD named. A wider US launch and full PUMA distribution have not been clearly confirmed for the same date, so availability may vary by market.

PUMA has not given a retail price. A figure of $150 is circulating, but the major trade publishers consistently report that pricing has not been announced, so we are not treating it as settled.

For a UK buyer that leaves two routes: European sneaker retailers on release day, or a later entry into PUMA's regular range. It is worth watching the retailers in the Soleback programme:

• BSTN, up to 5 percent back

• Solebox, up to 4.5 percent back

• Sneakersnstuff, up to 3 percent back

• size?, up to 2.5 percent back

• Offspring, up to 1.5 percent back

• END., up to 3.5 percent back

The click through Soleback needs to be the last one before the shop, and cashback lands after the returns window closes.

What comes next

A second, far bolder Straycat is already circulating, carrying a topographic heat-map graphic and heavy gradients. Rocky showed it during one of his shows, but PUMA has given no release date for it.

Given that the partnership is entering its fifth year and keeps rolling out in waves, further versions of the silhouette should be expected.

FAQ

When does the Straycat release?

27 August 2026, at select international retailers. A wider US launch has not been confirmed for the same day.

How much is it?

PUMA has not given a retail price. The $150 figure in circulation is not confirmed by most trade sources.

What is the style code?

408509-01, in PUMA Black and Formula Red.

Is it a reworked Speedcat?

No. The base is the Ouninpohja Explorador II from 2005, and the similarity of names misled several outlets.

What else is in the collection?

Apparel, bags, racing-style gloves and balaclavas. The shoe has dedicated packaging and a dust bag with vintage car graphics.

Where can it be bought in the UK?

Most likely at European retailers on release day. BSTN, Solebox and the other Soleback retailers carry cashback of up to 5 percent.

What to do now

The release lands on 27 August and covers a narrow group of shops, so anyone targeting the first wave should have accounts set up in advance. On a model with no confirmed price and no announced wide distribution, day one may be the only window for some time.

Check new arrivals at BSTN and the other Soleback retailers, where cashback runs up to 5 percent.