August 8th 2011 saw the launch of the first ever collaboration between Puma and a local independent retailer, in this case Shelflife. With the ‘Train Runner’ line for men and ‘Laces and Ladies’ line for women, here’s the inside track on the milestone release.

With the local transit system inspiring the collaboration, Shelflife’s sneaker collection got that bit more special. Featuring two variations, the men’s ‘Train Runners’ are available in the Suede Mid complete with sockliner and a metro Shelflife typeface with matching graffiti; the lo version features an embossed box car. Each hangtag proudly displays the South African Metro Map in the shape of the African continent.

The women’s collection gathers inspiration from a previous graphic collaborations. Coined ‘Laces and Ladies’ the Suede mid also features a sockliner with a feminine silhouette in kicks with the Lo version featuring the same print on the inner heel. The uppers are LUX Suede highlighted by a translucent outsole with embedded artwork. Each has a hangtag featuring the ‘Laces and Ladies’ logo and silhouette, and a form strip with a unique paint dry turned shoelace treatment.

With a strong local spirit in Shelflife and our local metro system meeting a legendary international brand in Puma, getting excited about these sneaks is not an exercise in effort.