Puma Suede VS. adidas Gazelle
We’ve all been there—on the hunt for the perfect trainer to pair with all your favourite jeans and most of your go-to outfits.
After much deliberation, you’ve narrowed it down to two timeless icons: the Puma Suede and the adidas Gazelle.
But here’s the big question: Can the sleek style of the Puma outshine the timeless charm of the Gazelle? With the Dassler brothers’ legendary rivalry fuelling decades of sportswear domination, this isn’t a decision to leave to a coin toss.
Both trainers have taken the fashion world by storm, and with such similar styles, choosing where to spend your money can feel impossible.
That’s where we step in—with all the deets you need to pick the trending trainer that’s right for you!
Introducing The Puma Suede Classic
Image from Pro Direct
Puma Suede trainers are the definition of timeless cool. A cornerstone of Puma's streetwear lineup, these kicks blend sporty roots with an unmistakable urban edge.
Born in the 1960s as a basketball staple, the Suede quickly stepped off the court and into the heart of pop culture, becoming the go-to footwear for New York’s breakdancing legends of the ‘70s and ‘80s.
Today, Puma continues to set trends by teaming up with style icons like Rihanna and top-tier athletes like Usain Bolt, Neymar, and Lewis Hamilton.
With a legacy steeped in culture and a firm grip on modern relevance, the Suede proves that classic never goes out of style.
Introducing The adidas Gazelle
Image from adidas
For over 50 years, the adidas Gazelle has been a global favourite, earning its reputation as a true icon in the trainer world.
Originally crafted as a training shoe, it quickly stepped into the spotlight as a fashion staple. From the 1980s, it became a terrace classic in Northern England, gracing football stadiums as effortlessly as it does today’s streetwear scene.
With a constant refresh of colourways, intricate details, and collaborations, the Gazelle stays consistently stylish.
With a roster of celebs rocking them in paparazzi snaps, it’s clear the Gazelle is more than a shoe—it’s a statement.
Similarities Between The Two
Image from Schuh
Let’s talk similarities between the Puma Suede and adidas Gazelle—the classic, standard, original versions, free from all the fancy modern upgrades.
- First off, these legends have been setting trends for over 50 years, proving that truly timeless design never goes out of style.
- Both feature high-quality materials and come in a rainbow of colourways, whether you’re after understated neutrals or eye-popping brights.
- Suede uppers? Check. These beauties are wrapped in that soft, lush material that played a starring role in 90s Britpop culture.
- Durable rubber soles with distinctive grip patterns keep them practical, while textured detailing on the sides adds a touch of flair.
And of course, there’s the iconic branding: adidas’s signature three stripes on the Gazelle and Puma’s bold formstrip on the Suede. Throw in branded tongues—trefoil for one, leaping puma for the other—and you’ve got two trainers that are different in style but equally steeped in sneaker greatness.
Differences Between Them
Image from adidas
When it comes to the Puma Suede and adidas Gazelle, it’s all in the details!
- One standout difference is the toe design—adidas gives the Gazelle a T-shaped, layered toe cap, while Puma keeps it smooth and simple on the Suede.
- At the heel, adidas adds a bold white contrast panel showcasing their iconic trefoil logo, while Puma opts for a smaller section, letting the upper flow more seamlessly.
- The tongues also tell a story: Puma sticks with its namesake material, using suede throughout, while adidas chooses a durable leather-and-synthetic combo in crisp white.
- Even the soles have their quirks—Gazelle goes for a glued rubber finish, but the Suede flexes a visible stitched detail around the midsole.
Subtle differences, sure, but they make all the difference when choosing your stylish kicks.
Images from Pro Direct
Special Mentions
Images from Footlocker
Both shoes, like every retro-turned-modern trend these days, have spawned loads of new takes on the classics.
For the Gazelle, one of the most popular updates is the triple sole—because why stop at just one?
Meanwhile, the Puma Suede’s XL version also goes big (literally) with a thicker sole.
Not sure what’s behind everyone’s need to add an extra two inches to their height these days, but hey, who are we to judge a trend? (Who are we kidding... we totally judge all trends).
But hey, it just proves that while the Gazelle and Suede might be from different brands, the trends they follow aren’t so different after all!
So, whether you’re leaning towards the classic charm of the Puma Suede or the timeless appeal of the adidas Gazelle, it’s clear that both are winners in style and fashionability.
If price is a deciding factor, the Puma Suede tends to be a bit kinder to your wallet, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with either choice.
Whichever one you pick, you’ll be stepping out in style, looking fresh and feeling fab. After all, with two iconic trending shoes like these, it’s a win-win!
