My 17.5+ Cool Brands Similar to Puma : Elevate Your Wardrobe

Last week, I was rushing out the door to meet my girls for brunch.

I had just bought these bright pink Pumas that I was so excited to show off.

But in my hurry, I accidentally grabbed one Puma and one Nike shoe!

Let’s just say I got some interesting looks walking into the restaurant with mismatched kicks.

Ever since then, I’ve been on the hunt for some Puma lookalikes so I don’t make that mistake again.

So if you love the Puma style but want to explore some alternatives, I’ve got 15+ solid options for you here.

Whether you’re looking for athletic gear or casual street style, these brands can fill that Puma-shaped hole in your heart (and closet):

Nike

You can’t go wrong with the sneaker OG Nike. This global giant has similar sporty styles and heritage as Puma.

Nike originally started as Blue Ribbon Sports in 1964 selling running shoes before becoming Nike in 1971.

Similar to Puma’s focus on athletics and performance, Nike really made a name with innovative technology like air cushioning.

The Nike Cortez and Waffle Racer were groundbreaking runners that paved the way for iconic sneakers like the Air Force 1, Air Max, and Air Jordan franchises.

Like Puma, Nike also has a strong streetwear game. Check out the Nike Blazer, Air Force 1, or Air Max lines for that sporty retro vibe Puma is known for. I’d say Air Force 1s in white or black are the closest to the Puma Suede, Puma’s most iconic kick.

Nike also uses suede and leather on lots of their sneakers for premium styles similar to Puma. And Nike’s ‘Just Do It’ slogan has that same motivational spirit Puma aims for in their branding and designs.

Adidas

The three stripes are almost as iconic as the Puma formstripe. Adidas makes fashion-forward athleisurewear with lots of retro remixes to give you that old school sporty look.

This German brand has been around since 1949, growing internationally with the help of athletes like Franz Beckenbauer and Muhammad Ali rocking their kicks.

Adidas Superstars and Stan Smiths dominated old school tennis and basketball just like how Puma hit the track and soccer pitch in the 20th century. Today, Adidas still focuses on performance but also lifestyle wear.

Their NMD, UltraBoost, and Superstar lines capture that streetwear aesthetic Puma is known for. And they also collaborate with major artists and brands just like Puma does. Overall, I’d say Adidas and Puma have a very similar approach to blending vintage sports nostalgia with urban street styles and celebrity collaborations.

Reebok

This British brand has been around nearly as long as Puma and has a similar approach to fun, wearable designs.

Founded in 1895, Reebok’s name comes from a type of African gazelle to represent speed and agility.

Reebok was all about fitness and aerobics in the 80s/90s with sneakers made for athletic performance. But today Reebok also has a strong streetwear game focusing on lifestyle classics. Their Classic Leathers and Freestyle Hi sneakers could easily pass for Pumas.

Reebok also remixes their heritage styles in premium materials like suede and leather.

Overall, I’d say Reebok is probably the most similar to Puma when it comes to their retro athleisure aesthetic and mix of vintage inspiration with new technology like sock-like knits and mesh.

Saucony

Known best for their comfy, supportive running shoes, Saucony also makes some sleek streetwear styles.

This American brand got its start in 1898 making hiking and sporting shoes. Saucony takes its name from Saucony Creek in Pennsylvania where the company was founded.

They make technical performance running sneakers but have expanded into lifestyle wear. Saucony’s Jazz and Shadow Original lines mix athletic styling with premium suede, nubuck, and leather.

Their grid pattern and suede Jazz sneakers definitely take inspiration from old school Puma tennis and soccer styles. And many of Saucony’s color schemes and material mixes would look perfect in any Puma lover’s closet.

K-Swiss

Founded in LA in the 1960s, K-Swiss has that same sporty SoCal vibe as Puma.

This brand got its start making leather tennis shoes when founder Art Bowerman saw how much tennis was taking off in California.

Their most iconic all-white leather Classic sneakers scream retro sports style. K-Swiss was huge in the 80s/90s and celebrities like Mike Tyson and Run DMC wearing their kicks.

But even today, K-Swiss still makes simple, stylish leather sneakers in heritage styles inspired by their vintage archives.

I’d compare their Classic VN shoes to Puma’s basket-style lines. And their use of leather and court-inspired aesthetic definitely parallels Puma’s origins in tennis and soccer.

Asics

This Japanese company brings performance tech and modern style together just like Puma does. Asics comes from the Latin phrase ‘anima sana in corpore sano’ meaning ‘healthy soul in a healthy body.

Founded in 1949, they focused on athletic gear for running, tennis, wrestling, and soccer. Asics Gel technology revolutionized cushioning and comfort in sneakers. And they’re still making performance running shoes today.

But Asics also has fashion-focused lines like their Gel-Lyte, Gel-DS Trainer, and Gel-Kayano sneakers. These models use technical fabrications but with stylish, wearable designs perfect for streetwear.

Their Gel lines definitely have that cushioned comfort and sleek sporty look you see with Puma’s cushioned CELL and NRGY foam sneakers.

Onitsuka Tiger

Another Japanese brand, Onitsuka Tiger was actually Puma’s first sneaker company founded way back in 1949. Before becoming Puma, shoe visionary Rudolf Dassler launched Onitsuka Tiger as the first company to commercialize soccer shoes.

He worked with olympians to develop high-performance athletic kicks. In the 60s-70s, their signature stripes and vintage designs blew up thanks to cultural icons like The Beatles and Bruce Lee wearing them. Today, Onitsuka Tiger still makes retro-inspired athletic shoes in heritage styles.

Their Mexico 66, Serrano, and Ultimate 81 lines take direct inspiration from archival Puma tennis, soccer, running, and basketball shoes. The vintage look of their suede and leather kicks could easily be mistaken for OG Pumas.

Brooks

Known for high-performance running shoes, Brooks also has some lifestyle sneakers that mimic Puma’s sporty aesthetic.

Founded in 1914, this American brand aimed to support technologies that aid athletes. They’re serious about research with their Run Lab focusing on biomechanics, wear testing, and motion studies. While performance is paramount, Brooks also has lifestyle shoes like their Launch, Glycerin 19, and Ricochet models.

These use sporty silhouettes and technical mesh with comfortable foams to appeal to streetwear fans. Their bold color blocking and subtle logos definitely parallel Puma’s fusion of athletic heritage with casual urban style.

New Balance

This Boston brand also got its start making arch support sneakers over 100 years ago. Founded in 1906, New Balance aimed to support fit and comfort for workers on their feet all day. They got into the running world in the 1960s and 70s sponsoring big track athletes.

Today, New Balance still focuses on performance technology but also has strong lifestyle appeal. Their 574 Core line mixes suede/mesh with ENCAP midsole cushioning for comfort and retro sporty vibes. Their dad shoe aesthetic and use of premium materials like leather, suede, and nubuck gives them that same timeless appeal as many Puma classics.

FILA

This Italian brand dominated tennis in the 70s/80s with their iconic leather tennis sneakers that scream vintage sport just like Puma. Founded in 1911 near the Italian Alps, FILA aimed to make quality hiking and mountaineering wear.

In the 70s, they sponsored tennis greats like Bjorn Borg and Guillermo Vilas who rocked their sleek leather tennis kicks. The FILA Original Fitness, Mindblower, and Grant Hill Mk II were bold, trendsetting sneakers back in the day.

And now FILA remixes those heritage styles for lifestyle wear just like Puma does. Their Disruptor 2 sneaker makes a great Puma alternative with its chunky silhouette, bold colors, and athletic materials.

Converse

Chuck Taylors will give you that same casual, streetwear appeal as Pumas. This OG basketball brand knows its retro cool sneaker style.

Founded in 1908, Converse was one of the first popular sneaker brands getting its start with rubber soles ideal for basketball. The iconic Chuck Taylor All Star came out in the 1920s and blew up as a must-have versatile sneaker. Although no longer making performance basketball shoes, Converse still leans on sports heritage and retro vibes.

The Chuck Taylor All Star Low and High Top as well as their 70s, 80s, and 90s remixes capture old school sporty cool just like Puma. So if you want that laidback sporty style Puma delivers, nothing beats rocking Chucks.

Vans

From skate parks to city streets, Vans high tops and slip-ons channel that laidback SoCal style Puma is known for. Founded in 1966 in Anaheim, Vans catered specifically to skaters making durable shoes with sticky soles ideal for gripping boards.

Beyond just skate wear, Vans exploded into pop culture as a fashionable sneaker with their iconic checkerboard Slip-Ons and Old Skool high tops. Vans uses suede, canvas, and leather on vintage-inspired silhouettes just like Puma taps into sport heritage.

And they also collaborate with other brands and celebrities which parallels Puma’s creative partnerships. Overall, I’d say Vans has mastered that casual California vibe and retro remixing that PUMA delivers so well.

Dr Martens

These English boots may not be sneakers, but their chunky platform soles and edgy-cool aesthetic definitely overlaps with Puma’s urban street style. Dr. Martens got started in 1960 in the UK developing durable, high-quality boots for workers.

Their signature yellow stitching and air-cushioned soles made them popular counterculture footwear. And today Dr. Martens still makes their original 1460 boots but also expanded into streetwear sneakers. Their 2976 Chelsea Boots and 1461 Oxford shoes take inspiration from classic archives but with modern styling.

I’d compare their platform soles and matte leather finishes to Puma’s RS sneakers which also feature chunky shapes and rich materials. So if you want something a bit edgier and grungey than your typical Pumas, try some Docs.

Aldo

This affordable brand makes a wide range of casual kicks that emulate Puma’s sporty meets streetwear vibe for a budget price point. Founded in Canada in 1972, Aldo makes globally-inspired footwear and accessories for men and women.

They have a lot of sporty and retro-inspired sneakers that parallel Puma’s casual style. Options like the Craddi and Braynen have that suede bomber or basketball look that Puma delivers so well.

And many Aldo sneakers use similar midsoles and vulcanized outsoles as Pumas. So if you want to channel Puma style on a budget, you can definitely find some gem Aldo alternatives.

Steve Madden

Known for fashionable shoes and accessories, Steve Madden has lots of sneaker designs that will appeal to Puma fans from metallics to platform soles. Founded in New York in 1990, Steve Madden dug into urban streetwear early on.

They channel other heritage brands but add their own flair with unique details like distressed finishes, bold hardware, and eye-catching textiles. Steve Madden sneakers like the Kyoto, Rally, and Major definitely parallel Puma’s sporty lines.

Whether it’s the material mixes, color schemes, or technology accents, Steve Madden can give you that Puma look for less.

Hey Dude

These lightweight, comfortable unisex shoes have sporty woven designs similar to Puma but with an even more casual laidback vibe. Hey Dude makes shoes from recycled materials so they’re eco-friendly and sustainable.

Founded in Italy in 2008, they’re a relatively new brand but have made a splash with their colorful comfortable shoes. Models like the Fenix, Wally Sox, and kids line channel Puma’s sporty knits but in a more relaxed style.

Hey Dude is perfect if you like Puma but want something even more low key and easy-wearing for daily life.

ASOS

This online fashion mecca has its own activewear line with running shoes and retro high tops that can pass for Pumas any day.

Founded in London in 2000, ASOS is renowned for on-trend fashion spanning all styles from dressy to sporty. Their 4505 line includes athletic-inspired sneakers that fit the Puma vibe.

Options like the Lightweight Logo High Tops or Running Trainers use sporty materials with streetwise shapes just like Puma. And the affordable price point makes ASOS a great option for getting the Puma look without the designer price tag.

Under Armour

Under Armour is another great athletic brand if you like Puma’s sporty styles but want a performance edge.

Founded in 1996 by football player Kevin Plank, Under Armour aimed to make sweat-wicking athletic gear that didn’t get heavy or soaked. They revolutionized moisture management in activewear using fabrics that dry fast and breathe well. Under Armour is known for technical innovation which mirrors Puma’s focus on research and development.

They make high-performance shoes, apparel and accessories used by pro athletes in every sport from football to track to golf. But Under Armour lifestyle shoes also have strong streetwear appeal. Options like the HOVR Phantom, Infinite 3.0 and Forge 96 could blend into any Puma fan’s collection.

Under Armour uses knitted textiles and lightweight foams to balance comfort with edgy style just like Puma. And models like the Surge 2 have chunky cushioning and a retro runner look that’s on trend. For a functional athleisure brand with technology at its core, Under Armour is a great choice.

Hoka One One

If maximal cushioning is your top priority, Hoka One One running shoes deliver plush comfort similar to Puma’s cushioned styles. Founded in 2009 in France, Hoka aimed to shake up running footwear by maximizing cushioning.

They use oversized midsoles paired with firm rubber outsoles to create a super soft but stable ride. While Hokas look clunky, the thick foam actually provides a smooth rockered feel ideal for easy miles and recovery days. Models like the Clifton, Bondi, and Rincon balance pillowy cushioning with sleek silhouettes.

Their bold color blocking and mix of materials also give them a fashion-forward look that could blend into any sneakerhead’s rotation.

And their METASPEED Sky racing shoe took home a gold medal in Tokyo proving Hoka’s performance pedigree. So if you love those highly cushioned Puma NRGY or LQD CELL shoes, I’d definitely try out some Hokas.

Allbirds

For an eco-friendly sneaker brand with a casual vibe similar to Puma, check out Allbirds. Founded in 2016 in San Francisco, Allbirds uses natural, sustainable materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fiber and sugar-based foam.

Their manufacturing is carbon neutral and their streamlined designs create less textile waste. Despite their pared back look, Allbirds are still technical using moisture-wicking wool or cooling eucalyptus. Styles like the Tree Runners, Tree Flyers and Wool Runners have a sleek, minimalist shape similar to Puma’s basket styles.

Allbirds come in muted colors so they’re versatile for everyday wear. And they’re machine washable for easy care. For an earth-friendly sneaker alternative to Puma’s casual classics, you can feel good choosing Allbirds.

Axel Arigato

This Swedish label makes retro, minimalist sneakers with premium details reminiscent of Puma’s craftsmanship and old-school tennis style.

Founded in 2014 in Gothenburg, Sweden, Axel Arigato’s sleek, understated shoes quickly drew buzz in fashion circles. Their simple low-top silhouettes take inspiration from classic tennis shoes like the adidas Stan Smith.

Clean leather uppers come in neutral white and black as well as pastel hues. But small touches like branded cork footbeds and textured rubber outsoles elevate the design.

Axel Arigato’s Clean 90, Marathon Runner and Club C 85 all share that vintage sport aesthetic Puma does so well. And their pared back styling lets you showcase Puma track jackets, polos or tees for a full heritage sports look.

Greats

This Brooklyn-based brand makes casual, minimalist sneakers comparable to Puma’s basket styles but with more luxe details. Founded in 2014, Greats set out to deliver premium Italian-made shoes at an affordable price.

Their classic court silhouettes like The Royale and The Picket use full-grain leathers and suede accents for upscale texture. But perforations, mesh linings and padded collars add sporty comfort with sophistication.

Greats’ triple white Colorway and retro color blocking definitely parallel Puma’s tennis heritage. And the Brooklyn brand’s brand collaborations, from NFL to Peanuts, align with Puma’s creative partnerships. For a stepped-up alternative to Puma’s low-key kicks, Greats is a top choice.

Veja

If sustainability is important to you, this French brand makes eco-friendly sneakers comparable to Puma’s sporty style. Founded in 2005, Veja combines organic materials, ethical factories and transparent business practices.

Their sleek leather and suede sneakers use wild rubber, recycled plastic and organic cotton. Veja plans to reach net zero emissions by 2035 through improving materials and offsetting. Styles like the V-12, Campo and Running fuse performance and lifestyle with clean designs.

Their mixed material uppers, neutral colors and tread soles reflect Puma’s mix of heritage sport and streetwear.

And as a Climate Neutral certified company, Veja meets the highest standards for environmental commitment. For a responsibly made Puma alternative, Veja is a smart choice.

Discover the Best Apparel Alternatives to Puma