One of Germany’s leading sportswear brands has come under fire for dropping a pair of sneakers that bears a striking resemblance to another, less-celebrated German leader.
The new Puma Storm Adrenaline sneakers share an uncanny similarity to former Nazi leader, Adolf Hitler. Sure, it’s a bit of a stretch, but once you see the silhouette, it’s hard not to notice.
These “Puma Hitler shoes” have been trending for weeks because of the controversial design which was initiated originally in Russia and is now global.
The sneaker is currently marked as sold out on the brand’s website. Twitter users said men’s and women’s top-view shoe designs show a stark resemblance to Hitler with the iconic mustache and parted hair. The most prominent feature that caught the attention of many was the black suede overlay detailing on the upper and tongue.
The debate ensued on Twitter, with many saying the resemblance is purely coincidental and a stretch of the imagination. While this appears rather coincidental and far-fetched, some users have taken drastic measures to prove where they stand, by selling it.
One trainer-fan wrote: “I never noticed. I used the shoe twice and never realised it until now.
“I have gotten rid of it. I’ve already sold it.”
A second gave it a “8/10 on the Hitler scale” and another chipped in to say it was “not positive for the brand”.
A third disagreed completely, posting: “Adolf Hitler shoes? I did not see it directly. I think it’s a bit far-fetched.”
While you could definitely argue that the Puma Hitler resemblance is just an ill-fated coincidence, the sneaker historians amongst us may hear some familiar bells ringing.
Way back in the early part of the 20th century, Puma founder Rudolf Dassler and his brother Adolf famously supported the Nazi regime, even going so far as to secure membership to the Nazi Party. Their association with the party was a fruitful one. The Nazis spent an enormous amount of sport, thus helping to make the Dasslers one of the richest families in Herzogenaurach.
In fact, even the name of Puma’s latest addition is copping some flack, with users suggesting Storm Adrenaline is a reference to the Nazi paramilitary wing, the Sturmabteilung, which translates to Storm Detachment. Whatever your opinion, you can’t help but feel this isn’t quite the attention-grabbing release Pumas was after. Decide for yourself.
Source: AWM