Puma Wmns Suede 'Hyper Embelished - Black'
Colorway: Black/White · Style code: 366124-01 · Price: $215 · Availability: Available now
More colorways: Puma Wmns Suede Classic 'Embroided Floral' (366124-02)
Black and white is the entire palette here, which leaves the Hyper Embellished treatment to supply whatever interest the shoe has. Puma set the list price at 80 dollars, above what a plain women's version of the shape normally carried, and the difference lies in the detailing rather than in the materials or the construction underneath. The upper is brushed leather, the sole is rubber, and the proportions are the ones this model has run from the beginning.
Restricting a decorated shoe to two colours is the right call. The base silhouette already carries a strong graphic element in the Formstrip sweeping across each side, and piling colour on top of added ornament usually ends badly. Black grounds the shoe and white marks out its edges, so whatever is applied has a clean field to sit on. In wear that also means it behaves like any other dark pair: it goes with everything, hides scuffing and ties itself to no particular season. The premium buys a version of a familiar shape that rewards a second look rather than a first glance.