PUMA Sportstyle Expands With Salehe Bembury Velum 1 Akita Collaboration

PUMA continues its collaboration with Salehe Bembury through the release of the Velum 1 “Akita,” a sneaker that blends experimental design with performance comfort.

Known for pushing organic shapes and material storytelling, Bembury brings his signature approach to PUMA’s Sportstyle line, delivering a shoe that feels equally suited for travel, everyday wear and statement styling.

Design shaped by nature

The Velum 1 Akita stands out immediately through its sculpted form. Bembury leans into flowing lines and layered textures, creating a silhouette that feels inspired by natural movement rather than traditional sneaker construction. The upper appears dynamic, with contours that give the shoe a sense of motion even at rest.

Color plays a key role here. The “Akita” theme introduces warm tones that shift under sunlight, supported by UV-reactive elements that subtly change depending on lighting conditions. This adds an interactive quality to the design, making the shoe feel different throughout the day.

Branding remains understated, allowing the shape and color to carry the identity. It is a continuation of Bembury’s design philosophy, where form and material take priority over visible logos.

Comfort meets performance

Underneath the bold exterior, the Velum 1 Akita is built with performance in mind. PUMA’s NITROFOAM cushioning provides lightweight responsiveness, making the shoe comfortable for extended wear. This is not just a visual piece. It is designed to handle movement, whether that means long days on foot or travel across different environments.

The structure of the shoe suggests a focus on stability as well. The sculpted midsole likely works in tandem with the upper to create a secure, supportive feel. This balance between comfort and control reflects PUMA’s ongoing effort to merge sport technology with lifestyle design.

Rather than separating performance and style, the Velum 1 brings both into a single package.

Built for movement

The messaging around the release centers on mobility. “Ready to take the show on the road” positions the sneaker as something made for constant motion. It fits into a growing category of footwear that supports active, on-the-go lifestyles without sacrificing design appeal.

This approach aligns with Bembury’s broader work, which often draws from outdoor environments and travel experiences. The shoe feels adaptable, capable of moving between urban settings and more relaxed, open spaces.

For PUMA, this collaboration continues to expand its reach within the design-focused sneaker space, connecting performance innovation with a more expressive visual identity.

Release and availability

The Velum 1 Akita is rolling out through PUMA Sportstyle and select channels, supported by both global and U.S. platforms. While full release details remain limited, the drop is positioned as part of an ongoing collaboration rather than a one-off release.

For consumers, it offers something distinct. The combination of UV-reactive design, sculptural form and NITROFOAM comfort creates a sneaker that stands out visually while remaining practical.

For collectors and everyday wearers alike, the Velum 1 Akita represents another step in the evolution of performance-driven lifestyle footwear, where innovation and design move forward together.