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PUMA’s First Jogging Shoe: The History of the PUMA Rider

PUMA’s First Jogging Shoe: The History of the PUMA Rider

Jul 26, 2021

You can rock your OOTD with your Nike Dunks, your Jordan 1s and your Superstars all day long, but if you want to try a style that’s a little bit outside the traditional streetwear sneaker scene, you should def. consider opting for a shoe that touts the agility of a majestic cougar, the color blocking of an old-school track shoe and the easy breezy retro aesthetic of the ’70s and ’80s. 

Fortunately, there’s a shoe out there that checks allllllll those boxes. The PUMA Fast Rider, Easy Rider and Future Rider each come backed by PUMA’s trademark running technology packaged neatly within some of the most eye-catching silhouettes and colorways in the sneakersphere. To really appreciate the Rider family, take a look at the sneaker collections’ history and a forecast of where it’s headed in the future.

History of the PUMA Rider: Future Rider

A New Fad Called Jogging: The Advent of the PUMA Easy Rider 

When Rudolf and Adolf Dassler split their family shoe factory in the 1940s, neither brother strayed from far from the footwear industry. Adolf went on to found adidas (yes, Adi Dassler. Does the Three Stripes brand name make sense now?) and in 1948, Rudolf founded an equally auspicious performance sneaker brand, known today as PUMA. In the years following World War II, PUMA catapulted in popularity, thanks to record-breaking wearers from Olympic athletes to up-and-coming track and field stars. In the early days, sprinting and relay running were the primary sports served by PUMA products, but as the 60s turned into the 70s another sport crept into the spotlight … and you didn’t have to be a super athlete to partake in it. That sport? Jogging. 

Contrary to fictional anchorman Ron Burgundy’s pronunciation, jogging, not “yogging,” gained popularity as an exercise in the 1970s and ’80s. One thing old Burgundy got right: “Apparently, you just run for an extended period of time.” The New York Times even ran a piece in 1968 on the unusual new “in sport.” 

As this fad caught on, the PUMA brand rose to the challenge by providing a sneaker that could pound the pavement with ease… and style. The PUMA Easy Rider debuted in 1977 and was soon dubbed “the only one that toes off properly — that bends the right way under the ball of your foot,” by San Jose State University running coach, Don Riggs.

The PUMA Easy Rider’s outsole featured truncated rubber cones in varying heights to accommodate a runner’s gait cycle and preferred running surface. A firm heel counter contributed to the overall stability of the shoe, while leather, suede and ripstop details added to the runners’ aesthetic. 

I Wanna Go Fast: The PUMA Fast Rider 

Long before Ricky Bobby coined his “Shake and Bake” phrase in “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby,” PUMA was already dreaming of going faster back in 1980. That dream became reality with the release of the PUMA Fast Rider.

Propelling the brand’s Forever Faster mentality, the running shoe clocked in at 278.7 grams (that’s about .6 pounds). The ultra-lightweight PUMA Fast Rider looked a lot like its easy-wearing predecessor, with one notable exception: The Federbein sole arranged those rubber studs into inverted rubber “Vs” offering greater impact protection.

Angled and conical, the studs produced even better ground traction on both pavement or trail. A black and yellow edition and a black and orange PUMA Fast Rider were the OG colorways.

History of the PUMA Rider: Future Rider

Forever Faster: The PUMA Future Rider 

PUMA Rider sneakers are as timeless as a mid-2000s Will Ferrell movie and as gloriously breathtaking as his “Anchorman” mustache and leisure suits. The PUMA Rider legacy style takes the seed of those earlier running models and retools it for modern street wear in the form of the PUMA Future Rider.

In 2020, the Future Rider hit the road with nylon and mesh textiles elevated with leather and suede overlays. IMEVA Rider Foam midsoles, studded rubber outsoles and a mix of mesh, nylon, suede and leather characterize the Future Rider. While the shoe’s construction is as serious as Will Ferrell’s competitive figure skating in “Blades of Glory,” the sneaker embraces retro-inspired colorways, playing off ’80s kids’ favorites like the original Nintendo, Rubik’s cube, Tetris and “Peanuts” comic strip.

This triumvirate of PUMA Rider shoes stars the true OGs in the PUMA casual running-lifestyle lineup. If you want to add a little shake and bake, afternoon delight or just a little cowbell — something extra — to your OOTD, jump on the PUMA Rider train and enjoy the smooth ride. Shop a full slate of PUMA apparel, gear and sneakers at Hibbett | City Gear online and in-stores today. 

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