Zach Harris is a writer based in Philadelphia. His work has appeared in Rolling Stone, Vice, Complex, High Times, and more. He is obsessed with skateboarding and bowling. He is still looking for his first 300. For tips, reviews, and anything in size 10.5 - zach.h@soleretriever.com
It might seem crazy if you were around for the first wave of Pokémon hype, complete with two Game Boy cartridges, the card game’s origins, a movie, and endless TV episodes, but Pokémon are more popular now than ever before. That popularity has pushed past the card shows into the sneaker world, with a new run of Poke collabs from Crocs, adidas, and Puma.
Pika, Pika
The latest pair from the ongoing Puma collab pays homage to the rodent monster that started it all, Pikachu. The Pokémon x Puma Suede Pikachu follows a Mewtwo-themed Suede from late last year and a four-pack of basketball and running shoe collabs with two previous Pikachu pairs.
Pokémon x Puma Suede Pikachu
Featuring a full foot of plush yellow suede-like electric fur, the Pikachu Suede adds black accents on the side panel stripe to match Pika’s colors. Electric shock graphics crack across the transparent midsole and outsole, and Pikachu graphic on the tongue. The tongue tag brings back nostalgia for the simpler days when there were only 150 OGs.
Pokémon x Puma Suede Pikachu Release Details
The Pokémon x Puma Suede Pikachu will be released July 25, 2026 via a pop-up in NYC at 101 Union St, Brooklyn, New York from 12-8 PM. Available in unisex sizing, the retail price is set for collectors at a steep $300. Another drop is scheduled for August 13, 2026 via atmos Tokyo. It's unknown if that'll be the global launch date, but we'll keep you informed via the Sole Retriever App.
