Super Mario 3D All-Stars surprised fans everywhere by bringing three classic Mario games together in one irresistible package. For Mario's 35th birthday, a number of projects were announced, and while fans were most excited for 3D All Stars, a collaboration with Puma has been making waves for sneaker heads.
Announced back in September, images of the Puma x Mario collection leaked early on, with a few Super Mario Galaxy-inspired colorways shown off. These leaked images proved to be the real deal, as the Super Mario Galaxy RS-Fast shoes are part of the latest run of Mario kicks. But Super Mario 3D All-Stars celebrates three legendary titles, so it stands to reason there would be sneakers for Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine, as well.
The latest press release from Puma details the whole collection of shoes, and includes a throwback NES shoe for good measure.
The Future Rider Super Mario 64 features some midsole bricks, while the upper design is inspired by Mario's Wing Cap. The Clyde Super Mario Sunshine features a water jet streaking across the side as a nod to F.L.U.D.D. and sharp contrasting yellow laces. The RS-Fast Super Mario Galaxy shoes take the wearer into outer space with their black, purple, white, and silver color scheme. Finally, the Future Rider NES shoes take the original Nintendo console as inspiration, by including Power and Reset buttons on the shoe along with an NES controller hangtag. While no price point is given for the shoes, the 3D All-Stars collaboration shoes will be available on November 27th, and the NES sneakers will launch on December 4th.
Video game companies branching out into new territory in search of fresh collaborations is a noticeable trend. No longer content to just offer an art book, or a figurine, companies have found new avenues of merch for fans. Sneakers are a real up-and-comer, one of the latest announcements being between Assassin's Creed Valhalla and Reebok, working on a small capsule collection of shoes and clothing.
The Puma collaboration appears to be the most outside-the-box project of the anniversary celebrations. Taking the more traditional route, Super Mario Bros. 35 continues to plug along, offering limited time events, with more likely on the way.
Noticeably absent from all of the Mario festivities is fan favorite, Super Mario Galaxy 2. A number of fans want to see Galaxy 2 on the Switch, but with no word from Nintendo yet, it looks like fans will just have to be patient. For now, Puma x Mario shoes will have to do.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is available now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Puma