Puma and Tracksmith Honor the Past with New Speed City Collection
The picture of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Summer Olympics is one of the most powerful moments not only in sports history but also in American history. They stood on the podium, gloved fists raised, silently protesting the racial injustices of the day. Damn critics, this righteous act of standing up for what you believe in has become an iconic image in the ongoing struggle for social justice.
Smith and Carlos certainly made an impact on both running and the world that night in Mexico City, but the running program that saw them hone their craft matched it more history in establishing this culture of courage. Speed City, San Jose State’s legendary running program led by legendary coach Bud Winter, produced countless athletes who not only improved the standards of running but also continuously fought for social justice, most notably through the founding of the Olympic Project for Human Rights and the 1968 protest in Mexico City.
To honor Speed City’s legacy both on and off the track, Puma and Tracksmith have teamed up for a limited-edition collection of running apparel and shoes. The Speed City collection evokes mid-century looks inspired by stock images of the team’s signature uniforms and warm-up kits. The all-new range reinterprets these pieces with modern performance and technical fabrics for a collaboration not typically found in the sports world.
“It’s honestly rare to see two sports brands collaborate in this way, but we were both so inspired by this story and the opportunity to present it through a unique approach to both the product and the storytelling,” says Matt Taylor, Founder and CEO of Tracksmith. “It is no understatement to say that the Speed City program has changed both running and the world. We are proud to celebrate the legacy of these athletes who were both at the forefront of human performance and used their platform to drive social change.”
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What’s included in the Speed City Collection?
Inspired by the track and field events of the 1960s, the Speed City collection packs purpose, aesthetics and performance into each piece. According to the brand, key styles include a lightweight race-style singlet with the signature Speed City sash, fleece warm-up pants and jackets that perfectly capture the Speed City vibe, and a classic 3-inch split -Short cut for record-breaking speed.
Additionally, Puma will also offer a limited edition Speed City silhouette of the brand’s popular Deviate Nitro Elite trainer. Engineered for race day explosiveness, this running shoe features a responsive carbon fiber INNOPLATE for maximum energy return and NITRO Elite cushioning for lightweight comfort.
Interested in learning more about the history of Speed City? Puma and Tracksmith are here for you
The Speed City Collection embodies this powerful program through style and looks, but the story can’t be told just through a new running set – no matter how impressive. To support the release and educate the masses about how important this little running program is to society, Puma and Tracksmith have partnered with Pushkin Industries to produce a six-episode podcast series featuring various stories centered around Speed City examined.
In Legacy of Speed, author and podcaster Malcolm Gladwell offers an in-depth look at the history of the collegiate running program and its impact on today’s culture and running scene. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, as well as on Spotify and other major platforms.
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Where to buy the Puma x Tracksmith Speed City Collection
From Thursday 18th August the Speed City jersey will be available on the Puma and Tracksmith websites respectively. Pieces range from $45 to $200, which is in line with typical offerings from these two sports brands. Also, according to Tracksmith, five percent of all sales made on Tracksmith.com will benefit the Tracksmith Foundation’s Speed City Collection, with the goal of protecting young and collegiate athletes and creating opportunity.
The impact of Speed City should never be forgotten. Now the culture of courage also has a uniform.
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