PUMA Blue Bird (Made In Italy)
ART NUMBER: 1123
MADE ON:
MADE IN: ITALY
FACTORY:
The Puma Blue Bird is an iconic shoe that was first released 1982. The shoe sports a low profile with striking colors. For many, it is a must-have for their collection. The first releases were manufactured in Italy and featured a suede upper with gum soles.
The shoe has a deep Blue suede upper that contrasts well with the Yellow formstripe. The original Blue Bird features a Puma stripe that flows with the cut of the shoe. From the Puma-cat logo on the heel the stripe curves with the shoe before meeting up with the gum sole. One of the best ways to tell if you are buying a re-release is that the Puma stripe is straight. It does not follow the curve of the shoe opening.
In 2011, Puma re-released the Blue Bird in some other colourways including, Black/White, Burgundy/Yellow, Jester Red/Limoges, and Limoges/Spectra Yellow. Another feature that stands out is the Puma logo imprinted on the gum sole along the outside of the shoe. That small design point is often missing from many of releases today.
The Cardiff City Soul Crew, a Football supporter’s group for Cardiff City Football club adopted the shoe. Having been known as The Bluebirds since the 1920’s, because of the colour and name, the shoe became a part of their culture. It is rumoured that the shoe was released as a running shoe but it is clear from the design of the sole that running would not be comfortable. Instead, it’s a beautiful shoe to wear with any fashionable outfit.
The Puma name is just above the stripe with a small Puma cat imprint next to it with ‘Blue Bird’ beneath. The name stamp, thin laces, and the inner sole come in the contrasting color to stand out from the suede. The Blue Bird is a must-have for Puma collectors. Although the originals are few and far between there are many re-releases still available online.
Photography: errol
Text: Jennifer Gonzalez
