The highly anticipated racing video game Need for Speed Heat is set to be released this Friday, and to get fans even more excited about it, Puma, in collaboration with Electronic Arts, recently launched a pair of limited-edition shoes based on the game.
Officially called Hi OCTN x NFS, the motorsports-inspired footwear boasts a Neoprene sock construction with technical overlays, echoing the carbon fiber and metal found on high-performance cars. It also features a mid-foot strap with innovative buckle closure for added stability. The flashy sneakers also have an EVA midsole and a full rubber outsole that takes its cues from wide and rigged dirt track tires.
The shoes’ black and white color scheme is made cooler with pink and violet accents that can be found on the sides of the footwear and on its rubberized tongue and heel pull tabs. Referencing the high octane nature of the game, the sneakers’ tongue also has “flammable” logo emblazoned on it.
Interestingly, the Hi OCTN x NFS shoes will also appear in the game itself. In-game characters can wear the virtual version of the real-world sneakers by purchasing them as a cosmetic item.
In a press release, Need for Speed Heat creative director Riley Cooper revealed that the idea for the sneakers came from the game’s car customization feature.
“Individual expression is at the heart of the Need for Speed franchise,” Riley said. “We’ve always encouraged players to show off their style through their rides, so when we decided to add the same level of customization to our in-game characters, we knew we needed a partner that exuded personality. As one of the leading sports brands in the world and an expert in motorsport fashion, Puma is an ideal partner.”
Puma’s marketing manager Anja Egger also released a statement about the fantastic collaboration, and it reads: “Forever Faster is not just the motto of our brand. It is also the attitude and passion of the partner we are aiming to collaborate with. What better way of highlighting this, than creating a product together with Need for Speed, which embodies passion for racing and drifting.”
Launched on November 5th, the Hi OCTN x NFS is currently on sale at Shoe Palace stores. But starting November 15th, the shoes will be available globally on Puma.com, Puma stores and select retailers.