Puma’s newest line of sneakers is inspired by the cult-classic franchise ThunderCats.
Simply called Puma x ThunderCats collection, the collaboration combines the futuristic silhouette of the footwear brand’s RS-X T3CH with vintage motifs, signature graphics, and color references from some of the fan-favorite ThunderCats characters. The line is comprised of three sneakers: the RS-X T3CH Lion-O sneakers, RS-X T3CH Cat’s Lair sneakers, and the RS-X T3CH Cheetara Women’s sneakers.
RS-X T3CH Lion-O sneakers
Inspired by Lion-O, aka Lord of the ThunderCats, these sneakers have a blue upper that is reminiscent of the character’s blue outfit from the original cartoon series. The heel has the same orange color as Lion-O’s skin tone, while the hits of red on the heel and outsole are a nod to the protagonist’s bright red hair.
Available in adult ($120), junior ($100), little kids ($85), and toddler ($70) sizes, the RS-X T3CH Lion-O sneakers feature a TPU heel clip with ThunderCats icon graphic and PUMA branding, ThunderCats-branded webbing at the lateral side, and extended ThunderCats tab at the tongue.
RS-X T3CH Cat’s Lair sneakers
A tribute to the ThunderCats’ cat-shaped home base called Cat’s Lair, these sneakers feature a sleek design and tech-forward detailing. The main color of the shoes is a nod to the black exterior of the headquarters’ “cat’s head”, which serves as a swiveling lookout area for the titular protagonists.
Like the Lion-O sneakers, the Cat’s Lair sneakers are also available in adult ($120), junior ($100), little kids ($85), and toddler ($70) sizes. They also feature all Puma and ThunderCats co-branding found in the Lion-O sneakers.
RS-X T3CH Cheetara Women’s sneakers
Honoring the fastest member of the ThunderCats named Cheetara, these women’s sneakers have heels and outsoles based on the female character’s orange and yellow bodysuit. The shoes also feature cheetah print designs on the upper and heel, as well as yellow/black shoelaces inspired by Cheetara’s black-spotted yellow hair.
All Puma and ThunderCats co-branding found in the first two shoes are also present in Cheetara Women’s sneakers. The latter, however, are only available in women’s adult sizes for $120 a pair.
Created by Tobin Wolf, the ThunderCats franchise follows a fictional group of cat-like humanoid aliens. The media property launched with a syndicated animated series of the same name that ran for 130 episodes from 1985 to 1989. This was followed by a single 26-episode season of the ThunderCats animated series that aired on Cartoon Network from 2011 to 2012. The most recent animated series of the franchise is Cartoon Network’s ThunderCats Roar, which aired 52 episodes from February to December 2020.