A Review Of The Fenty x Puma Avanti L Sneakers

Decaf Journal is reader-supported. When you buy links through our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

What does it take to create a modern fashion icon that generates an almost irresistible anticipation at first glance? Apparel that is downright difficult to acquire due to it selling out immediately upon its release? The Fenty x Puma Avanti L sneaker is a fascinating case study on how multiple designers created several iterations over the span of decades to arrive at a sophisticated sneaker that is relentlessly sought after.

The Puma x Fenty partnership has always been intriguing to watch, but even more so lately as Rihanna has started to focus her distinct creative direction on heritage silhouettes from Puma's archives. The earliest version of the Avanti can be traced back to the mid-1960s with the legendary Puma King football shoe. But the story doesn't stop there.

Thirty years later, famed minimalist designer Jil Sander incorporated the utilitarian gum sole from the popular Easy Rider jogging shoe with the Puma King's unmistakable vintage lines, all while adding an oversized tongue in the process. Now Rihanna has pushed the modern day Avanti even further with her own signature details that have transformed the sneaker into something akin to a Formula One racing car. That's all well and good, but is the hype surrounding the Fenty x Puma Avanti L sneaker actually justified?

Materials & Construction

I managed to get my hands on a pair of the Fenty x Puma Avanti L sneakers to find out for myself and my first impressions were nothing short of enthusiastic. Included in the box is a handy dust bag and two sets of gold tipped laces (red & white) to match its colorway.

The sneaker itself is comprised almost entirely of a gorgeous premium leather that is complimented by eye catching stitched lines throughout, with plenty of visual details to feast on. As mentioned, the gum outsole borrows the same classic tread pattern of the Puma Easy Rider, which functionally makes for a super grippy and tactile experience while still looking stylish in the process. Overall, the entire shoe is well constructed and feels like it will easily last years.

The aesthetically pleasing Fenty x Puma branding is a major draw on the Avanti L sneaker with lovely gold trim lettering inscribed on the side, rear, and tongue of the shoe. Specifically, the left heel sports a bold F, while the right heel displays the classic Puma cat emblem.

The most notable feature however, is the substantial and unique foldable tongue complete with a prominent Fenty x Puma logo on top. Flip it up to reveal the Puma logo on the other side, along with a more understated Fenty logo on the red leather portion of the tongue. It's a fun attribute that manages to be both clever and cool without ever feeling gimmicky.

I applaud the bold design choices of the Fenty x Puma Avanti L as a complete success. Every element pushes the limit but remains tasteful while doing so. Maybe this shouldn't come as a surprise however, as this is something that Puma has always done well.

Comfort & Performance

In regards to sizing, my standard size ten foot is a snug fit in terms of width, meaning that it feels more narrow than some other sneakers. That said, there's still a bit of breathing room in the toe area, so lengthwise it fits as expected. Still, I would strongly recommend going half a size up from your regular shoe size for maximum comfort.

The Fenty x Puma Avanti L fits snug also in part due to the tongue having two large elastic-like straps on either side in the interior of the shoe that keeps everything feeling tight in a good way. You'll feel strapped in like a seatbelt, and while some may find it feeling a little claustrophobic, I actually enjoy the sensation. And because the tongue straps are doing the heavy lifting to keep your feet secure, the shoe's laces are more decorative than anything else.

I would place the overall comfort level of the shoe somewhere in between the Adidas Samba OG (not super comfortable) and the New Balance 2002R (super comfortable!). The heel cushioning is on the firmer end of the spectrum, but it's definitely there and not uncomfortable in any way. Rest assured that you'll be able to take some reasonable athletic impact in this shoe without getting hurt.

The arch and forefoot area of the shoe also include subtle cushioning that still ends up feeling very supportive in use, and I like how it feels overall. The heel collar area has excellent padding and comfort as well. Additionally, the combined padding of the dual action tongue feels generous, as each piece has a bit of padding that adds up to plenty of protection.

Would I choose to go running in the Fenty x Puma Avanti L? Probably not, but as a general use walking shoe it's certainly up to the task.

When considering the cons of this sneaker, there are only two things that come to mind. Due to the high quality leather material, it's definitely going to take some time to break in compared to lightweight mesh-based sneakers. And if maximum comfort and performance are essential, you'd likely be better served by a more technically optimized sneaker such as the New Balance 530.

Pros

• Visually stunning through and through
• Sufficiently comfortable to wear for long periods of time
• Nearly the entire shoe is made from high-grade leather and a rubber gum sole that feels exceptionally durable
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Unisex design

Cons

• Longer break in time than mesh-based sneakers
• Not the most advanced shoe in terms of athletic performance

Verdict

The Fenty x Puma Avanti L incorporates a classic heritage design that has been updated beautifully to become the epitome of a street style meets athleisure sneaker. This shoe is nothing less than a bold statement piece that projects a strong opinion and a confident vibe, all wrapped up in a highly prized archival silhouette that continues to quickly sell out.

It may not be the ultimate in high performance sneaker comfort, but it still feels great to wear for daily excursions. Furthermore, the Fenty x Puma Avanti L's durable materials and construction provide peace of mind that it's a sound investment for the longterm. With such limited availability, it's not just a collector's item but perhaps even more so a piece of history in the making. And in case you haven't already guessed, I'm smitten.