Roland and PUMA unveil new 808 drum machine-inspired sneakers

Japanese audio/electronics company Roland is once again teaming up with the folks at PUMA for an exclusive new sneaker design. Earlier this year, the two brands linked up for the RS-0 which brought vintage elements from PUMA’s early silhouettes together with Roland’s iconic TR-808 drum machine. And now, the two have joined forces once again on the new PUMA RS-100 Roland.

The pair unveiled earlier this year used a darker color scheme spread across PUMA’s R-System line of running sneakers (seen below). While the RS-0s certainly have a sort of vintage charm about them, the new RS-100s take it all the way old school with solid color blocking across the upper.

PUMA has implemented the oranges, yellows and reds from the earlier Rhythm Composer TR-808 drum machines while forgoing the tumbled premium leather look for a more mixed-material aesthetic. The RS-100’s suede orange formstrip is detailed with reflective white edges and wraps nicely around touches of red pebble leather and black ripstop nylon.

There are some nice pops of branding on the tongue and footbed as well as the metal hangtag. You’ll also find “Rhythm Composer TR-808, Computer Composer” printed across the heel.

And here’s a quick look (above) at the RS-0 which features reflective laces, a black leather upper and several interesting accents on the mid-sole and translucent rubber outsole.

The RS-0 and RS-100 will be releasing on August 8th, 2018. Which, in case you weren’t already aware, is known internationally as #808DAY. After 40-years of nothing but hits on the charts and inspiring musicians everywhere (still to this day), I guess it deserves to have its own day at this point.

It looks like the new sneakers will be going for $99.99-$129.99 USD on the date mentioned above, but there are no firm details just yet on the best way to make sure you secure a pair.

Personally, I’m eyeing the darker black RS-0s, but I think they still might a little bit more collectible than wearable for me. As much of a synth freak as I might be, they are still a little to branded to cross into actual fashion in my opinion. Nonetheless, it is always interesting to see brands create interesting cross-over products like this even if I’d rather the end result be a little bit more suitable for my feet than a shelf somewhere.

Here are some more details from Roland on both models:

Style Name: PUMA RS-0 Roland
Article Number: 368406 01
Colorway: PUMA Black
Retail Price: US $130 / EUR 110

Style Name: PUMA RS-100 Roland
Article Number: 368405 01
Colorway: PUMA Black-PUMA White-Vibrant orange
Retail Price: US $100 / EUR 110

FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links


Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!

Load more...
Show More Comments