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Detroit-based streetwear institution Puffer Reds has become a prominent leader in fashion retail that forefronts building a community that inspires. In collaboration with adidas, Puffer Reds unveils the adistar Cushion 3 “Track 45,” a tribute to the retailer’s rich musical heritage and multi-generational cultural impact.
This release anchors Puffer Reds’ completion of the adidas Business Track Program, an initiative launched in partnership with Detroit’s own Pensole Lewis College of Business & Design to empower community-rooted retailers with hands-on footwear design and innovation experience.
“This collaboration honors our history and evolution while spotlighting the community that continues to inspire us,” says James Berry of Puffer Reds. “We are all about community at Puffer Reds, and are proud to have had adidas’ support from the start of our journey through now.”
Ken Allen adds: “Through Business Track, our team was able to come together and celebrate our legacy while gaining the tools to elevate it to new heights. We look forward to taking what we learned during the process to continue uplifting Puffer Reds and the community while expanding our footprint in the industry.”
Founded in 1979 by Eric Williams, Puffer Reds began as a record shop before evolving into a streetwear and sneaker hub where apparel and music coalesce. The retailer has hosted cultural icons from Biggie Smalls to Aaliyah, cementing its place at the intersection of fashion, music, and community in both Detroit and Ypsilanti. Now, as Puffer Reds nears its 45th anniversary, the “Track 45” embodies that legacy.
The sneaker comes dressed in vinyl-inspired finishes, with a red and granite upper symbolizing the shop’s Wall of Fame and vintage audio motifs on the sockliner. The right heel features Detroit’s 313 area code alongside 1979, the year Puffer Reds opened, while the left heel contrasts with the 734 code and 2025, marking the present. A final touch of “Detroit” etched in Lions blue underfoot underscores the shop’s regional pride and ongoing mission to uplift local artists and aspiring designers.
To celebrate the launch, Puffer Reds will transform its store into a living time capsule, showcasing legacy artifacts and charting its evolution since 1979. The festivities culminate with an evening launch party at Diamondback Music Hall—hosted in partnership with adidas Cornerstone Community— featuring live performances from local talent. Each pair purchased on launch day includes a ticket to the celebration.
The Puffer Reds x adidas adistar “Track 45” will be available August 28th in limited quantities at both Puffer Reds locations and online at pufferreds.com. Check them out below.
Puffer Reds x adidas adistar Cushion “Track 45”
Style Code: JR2066
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Price: $150 USD
