Salehe Bembury x PUMA Velum 1 Akita Launches World Cup Collection
Salehe Bembury has partnered with PUMA on a limited travel-focused collection timed to the 2026 World Cup. The capsule centers on the UV-reactive Velum 1 Akita sneaker paired with bespoke apparel and goalkeeper uniforms designed for eleven participating nations.
By Jordan Ellis
The collaboration marks the second major chapter in PUMA's football strategy this season, building on momentum from earlier releases. Bembury's design philosophy—rooted in materiality and functional aesthetics—translates cleanly into a collection that bridges stadium culture and streetwear sensibility.
At the core sits the Velum 1 Akita, a silhouette equipped with PUMA's NITROFOAM™ cushioning technology. The sneaker's defining feature is its UV-reactive finish, a technical detail that signals both performance and visual presence. This approach aligns with Bembury's previous work on the Velum NITRO in Toasted Almond, where elevated material selection elevated a relatively understated model.
Beyond footwear, the collection includes purpose-built travel apparel and custom goalkeeper kits tailored to eleven World Cup teams. Rather than generic sportswear, these pieces reflect the specificity Bembury brings to every collaboration—each item considers the athlete's needs during tournament cycles, from transit to pitch.
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Release Info
Availability: Available now through PUMA and select global retailers
Price: TBD (standard PUMA Velum models retail $110–$130)
Product: Salehe Bembury x PUMA Velum 1 Akita (UV-reactive colorway) + Travel Wear Capsule
Key Feature: NITROFOAM™ cushioning, UV-reactive upper
