Overview
Puma wanted to continue its success it had and partner with a basketball player to help promote its brand. The company ultimately decided to work with Walt "Clyde" Frazier who at the time was known for always dressing extravagantly outside of games. Puma decided to sign Frazier to a deal and approached him with an offer.[1]
Originally, they wanted Frazier to wear the "Puma Basket" but Frazier refused because they were too clunky and he didn't like them. He told them he would sign with them if they made a new shoe and on 3 conditions: he wanted the first flat basketball kick to be made with suede instead of leather, his signature "Clyde" printed on every shoe, and a new color variation for every NBA game he participated in.[2] The company agreed and work began that same year.
Puma took the Puma Suede and modified it with input from Frazier in order to create a shoe he felt comfortable playing in. The new shoe was made more narrow and has a more pointed toe box and the sole was improved and made more durable. Unnecessary aesthetic features were also taken off.[3] The new shoe was called the "Puma Clyde" and was released in 1973.
The shoe was met with great success and it was reported that Frazier wore at 390 different colors for the shoes throughout his career.[1] Years later in 2018, Walter Frazier decided to sign a lifetime deal with Puma and the shoe was brought back.[4]