In February 2025, PUMA and forward-thinking footwear label ROMBAUT finally unveiled their groundbreaking Levitation sneaker collaboration—an ambitious project that fuses each brand’s unique design language with a commitment to sustainability. The “Levitation” concept originally made its debut at the brand’s Paris Fashion Week SS25 presentation, coinciding with ROMBAUT’s 10th anniversary.

This highly anticipated release is set to redefine eco-conscious footwear by combining recycled and vegan materials, cutting-edge construction methods and distinctive aesthetics reflective of both brands’ innovative spirits. The brands state that the partnership is also informed by Eastern philosophies, which elucidate human betterment through mindfulness, education and intentional action.

The design centers around the “Levitation” sole, a unique floating heel that gives the shoe its name. This sole is connected to a Formstrip that wraps around the knitted upper, creating a sleek and modern look. The collection also includes a matching “Levitation” Sock, which replaces the knitted upper with a high-top sock design and features a bold ROMBAUT logo.

Both PUMA—one of the world’s leading sports brands—and ROMBAUT, a conceptual footwear label renowned for its plant-based materials and vegan-friendly designs, have been on parallel paths in their quests to reduce the fashion industry’s environmental footprint.

While PUMA has actively introduced water-saving dyeing processes and apparel made from recycled plastics, ROMBAUT has pushed the boundaries of sustainable luxury by replacing conventional leathers with alternatives such as mushroom mycelium and pineapple leaf fibers. By merging these philosophies into one cohesive design, the Levitation aims to offer a tangible blueprint for the future of eco-friendly footwear, showing how major sportswear companies and niche sustainable labels can join forces to create meaningful change.

What sets the Levitation apart from many existing sneakers is how sustainability drives every step of the production process. The uppers made from vegan-based materials form the shoe’s primary outer shell — selected for their durability, breathability and significantly reduced carbon footprint.

While its environmental credentials are central, the Levitation also stands out for its forward-looking design elements. The mid-cut silhouette draws inspiration from PUMA’s classic lineage, while ROMBAUT’s influence is evident in the sculptural minimalism of the lace cage and angular paneling. According to statements from both brands, the name “Levitation” captures the sneaker’s “weightless” look and feel, achieved through lightweight fabrics and a responsive outsole engineered to provide a subtle spring underfoot. Prominent strips, discreet dual-brand logos and translucent overlays reinforce the futuristic quality that aligns with ROMBAUT’s tradition of experimental releases.

Starting in early March 2025, the Levitation model is released in limited quantities through select flagship stores worldwide and official online channels like puma.com and rombaut.com. Both brands emphasize the importance of avoiding overstock and waste, adopting a “made to be sold” approach that aligns with ROMBAUT’s smaller-scale production ethos. This strategy also highlights the collaboration’s dedication to reducing the industry’s excessive inventory practices.

In an arena often criticised for wasteful processes and petroleum-based materials, the PUMA x ROMBAUT Levitation collaboration serves as a bold statement of intent. By actively embracing vegan-based materials, recycled rubber, non-toxic adhesives and minimized packaging, the sneaker demonstrates that high-performance, on-trend footwear can be produced in ways that leave a lighter footprint on the planet. It also presents a compelling case study of how collaboration between a global sports giant and an avant-garde independent label can spur genuine innovation in sustainable design.

Above all, the Levitation underscores that the future of fashion belongs to those willing to meet environmental challenges head-on. Rather than relegating eco-conscious practices to capsule collections, PUMA and ROMBAUT have woven them into every facet of the sneaker’s development—a strategy that invites other industry players to follow suit.

By merging the best of sportswear technology with visionary design principles, the Levitation solidifies itself not just as a stylish, limited-run release, but as a powerful demonstration of what the footwear industry can achieve when sustainability becomes a collective priority.

As the brands state, the Levitation symbolises the pursuit of wisdom, rising above chaos through mindfulness, knowledge and action. Rather than offering answers, the PUMA x ROMBAUT collaboration invites us to question what elevation and jumping into your higher self truly means.

Set to be available soon at Tone Footwear, the PUMA x ROMBAUT Levitation sneaker marks a new era of sustainable innovation for fashion-conscious consumers across the UAE and the wider GCC. Designed with recycled materials, futuristic aesthetics and a mindful approach to production, Levitation is not just a limited-edition sneaker — it’s a statement of intent. 

Whether you are in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, Kuwait City or Doha, explore the future of eco-conscious footwear with fast regional delivery and exclusive access to one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. Elevate your step — and your values — with Levitation.