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Founded in 2000, WHIZ aimed to share local Japanese fashion culture with a worldwide audience. This pioneering attitude means that WHIZ has long been hailed as one of Japan’s finest fashion brands. MITA, through which WHIZ is distributed, is one of Japan’s most reputable retailers and has numerous critically acclaimed collaborative projects to its name.

Commemorating WHIZ’s anniversary, the PUMA x MITA x WHIZ XT2 sees PUMA’s iconic runner inspired by “Odelay”, Beck’s 2nd album released in ’96. Similarly, WHIZ’s SS’14 collection draws inspiration from Alternative Rock.

PUMA’s XT2 came to prominence, as the brand’s honeycomb style cushioning system became a favourite amongst runners eager for an extra dose of technology in the early 90’s. The system embedded in the shoe’s sole provided the ability to both cushion load and support the resulting spring back to action.

The PUMA x MITA x WHIZ XT2 draws on a colour palette and gradation inspired by WHIZ’s SS’14 collection; a vivid sky blue Formstrip contrasts the deep reds and blues that make up the visually arresting upper.

The design is a sensitively handled reissue of the original XT2, with mesh uppers ensuring lightness and ventilation, rich suede overlays giving the product a premium feel and TPU elements offering a nod to the shoe’s performance heritage whilst ensuring optimum fit and hold.

As a signifier of the three-way collaboration, stamped logos of PUMA, WHIZ LIMITED, and mita sneakers can be found on the XT2’s insoles.

You can buy the XT2+ here, or in selected size? stores, priced at £90 in UK sizes 6 – 12.

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