Atlus Unveils Persona x Puma Shoe Collaboration

In an exciting collaboration, Atlus has teamed up with Atmos and Puma to roll out Persona 3 Reload-themed sneakers, drawing inspiration from the game’s unique vibes. Featuring the Puma Palermo design, these shoes sport a classic black and white look with striking red accents and design elements reflecting the SEES uniforms. Priced at 16,500 yen—around $109.54—these sneakers are set to be available through a lottery on December 9, before hitting general sales on December 24.

Atlus, the Japanese developer, is known for bringing Persona 3 Reload into the JRPG world. This game, renowned for its slick graphics and memorable character designs, is now being celebrated through this footwear collaboration. Persona 3 Reload revisits the beloved 2006 entry in the Persona series, which is part of the Megami Tensei franchise. The storyline follows a high schooler who discovers his power to summon Personas and teams up with SEES to battle Shadows and unravel the mysteries of the Dark Hour. Renowned for its poignant narrative and themes of loss, this entry remains a powerful installment in the series, capturing the hearts of players well into 2024.

The Persona 3 Reload sneakers take the sleek Puma Palermo shape and amplify it with colors and designs that mirror the SEES team’s attire. The newly released visual featuring the main character, Makoto Yuki, sporting the sneakers, makes for a powerful marketing shot to captivate fans of the game. Even as some players tinker with mods to add a female protagonist reminiscent of Persona 3 Portable, Makoto continues to be a central icon for the game. These sneakers will be first available via a lottery system on December 9, with general sales starting December 24.

Pop culture and sneaker collaborations are nothing new, as we’ve seen with previous releases like Puma’s Super Mario sneakers. Fans of Persona had mixed feelings about this new collaboration on social media, with some praising the Makoto visual, while others were skeptical about the ‘Mass Destruction’ text featured on the shoes. There was even a call for potential collaborations with brands like Converse or Nike, but overall, the fandom showed enthusiasm for this latest offering.

The fusion of sneaker culture with geeky fandoms is on the rise, and the Pokémon community is a notable example, frequently creating unique sneaker designs inspired by Pokémon characters. While not every concept translates smoothly into shoe designs, Persona-themed footwear seems to be a natural fit, appealing to both sneaker enthusiasts and gamers alike.

Step into the role of a transfer student who uncovers a hidden hour between days in Persona 3 Reload. Dive into the power of Personas, uncover mysteries, and form unforgettable bonds. Set to release on February 2, 2024, this legendary RPG has been beautifully reimagined, boasting modern graphics and deeper character interactions. Experience the intricate world and thrilling battles with P-Studio’s masterful work under Unreal Engine 4, offering a captivating journey that fans and newcomers will not want to miss.