In 1973, the New York Knicks won their second-ever NBA championship. Boasting a roster that contained seven eventual Hall of Famers, including the likes of Dave DeBusschere, Willis Reed, Phil Jackson, Earl Monroe and not forgetting, Walt “Clyde” Frazier.

Frazier was one of the league’s best point guards at the time, ending his playing career with an average of 18.9 ppg, 6.1 apg and 5.9 rpg. Honored as one of the NBA’s greatest players of all time in 2021 by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team, the seven time All-Star was perennial in the Knicks’ two championship runs, fondly remembered as a great scorer and an even better defender.

1973 was also significant to Clyde for non-basketball reasons. Frazier was already known as one of the most fashionable and “cool” players in the league, admired for his style and flair on and off the court. That was why it was so monumental when Clyde teamed up with Puma that year, creating the notorious Puma Clyde silhouette.

Not only was it cool at the time, the Puma Clyde was also the first suede basketball shoe on the court. Reportedly, he also wanted to have a different color every single time he hit the hardwood, and Puma obliged. Over 390 colors were used, which was another reason why the German-based shoemakers used suede as it was easier to dye.

Fast forward to today, the Puma Clyde has become a mainstay for the company’s lifestyle offerings. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Puma is teaming up with New York label Extra Butter and neighbors Russ & Daughters to create a special Puma Clyde, dedicated to both the silhouette’s half-century landmark and the Big Apple itself.

Dressed in a cool white leather, the silhouette largely takes on a minimalistic approach to design. Blue accentuates the Clyde’s iconic Formstripe, while intricate details form the rest of the shoe’s design. Clyde’s signature retains its usual placing below the Puma branding on the mid panel, while Russ & Daughters’ is embossed on the heel of the shoe.

Wrapping up the design, “A New York City Story by Extra Butter” text is found on the inside of the tongue tab, giving a shoutout to the City of Dreams.

As we eagerly await more news about this Extra Butter x Russ & Daughters x Puma Clyde release, you can preview an early look at the pair via the top slider above, courtesy of Extra Butter and James Berkeley. Stay tuned for more information as we’ll bring you the latest as soon as we have them.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the Jacquemus x Nike Air Force 1 “J Force 1”.